1997 GMC Sierra 3500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 20%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 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500, 20% of the 10 complaints for this model year. 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.
“Vehicle's rear axle became detched from vehicle when applying brakes. Bolts from the mfr plant were missing. This occurred with only 300 miles on the car.”
NHTSA complaint #807041, filed 1997-01“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 2000-10Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 40% |
| 2025 | 1 | 6% |
| 2024 | 13 | 25% |
| 2023 | 14 | 50% |
| 2022 | 6 | 19% |
| 2021 | 7 | 35% |
| 2020 | 19 | 37% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2018 | 1 | 7% |
| 2017 | 3 | 23% |
| 2016 | 2 | 11% |
| 2015 | 1 | 3% |
| 2014 | 1 | 14% |
| 2013 | 2 | 14% |
| 2012 | 3 | 33% |
| 2011 | 2 | 10% |
| 2009 | 2 | 40% |
| 2008 | 1 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 13% |
| 2006 | 3 | 27% |
| 2004 | 1 | 4% |
| 2003 | 1 | 14% |
| 2000 | 3 | 12% |
| 1997 | 2 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500
4 complaintsSteering
4 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