1997 GMC Sierra Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 63about this part
- Share
- 26%of 238 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,671miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 63 complaints about the steering of the 1997 GMC Sierra, 26% of the 238 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,671 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I bought a 1997 Gmc Sierra in 1999. The problem I'm having with it, and since I purchased the vehicle, is on occasion, when I make a turn, either to the right or left, the vehicle will lose steering completely. The power steering fluid level is fine. It only does this for a minute portion of a second, and then returns to normal.”
NHTSA complaint #10054895, filed 2004-01, 31,000 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“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“When traveling at speeds greater than 30 miles an hour or so, the steering wheel occasionally loses all resistance and the wheel turns around to the right, causing the truck to swerve. I read that GM had issued a recall for many vehicles that had this problem, but the Gmc 1500 truck did not appear to be among them. Please add it.”
NHTSA complaint #10052906, filed 2004-01, 70,000 miles“Steering wheel failure. Steering wheel suddenly jerked either to the left or the right. When this occurred steering wheel felt like it was separating from its linkage. A mechanic determined that this happened because power steering booster was bad, and needed replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #10066723, filed 2004-05, 50,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10021450Mar 1, 2007Reduced steering effort (diagnose/replace steering wheel position sensor).
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 3 | 5% |
| 2016 | 1 | 17% |
| 2015 | 6 | 11% |
| 2014 | 7 | 7% |
| 2013 | 5 | 13% |
| 2012 | 3 | 10% |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 5% |
| 2006 | 4 | 8% |
| 2005 | 11 | 9% |
| 2004 | 14 | 7% |
| 2003 | 27 | 13% |
| 2002 | 12 | 5% |
| 2001 | 10 | 4% |
| 2000 | 28 | 6% |
| 1999 | 18 | 3% |
| 1998 | 15 | 8% |
| 1997 | 63 | 26% |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% |
| 1995 | 8 | 3% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 8% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
| 1989 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Sierra
67 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 28, 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