1997 GMC Sierra Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 5%of 238 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 145,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 GMC Sierra, 5% of the 238 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 145,000 miles. 3 a fire, 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.
“I was returning to albuquerque, nm from amarillo, tx pulling a trailer with an antique stove in my trailer. Immediately before leaving amarillo, I had my friend check all of the trailer lights and their functioning. They all worked fine. I took the scenic route through hereford entering onto interstate highway 40 at santa rosa, nm at about 9:00 pm - it was dark. Before long a semi passed me an he flicked his headlights. I wasn't sure what the flicking of his lights meant. About 30 miles later a semi passed me right before a big hill. …”
NHTSA complaint #10396159, filed 2011-04, 184,000 miles“The vehicle stalled 5 times in one morning while driving to work. The weather warmed up outside and the vehicle ran and started fine. The next evening the vehicle started fine, I got 1/2 block down the road it stalled again. I waited for a few minutes and it ran fine. The next morning it started fine and I drove it for miles, had no problems with it stalling. We called Gmc to see if there was a recall on windshield wiper motor, because the wipers would work when they wanted to work. Not when you needed them to work. …”
NHTSA complaint #10047326, filed 2003-11, 85,066 miles“Electrical system shuts down at low and high speeds. Replaced battery, battery connections, cables and alternator but the problem persists over the years. It is a dangerous hazardous situation.”
NHTSA complaint #10637750, filed 2014-09, 145,000 miles“Insulation around wiring and connector of unit inside fuel tank caught on fire due to a short. Consumer states plug and wiring were inside fuel tank, wires going to odometer and fuel pump, the fire was inside the fuel tank.”
NHTSA complaint #897118, filed 2001-10“Battery is leaking acid from the positive terminal area causing corrosion. This condition could cause electrical or brake failure. This is the 2nd 1997 GM product with a delco battery I have seen with this condition.”
NHTSA complaint #732434, filed 2000-09Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6 | 10% |
| 2016 | 2 | 33% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 9 | 9% |
| 2013 | 5 | 13% |
| 2012 | 7 | 24% |
| 2011 | 3 | 7% |
| 2010 | 4 | 12% |
| 2009 | 9 | 24% |
| 2008 | 15 | 22% |
| 2007 | 7 | 12% |
| 2006 | 7 | 13% |
| 2005 | 23 | 20% |
| 2004 | 39 | 21% |
| 2003 | 31 | 15% |
| 2002 | 6 | 2% |
| 2001 | 13 | 5% |
| 2000 | 12 | 3% |
| 1999 | 12 | 2% |
| 1998 | 9 | 5% |
| 1997 | 12 | 5% |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% |
| 1995 | 4 | 2% |
| 1994 | 4 | 2% |
| 1993 | 5 | 7% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
| 1989 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Sierra
67 complaintsSteering
63 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsEngine cooling
15 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 27, 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