1997 GMC Sierra Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 238 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 160,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 GMC Sierra, 2% of the 238 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 160,000 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.
“While driving 45 MPH consumer's vehicle crashed head on into a tree. Driver's side air bag did not deploy, however passenger's side air bag deployed. Driver sustained dislocated knuckles.”
NHTSA complaint #10075747, filed 2004-06, 160,000 miles“While driving 25-30 MPH on a smooth dirt road both frontal airbags deployed. Consumer was able to pull over safely. Gmc will replace airbags free of charge only if consumer will sign release. If it happens again, they will not be liable. Airbag sensor was sent to detroit, no problem found. Vehicle at dealer since incident.”
NHTSA complaint #886918, filed 2001-04“While driving 25-35-MPH over some bumps in the road, the driver's and passenger's airbags deployed, causing injuries to driver. Previously, the airbag light was coming on / off. Dealer said it was a problem with the airbag chip, and they would not deploy. But in this case, they did.”
NHTSA complaint #842129, filed 1999-07Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 | 2 | 33% |
| 2015 | 4 | 8% |
| 2014 | 5 | 5% |
| 2013 | 7 | 18% |
| 2012 | 4 | 14% |
| 2011 | 10 | 23% |
| 2010 | 8 | 24% |
| 2009 | 9 | 24% |
| 2008 | 29 | 43% |
| 2007 | 13 | 22% |
| 2006 | 3 | 6% |
| 2005 | 6 | 5% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 5 | 2% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2001 | 12 | 5% |
| 2000 | 17 | 4% |
| 1999 | 12 | 2% |
| 1998 | 6 | 3% |
| 1997 | 4 | 2% |
| 1996 | 16 | 7% |
| 1995 | 12 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Sierra
67 complaintsSteering
63 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsTires
9 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 GMC Sierra
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