1997 GMC Sierra 1500 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 17%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500, 17% of the 83 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Ref: recall number: 03v159000. (GM recall no. 03023) I have just learned about this recall. I have had intemittent issues with my windshield wipers as described. I have allready replaced entire motor, then realized there was a recall. Gmc states to me that my VIN does not fall in the group effected in the recall. Service invoice states that it is indeed the circuit board, but they are not willing to pay for repairs. I retained old part for testing puposes. This is a very dangerious issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10082947, filed 2004-07, 80,000 miles“Persistent failure of windshield wiper operation under normal vehicle operation. This LED to lack of visibility through windshield. There is a well documented recall of the wiper module assembly for GM trucks/vans. My truck is a 1997 Gmc k1500. When I took my truck into the dealership, they informed me that my particular VIN was not included in the recall VIN range. There is no doubt my truck has the bad parts illustrated in the recall(s) (eg, ea02006). My complaint is that it should be included and fixed by GM, and that by some sort of VIN technicality or error, they refuse to fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #10174877, filed 2006-12, 70,000 miles“You turn on the wipers and they don't work or start and than stop to which you must get out of the truck and give a pull on the wiper arm to get it started again.”
NHTSA complaint #10489336, filed 2012-12, 30,000 miles“Previously identified safety defect as identified in NHTSA campaign id number 03v159000 and GM recall no. 03023 and is currently failing in my Gmc and presented to fitzner Gmc july 26,2006 and was denied repair under the recall by the service manager.”
NHTSA complaint #10163480, filed 2006-07, 93,824 miles“Automatic transmission slams into gear recently, changed fluid helped for a couple of months - windshield wiper motor works when it feels like it - fuel gauge has not worked since 1999 and other people I know have the same problems with their general motor trucks.”
NHTSA complaint #10016949, filed 2003-05, 55,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 1% |
| 2025 | 7 | 6% |
| 2024 | 10 | 3% |
| 2023 | 7 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 7 | 1% |
| 2020 | 15 | 3% |
| 2019 | 8 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 2% |
| 2017 | 12 | 3% |
| 2016 | 14 | 4% |
| 2015 | 26 | 4% |
| 2014 | 21 | 3% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1998 | 11 | 19% |
| 1997 | 14 | 17% |
| 1994 | 10 | 77% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500
25 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology