1997 GMC Sierra 3500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 40%of 10 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500, 40% of the 10 complaints for this model year. 2 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.
“Power steering pump failed unexpectedly while driving at approximately at 65 MPH, causing loss of power steering and power brakes, which could have resulted in a crash.”
NHTSA complaint #867390, filed 2000-08“Insured person was driiving on highway at 55mph when front right inner tie rod end broke, causing loss of control. Hit three other vehicles, causing injuries to two. Dealer notified.”
NHTSA complaint #822747, filed 1998-04“Insured person was driving on highway at 55mph when left side inner tie rod broke, causing loss of control. Hit three other vehicles and causing two injuries. Dealer notified.”
NHTSA complaint #822750, filed 1998-04“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 2000-10Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 20% |
| 2025 | 1 | 6% |
| 2024 | 5 | 10% |
| 2023 | 1 | 4% |
| 2020 | 1 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2018 | 3 | 21% |
| 2016 | 6 | 32% |
| 2015 | 3 | 10% |
| 2014 | 1 | 14% |
| 2013 | 1 | 7% |
| 2006 | 3 | 27% |
| 2005 | 5 | 21% |
| 2004 | 2 | 8% |
| 2003 | 1 | 14% |
| 2001 | 1 | 3% |
| 2000 | 1 | 4% |
| 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 29, 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