1997 GMC Sierra Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 238 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,900miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 GMC Sierra, 2% of the 238 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,900 miles.
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 at night, I tried to select high beam with the stem mounted light switch. I heard a chattering noise in the steering wheel area and the exterior lights flickered dimly on and off. I also smelled electrical smoke. Deselecting high resulted in low beam exterior light with no chattering, flickering or smoke.”
NHTSA complaint #10205512, filed 2007-10, 11,900 miles“While traveling at highway speeds, the vehicles headlights went out. Consumer pulled over, to check headlights, lights would not come back on. Consumer had to use emergency flasher to guide the way safely. Please describe further.”
NHTSA complaint #8022716, filed 2002-11“Consumer complained of the following problems with vehicle. 1). The hood latch became unlatched while consumer moved his leg which bumped up againt the latch, causing hood to unlatch while driving; 2). Consumer would like for tail lights and side lights should be on as long as day running lights; and 3). Passenger's side seat belt should be made to accommodate larger passengers. Dealer/mfr. Contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #832808, filed 1998-12Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 3% |
| 2015 | 30 | 57% |
| 2014 | 63 | 62% |
| 2013 | 1 | 3% |
| 2012 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 3 | 1% |
| 2000 | 12 | 3% |
| 1999 | 8 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 1% |
| 1997 | 4 | 2% |
| 1996 | 12 | 5% |
| 1995 | 8 | 3% |
| 1994 | 3 | 2% |
| 1991 | 1 | 8% |
| 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 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