2017 GMC Sierra Problems
Compared with other GMC Sierra years
Typical for this model
54/100 1.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.1× that of a typical GMC Sierra year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 38 of its 61 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Stiff brake pedal / loss of power brake assist (18 complaints, median 51,117 mi).
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 61filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 35,000miles, 53 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 5.3L 8-cyl · hybrid RWD · 18 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 GMC Sierra (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year are dominated by two themes: hard, banging or shuddering automatic transmission behavior (often reported very early in ownership) and a loss of power brake assist that leaves the pedal stiff and hard to push, typically at low speed. Many brake complaints mention recall work or a brake system update having already been performed. Other reports cover high-speed vibration, rear-window defroster heat damage, and dimmable-backup-camera or headlight visibility concerns.
- Brakes
Stiff brake pedal / loss of power brake assist
- 18 complaints (30%)
- median 51,117 mi at 3.3 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2022
Owners describe the brake pedal becoming very hard to push after the first stop or two, with the truck continuing to roll at low speed in parking lots, driveways and slow traffic; some report a moaning or gurgling noise and ABS-like vibration. Complaints mention brake vacuum pump and booster replacement, master cylinder and tubing work, and repeated visits where the dealer could not reproduce the condition. Several say the problem appeared after brake-related recall or software work had already been completed, and some reports state a brake assist warning light came on. Reported from a few thousand miles up to around 110,000 miles, most often during low-speed stops, reversing or repeated pedal applications.
What to check: Test the brakes with several low-speed pumping stops in a parking lot and ask whether the brake vacuum pump, booster and any brake system software updates have been addressed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“As I was backing up I applied my brakes and for some reason nothing happened which resulted in my hitting my wife's car and damaging her drivers side quarter panel. When I asked Gmc about the issue they said it was just an error on my part. Now I find out that there is a recall on the braking system that the pressure to the brakes may be affected. Who is responsible for the damage to her car?”
NHTSA complaint #11256321, filed 2019-09, 41,000 miles“Noticed mushy, vibrating brakes. Took it to tire store and was advised the brake booster and vacuum pump are bad. I've had several close calls in parking lots, as the vehicle is slow to resond to the application of the brakes. The drivers seat is also loose. It moves from side to side as I go around corners. I'm afraid it will come off the rails or worse yet, not secure me in the event of an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11311089, filed 2020-02, 70,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Hard, banging or shuddering 8-speed transmission
- 17 complaints (28%)
- median 7,150 mi at 2.1 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- filed 2017–2022
Complaints describe harsh or delayed 1-2 shifts, clunking going into and out of first gear, a shudder felt while climbing grades or under light throttle at highway speed, and occasional lurching or unexpected acceleration when shifting around corners or in stop-and-go traffic. Several owners say the dealer reprogrammed the transmission, changed fluid, or in some cases replaced the torque converter or valve body and internal harnesses; others report being told the behavior is normal or inherent to this transmission. Some vehicles lost motive power or disengaged gears, with metal debris found in the transmission in one case. Frequently reported under 10,000 miles, sometimes within the first few thousand miles and often most noticeable when the transmission is cold.
What to check: Drive the truck cold and warm at light throttle through the 1-2 shift and at 40-70 mph for shudder, and ask for service records showing which transmission reprogramming, fluid changes or converter work was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2017 Gmc Sierra shutters and jerks when going into and out of 1st gear and going around corners when it changes gears. Especially when cold. Does not happen all the time. At times it has jerked into an intersectionand was scry. My wife will not drive this vehicle. Have had it looked at numerous times and they have changed the fluid. They tell me I have a quirky trans or it is inherent to this transmission. It is extremely frustrating and scary at times. I don't know what to do to get GM to fix it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11271464, filed 2019-10, 100 miles“While operating vehicle on highway, I experience a shake/shudder when at speeds of 50 MPH and higher. Vehicle was taken to dealer stated that the torque converter did shudder. Dealer changed transmission fluid and I was advised to drive for 200 miles to see if problem was corrected. Shudder still remains and now the vibration is constant at 70 MPH. I called dealer again who said that it was probably a tire balance issue. I argued with them and stated I had no such issue before first bringing vehicle in. …”
NHTSA complaint #11291983, filed 2019-12 - Other or unknown
High-speed vibration / shudder at highway speeds
- 11 complaints (18%)
- median 5,200 mi at 2.0 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2020
Owners report a shake or shudder felt through the seat and steering wheel, usually at 65-75 mph, sometimes described as feeling like driving over rumble strips; one complaint says it appears when climbing grades at lower engine speed. Dealers reportedly replaced tires, performed road-force balancing and alignments, and in one case replaced the torque converter, with some owners told the vibration was normal or could not be duplicated. Reported from very low mileage (under 1,000 miles in some cases) up to about 28,000 miles, mostly at highway speeds.
What to check: Take a test drive at 65-75 mph on smooth pavement and ask for records of tire replacement, road-force balancing and any torque converter work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2017 Gmc Sierra denali 1500. I bought it new and it has very, very low mileage. At various speeds there is a vibration. Feels like I am driving over rumble strips. I have always noticed it but mostly thought it was just spots on the road that were causing it. I started to do a little research and learned that this is a know issue in chevrolet and Gmc trucks. Numerous stories of dealers ignoring it, complaints on many forums, whole website dedicated to it, a number of class action lawsuits, and reports to the NHTSA. …”
NHTSA complaint #11298142, filed 2020-01“Vibration at highway speeds. Been to the dealer 6 times. Tires replaced originally, then tires balanced the second time, third time acceptable vibration , fourth time could not duplicate issue , fifth time problem recognized, torque converter replaced , sixth time acceptable vibration .”
NHTSA complaint #11251908, filed 2019-08, 1,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Headlight and backup camera night visibility
Mentioned in 4 of 58 sampled complaints
Complaints describe weak headlight output at night on certain trim levels, with owners saying they could not see far enough ahead; one reported striking an animal. Separately, owners of the backup camera note the screen goes to full brightness at night in reverse and cannot be dimmed or switched off, which they say washes out the view in the mirrors. Reported within the first few thousand miles of ownership.
What to check: Check headlight output on a night test drive and confirm the backup camera screen brightness behaves acceptably in the dark.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When reverse is activated at night, the backup camera comes on at full brightness and is not dimmable. The bright screen prevents view of the passenger side mirror and significantly reduces visibility in the driver side mirror while reversing. The screen cannot be deactivated and blinds the driver. This is an ongoing issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11154567, filed 2018-11, 200 miles“When reverse is activated at night, the backup camera comes on at full brightness and is not dimmable. The bright screen prevents view of the passenger side mirror and significantly reduces visibility in the driver side mirror while reversing. The screen cannot be deactivated and blinds the driver. This is an ongoing issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11140197, filed 2018-10, 3,200 miles
Buying note. Focus a test drive on cold and warm transmission shifting, repeated low-speed brake stops, and a sustained highway run for vibration, and ask for the full service history showing transmission, brake assist and rear defroster work. Several of the symptoms described here were intermittent, so records of prior repairs are more useful than a short drive alone.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 58 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 61 consumer complaints for the 2017 GMC Sierra. 53 of the complaints include a mileage, and 64% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 35,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 883 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 8 GMC Sierra model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 54 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes20 33%
- Electrical system6 9.8%
- Engine4 6.6%
- Other or unknown3 4.9%
- Steering3 4.9%
- Exterior lighting2 3.3%
- Suspension2 3.3%
Also reported: Tires (2), Air bags (1), Fuel system (1), Seats (1), Body and structure (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “My windshield wiper fluid only sprays out 30% of the time. Usually in the morning then any other time of the day it will not spray out. They replaced the pump and that did not fix it and they won't do anything else and now it is out of warranty. When running lower rpms driving the truck it begins to feel like its shaking forward and backwards, like a shuddering feeling. I have read about other people having this problem and it describes mine perfectly. I have the 8speed”
NHTSA complaint #11265931, filed 2019-10, 7,000 milesBrakes: “Was driving my 2017 Gmc Sierra with my wife and young son. I went to stop at a red light and had no brakes. The brake was very hard to push and made a funny clicking noise when I shoved it to the floor. I was barely able to avoid a collision and pull into a parking lot. I noticed then, that the service brake assist light was on. The truck gave no prior warning that anything was wrong. This was a very scary situation that could have resulted in a terrible accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11172529, filed 2019-01, 36,000 milesElectrical system: “After using the remote starter while vehicle was parked in my driveway, I started to drive my grandson to school. A short distance from home smoke and sparks started to emit from the rear seat next to the sliding window and electric rear window defroster. As I pulled over the rear window panel on the passenger side burst. I assume from excessive heat generated by the rear window defroster.”
NHTSA complaint #11279784, filed 2019-11, 23,500 milesEngine: “Coolant light continues to come on. I've had it to the shop and they say that it is a manufacturing problem. However they are not willing to fix it. I have the same problem on my chevy high country that has the same 6.6 diesel engine in it. The mechanics all acknowledge that this is a problem for all of these model 6.6 diesel regardless of whether it is Gmc or chevy. This should definitely be a recall. The warning light continually comes up on the display saying I am low on fluid. However, when I check it it is always full. …”
NHTSA complaint #11312136, filed 2020-02Mileage when problems were reported
64% of the 53 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 5,200 and 58,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 GMC Sierra version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Sierra 15 Hybrid 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2017 GMC Sierra in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 883 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10172670Feb 27, 2020Equipment, Seats. Customer Satisfaction Program - Certain vehicles that had the front passenger seat cushion frame previously replaced, may not have had the adjuster stops transferred and are missing on the…
- 10172811Feb 26, 2020Fuel system, Engine. This informational bulletin explains the difference in AFM and DFM engines and what is and is not activated during this occurrence.
- 10172773Feb 14, 2020Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provide policy information to cover GMs policy on performing GM covered vehicle services and maintenance on vehicles originating/sold in Canada.
- 10172784Feb 7, 2020Engine, Equipment. This Bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine…
- 10172305Feb 4, 2020Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about installing General Motors Accessory parts/kits. Technicians should refer to Service Information for…
- 10171883Jan 31, 2020Equipment. This Technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the radio to correct radio personalization settings on the infotainment display and a blank HVAC pop-up selecting HVAC Control settings.
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 10171875Jan 23, 2020Engine cooling. This informational bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
- 10172285Jan 21, 2020Equipment. This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on customer vehicles concern results in a manufacturer repurchase from the customer, GM depends on the dealership to host and administer…
- 10171888Jan 17, 2020Equipment. This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA) (US dealers only).
Other model years of the GMC Sierra
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 61 | 35,000 | 0 | — | 20 | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 6 | 39,500 | 2 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 53 | 2,750 | 6 | — | — | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2014 | 101 | 3,000 | 11 | — | — | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 39 | 7,250 | 3 | — | 21 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 29 | 31,450 | 2 | — | 21 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 43 | 45,000 | 2 | — | 21 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 34 | 53,500 | 0 | — | 22 | 11 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 37 | 42,000 | 1 | — | 21 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 68 | 66,850 | 2 | — | — | 23 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 59 | 70,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 53 | 43,500 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 117 | 60,000 | 9 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 188 | 49,752 | 7 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 206 | 55,750 | 6 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 249 | 40,490 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 264 | 61,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 443 | 67,666 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 600 | 62,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 190 | 71,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 238 | 78,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 246 | 83,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 261 | 114,184 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1994 | 190 | 110,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 72 | 75,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 30 | 178,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 12 | 108,500 | 1 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 18 | 115,832 | 1 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 16 | 187,575 | 1 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 6 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All GMC Sierra model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 GMC Sierra?
Complaints on this model year are dominated by two themes: hard, banging or shuddering automatic transmission behavior (often reported very early in ownership) and a loss of power brake assist that leaves the pedal stiff and hard to push, typically at low speed. The issues reported most often: Stiff brake pedal / loss of power brake assist; Hard, banging or shuddering 8-speed transmission; High-speed vibration / shudder at highway speeds.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 GMC Sierra have?
NHTSA recorded 61 consumer complaints for the 2017 GMC Sierra as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 GMC Sierra is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 23 complaints (38% of the total), followed by brakes with 20.
Has the 2017 GMC Sierra been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 GMC Sierra get?
The EPA rates the 2017 GMC Sierra (Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl · hybrid) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 GMC Sierra reported?
Among the 53 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 35,000 miles and the middle half falls between 5,200 and 58,000 miles; 64% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.