1997 GMC Z-71 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 50%of 8 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,570miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 GMC Z-71, 50% of the 8 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,570 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“A vehicle was stopped on the roadway waiting for a vehicle in front of him to make a left turn, I saw the two stopped vehicles and when trying to apply the brakes on my 1997 Gmc truck from about 200+ feet away, the brake pedal just became rock hard and truck didn't slow down or brake causing me to hit the stopped vehicle. No typical anti lock pulsations were present or felt just a rock hard pedal that couldn't be pushed down further no matter how hard I tried. There are absolutely no skip or skid type marks anywhere. …”
NHTSA complaint #10060770, filed 2004-03, 97,741 miles“Abs brake problems: when applying brakes they grab, then slip, and pedal jerks down. Consumer has a situation of not being in control. This happens at slow speed. It appears that truck will stop in plenty of time, but does not. Truck was taken to the dealership for this problem. Right hub was replaced. The left hub required replacing front brake. Abs sensor failed in wheel hub.”
NHTSA complaint #869110, filed 2000-08“When braking vehicle pulls to the left. Dealership is not able to duplicate any problems with the truck. Also, brakes pads have been replaced 6 times in two years and nine months/ calipers have been replaced once and rebuilt twice/ driver's side rotors have been replaced twice in three months, and passenger's side rotors were replaced once. In addition, brake hoses have been replaced once. Owner is still experiencing brake problems. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #866009, filed 2000-07Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 7 | 64% |
| 1997 | 4 | 50% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Z-71
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 GMC Z-71
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