1997 GMC Sierra Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 67about this part
- Share
- 28%of 238 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 67 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 GMC Sierra, 28% of the 238 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Brake line that runs along frame rail severely rusted and failed under braking, causing me to nearly rear end another car. I removed it from the truck and took it by the dealer and the service department said this is common for a vehicle with 78,000 miles to have this type of failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10140876, filed 2005-10, 78,000 miles“Anti-lock brake system activates at low speed and the truck will not stop. The brake light stays lit on the dashboard. I understand many Gmc trucks were recalled for this same exact problem, but it begins with trucks a couple of years newer than my 1997 Sierra truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10139677, filed 2005-10, 38,000 miles“Antilock brakes continually seize up and the vehicle continues to roll forward at slow rates of speed. Exact same problem we had with our 2002 chevy avalanche that was just fixed under recall 12/05.”
NHTSA complaint #10146527, filed 2005-12, 85,000 miles“I took my 1997 Gmc Sierra to the dealer because there are several recalls involving this vehicle. But the dealer said all the recalls pertain to the 1999-2004 models not mine - but I am having the identical problems - drive shaft, and brakes - my brakes lock up - create lots of noise, calipher damage, etc. I believe that the recalls for the newer vehicles should apply to mine as well. The vehicle is dangerous to drive when the brakes decide not to work. My wife drives the truck and I am concerned for her safety.”
NHTSA complaint #10116309, filed 2005-04, 98,116 miles“After parking during my work shift, I attempted to leave work at 1530. Applying the brake to shift into drive ,the pedal went completely to the floor, and the ABS light came on. I was unable to pump up the brake, and had to have the truck towed to a local dealer. It was determined the brake line had rotted out. The gas tank must be removed to effect repair. I had driven the truck from long island, ny to mays landing , nj (about 145 miles) without incident, but the dealer told me I could have lost braking power at any time.”
NHTSA complaint #10137985, filed 2005-09, 74,000 milesBrakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 20 | 33% |
| 2015 | 3 | 6% |
| 2013 | 4 | 10% |
| 2012 | 4 | 14% |
| 2011 | 4 | 9% |
| 2010 | 4 | 12% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 14 | 24% |
| 2006 | 27 | 51% |
| 2005 | 37 | 32% |
| 2004 | 74 | 39% |
| 2003 | 83 | 40% |
| 2002 | 145 | 58% |
| 2001 | 150 | 57% |
| 2000 | 228 | 51% |
| 1999 | 338 | 56% |
| 1998 | 62 | 33% |
| 1997 | 67 | 28% |
| 1996 | 47 | 19% |
| 1995 | 42 | 16% |
| 1994 | 14 | 7% |
| 1993 | 12 | 17% |
| 1992 | 7 | 23% |
| 1991 | 6 | 50% |
| 1990 | 10 | 56% |
| 1989 | 4 | 25% |
| 1988 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Sierra
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 complaintsAir bags
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 GMC Sierra
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