1997 GMC Sierra Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 6%of 238 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 GMC Sierra, 6% of the 238 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The engine rod bearings started making noise at 80,000 miles. The noise progressivly got worse so I was advised to run a 15w-40 oil and run the motor to failure. Gm gave me a price of $2500 for engine replacement saying it would be very costly to just replace rod bearings and the warranty on the new motor was better. As far as the steering problem, the truck started to under-steer at about 4500 miles. As you enter a turn (left or right) sometimes the truck just dives in that dirction and you must compensate in the other direction. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070023, filed 2004-01, 45,000 miles“I have 5# of paper work on this one,had trouble with thie steering gear box at 1150 miles, had rocker and lifters done at 4407 miles, again at 6344 miles, brakes again at 15986 miles,24116 drive shaft out of balance, I'm still haveing trouble with the brakes some times it is like on brake and some times it's like they lock up the back wheels at the speed of 5mph on dry pavement or what ever surfes, or at the stop sign while holding the brake,you can here the ABS. …”
NHTSA complaint #716764, filed 2000-01“Loose body bolts;repaired by dealer. Had evo sensor replaced at a chevy dealer since they knew about the problem that affected this new feature, electronic variable orifice was new in 1997. The truck was dangarous to drive, felt like a go-cart, all over the place. They chevy dealer also burned in a new program for mixtures and timing went they replaced both o2 sensors and cleaned the EGR valve. Did I pay to replace these items due to a bad program?? I think I did. What is warrenty on emission system from the manufacturer.???”
NHTSA complaint #717230, filed 2000-01“The contact stated the anti-lock brakes engaged at 10 MPH. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05v379000, regarding the anti-lock brakes. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. The serpentine belt was replaced. Updated 03/17/06.”
NHTSA complaint #10150082, filed 2006-02, 67,000 miles“I purchased this truck new, and at approximately 23,000 I was driving the vehicle at around 55mph when the engine failed. It did not sputter or knock, it just quit, all the gauges, engine quit instantly. I pulled over to the side of the road and turned the key off, and then re-started the engine. Motor started without hesitation, and I proceeded down the road. Two days later, with lots of driving time in between, the same thing happened. It died, I pulled over, turned of ignition, and re-started the motor, and again the motor started without hesitation. …”
NHTSA complaint #748960, filed 2001-07Related service bulletins
- 10014959Mar 1, 2005Replacement of connector when replacing fuel tank module/fuel pump module.
- 10012714Oct 1, 2004Revised diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p1345 crankshaft position (ckp) - camshaft position (cmp) correlation diagnostic procedure.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% |
| 2005 | 9 | 8% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 9 | 4% |
| 2002 | 22 | 9% |
| 2001 | 22 | 8% |
| 2000 | 21 | 5% |
| 1999 | 17 | 3% |
| 1998 | 11 | 6% |
| 1997 | 15 | 6% |
| 1996 | 11 | 4% |
| 1995 | 6 | 2% |
| 1994 | 6 | 3% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Sierra
67 complaintsSteering
63 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 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 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