1997 GMC Sierra Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 238 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1997 GMC Sierra, 1% of the 238 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,000 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.
“Failure of tailgate support cable on my 1997 Gmc Sierra short bed pick-up. Vehicle was primarily used for transportation to work and home. Cargo is very rarely transported, but on the day of the failure several dozen 2x4s were transported less than 3 miles with the tailgate down. The left side cable support broke during transport. The load was not lost in the roadway because the right side remained intact. Tailgate is no longer used to support any load due to fear of failure ,and remained upright and latched. No replacement part has been located.”
NHTSA complaint #10104438, filed 2004-12, 118,000 miles“I had loaded some lumber into the back of the truck and the tailgate cable snapped. It had rusted inside of the plastic barrier. The lumber slid out of the truck while traveling. No one was injured. I contacted Gmc, and they said their was no recall on that problem. I will have to purchase another cable for the tailgate.”
NHTSA complaint #10080656, filed 2004-07“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 1998-12Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 11 | 16% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 5 | 1% |
| 1999 | 3 | 1% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
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 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