1997 GMC Sierra 3500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 40%of 10 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500, 40% of the 10 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“My brakes failed when I got into a wreck, the peddle went to the floor its like my brakes were not there. I have a 97 Gmc k3500 4 door long bed 4 wheel drive, I felt that I should have been able to stop,I also have to replace my front brakes every year no matter what kind I buy.”
NHTSA complaint #10010513, filed 2003-03, 95,000 miles“Under normal braking and on regular road conditions when applying the brakes truck pulls to the left and the pedal is soft. The front brakes were replaced at 21,000 miles and rear brakes were replaced at 22,000 miles. Owner still experiencing problems with brakes. Please provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #837723, filed 1999-05“The ABS braking system malfunctioned, causing brake pedal to the floor and resulting in extended stopping distance, which almost cause a crash. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #843114, filed 1999-07“Brake booster malfunctioned, causing no braking ability which may have resulted in a crash. Also, driver and passenger rear seatbelts , were locked up, could not use the seatbelt and won't protect the occupant in event a crash. Dealer replaced both seatbelts. The rear of cab was not welded properly. Dealer had to weld the rear cab to front. Rear axle seal will go out, causing oil to go into the brake shoes, resulting in no rear brakes. The engine stalled. Had to get a rebuilt engine, and the manufacturer put out a TSB but has no solution. The engine fell apart just after warranty expired. …”
NHTSA complaint #871983, filed 2000-10Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 20% |
| 2025 | 5 | 29% |
| 2024 | 11 | 22% |
| 2023 | 2 | 7% |
| 2022 | 4 | 13% |
| 2021 | 5 | 25% |
| 2020 | 7 | 14% |
| 2019 | 4 | 31% |
| 2018 | 6 | 43% |
| 2017 | 5 | 38% |
| 2016 | 6 | 32% |
| 2015 | 4 | 13% |
| 2014 | 1 | 14% |
| 2013 | 1 | 7% |
| 2012 | 1 | 11% |
| 2008 | 1 | 4% |
| 2007 | 3 | 19% |
| 2006 | 2 | 18% |
| 2005 | 10 | 42% |
| 2004 | 14 | 58% |
| 2003 | 3 | 43% |
| 2002 | 9 | 45% |
| 2001 | 16 | 44% |
| 2000 | 12 | 46% |
| 1999 | 9 | 47% |
| 1998 | 4 | 33% |
| 1997 | 4 | 40% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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