2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)11426.2%
- Brakes10724.6%
- Engine5713.1%
- Electrical5212.0%
- Steering255.7%
- Driver assistance204.6%
- Visibility122.8%
- Exterior lighting92.1%
- Suspension81.8%
- Body & structure81.8%
- Fuel system71.6%
- Airbags40.9%
- Interior & seats30.7%
- Transmission30.7%
- Other / unspecified30.7%
- Tires & wheels20.5%
- Seat belts10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
check engine light and traction control light on. vehicle undriveable. took to dealer code P0304 lifters need to be replaced
My vehicle has lurched forward upon the first engine start of the day, under no throttle, on several occasions, throughout the life of my vehicle. Shortly after starting my 6.2 engine in my garage, if I shift my 8L90 transmission into Drive as soon as the engine RPMs settle to idle, the vehicle will lurch forward, screeching the tires. Luckily, I had my foot on the brake hard enough such that no one was injured. The harsh transmission shift into drive is dangerous, possible injuring passengers or my garage door. I've learned that if I wait 5 to 10 seconds, allowing the engine to idle (while the transmission oil becomes pressurized ??), then the shift into drive is normal, without any lurch.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I loose brake pedal at low speeds seen gm has recall for vacuum pump but shows mine not in recall
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed and the engine revved; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over, and after several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a local dealer and failed to exceed 10 MPH. The dealer was able to diagnose the vehicle and determined that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating and stalled. The contact stated that again, there were no warning lights. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle back to the same dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the fuel injectors failed, and the contact had taken the vehicle to a different dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but was difficult to depress. The contact allowed the vehicle to coast and was able to pull off the road. The contact slowed down to approximately 2 MPH and was able to use the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was turned off and restarted to reset the braking functionality. The contact was out of town and took the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I drive this vehicle on higher speed roads to work everyday. Roads also used by large tractor trailers and like larger vehicles. I was told by dealer that I had broken exhaust manifold studs at a previous oil change. While driving the truck it seemed to lose power for a short time but I was in traffic and assumed the loss of power at that time was related to a possible exhaust leak.I scheduled a appointment to have the repairs addressed. When I picked up the vehicle I was told that there was a ticking noise in the top of the motor. They stated it was the lifters and needed to be repaired for $7136 dollars. I researched the problem and found out how big of an issue this is specifically for the owners of the 6.2l (L86) engine. Highly concerned I schedule the repair and dropped the vehicle off. Shortly after the dealer called and stated the vehicle had bent push rod collapsed lifters damage to the cylinder head, camshaft and worn camshaft bearings now cost are $14350 or replace engine for $17000. I chose to replace top end. The next day I was called back and was told the bearing on the cam journals were down to brass and I would need new engine. Cost in just 24 hours not are $22000. This vehicle was maintained by this dealer also for all fluid changes. The belief is all the failures were related to the active fuel management system. (going from 8 to 4 cylinders ).
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while traveling out of state. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with lifters failure. The contact was informed that the lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the lifter's failure had damaged the camshaft. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,700.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Truck was started using auto start and I drove roughly a mile down the road smelt burning and looked in the back seat, I saw smoke and promptly pulled to the side of the road shut the vehicle off then I heard a loud pop and saw the back drivers side window shattered.
The rear window on my 2017 GMC Sierra shattered unexpectedly without any impact. The vehicle had been remote started in very cold weather and the rear window glass suddenly shattered while the truck was parked. There was no rock strike or external damage that would explain the failure. I later learned about GM Customer Satisfaction Program N192265660 regarding rear window defroster thermal events affecting certain 2014–2019 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado trucks. Based on the sudden failure and the conditions at the time, this appears consistent with that issue. The Auto Rear Defog feature in the vehicle settings was turned off, however the truck had been started using the remote start feature when the glass shattered. Photos of the shattered window are available. I am submitting this report because the rear window defroster system may cause the glass to overheat and shatter unexpectedly.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driving in town going 20mph and the truck shut down not allowing for braking or gas and the steering locked up. Placed the vehicle in neutral, shut the truck off and turned it back. Was able to continue driving. Attempted to have the dealership we bought it from run a diagnostic and the battery was replaced but it continues to shut down at random times. Took the truck to a local auto shop after this happened again, another diagnostic was run, I am waiting the report to confirm what was done.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
When I accelerate the vehicle, the gears shifts every 10mph when it shouldn’t. It does it all the way up to 60mph. It has been an on going problem since we got the truck
Total loss of power while in motion on highway going 70 when first happened, got video of problem for shop while going lower speeds. Truck will loose all power the dash will turn off and then turn back on sometimes the engine will cut out completely.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Truck was started using auto start and I drove roughly a mile down the road smelt burning and looked in the back seat, I saw smoke and promptly pulled to the side of the road shut the vehicle off then I heard a loud pop and saw the back drivers side window shattered.
The rear window on my 2017 GMC Sierra shattered unexpectedly without any impact. The vehicle had been remote started in very cold weather and the rear window glass suddenly shattered while the truck was parked. There was no rock strike or external damage that would explain the failure. I later learned about GM Customer Satisfaction Program N192265660 regarding rear window defroster thermal events affecting certain 2014–2019 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado trucks. Based on the sudden failure and the conditions at the time, this appears consistent with that issue. The Auto Rear Defog feature in the vehicle settings was turned off, however the truck had been started using the remote start feature when the glass shattered. Photos of the shattered window are available. I am submitting this report because the rear window defroster system may cause the glass to overheat and shatter unexpectedly.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Total loss of power while in motion on highway going 70 when first happened, got video of problem for shop while going lower speeds. Truck will loose all power the dash will turn off and then turn back on sometimes the engine will cut out completely.
Fully enclosed LED tail light (turn and brake integrated into 1 LED "strip") with no visible moisture ingress/egress system showing retained moisture and no longer functional. Dash light for "rear signal brake light failure" appears. This rear light unit is NOT serviceable or repairable when a light goes out and is fully sealed aside from the reverse light (incandescent bulb and functions fine). LED's should have a lifespan that outlives the vehicle and a major incentive to have LED integration with lighting is the lifespan and reduced need for service. Now the taillight and brake light stop working and can not be fixed without spending <$500 per side. This is a safety issue that seems to be closely related to the issues with the GMC Yukon's of the same generation.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
In November 2023, my lifters collapsed and I had multiple bent pushrods on my vehicle due to the active fuel management system, leading me to become stalled in my vehicle on the middle of the road with no way of getting off the roadway safely. I have had multiple issues with this vehicle, and know many other who have as well. I had been compliant with all routine and preventative maintenance to this point, and I know that this will lead to injuries or fatalities due to these issues that GM is aware of, yet will not do anything to rectify the situation.
Gear slipping since I’ve had the truck. Replaced parts of motor, new transmission installed and still gear slipping entering the second gear. A big jolt happens every time I accelerate and when I slow down about the 10 mph mark it jolts again. Spent well over $10,000 on major truck repairs. I just don’t understand how this truck has 0 recalls. My truck is similar to all of the v8 Sierras of that year and I strongly feel it should have been recalled due to the gears slipping and not enough power.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Back up sensors not working. Truck also not having a vin number even though it was bought from the the Chevy dealership. Also was told the electrical system is not working properly
The paint has substantial flaking/ easy scratching casting spots down to primer and bare metal
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Gear slipping since I’ve had the truck. Replaced parts of motor, new transmission installed and still gear slipping entering the second gear. A big jolt happens every time I accelerate and when I slow down about the 10 mph mark it jolts again. Spent well over $10,000 on major truck repairs. I just don’t understand how this truck has 0 recalls. My truck is similar to all of the v8 Sierras of that year and I strongly feel it should have been recalled due to the gears slipping and not enough power.
strong smell of gasoline nauseating, Attempted to start vehicle intense spraying of gasoline all around gas tank vehicle started – dripping profusely around gas tank over chassis frame, Rear driver side of vehicle 16 June 2025
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I face this problem
Airbag light coming on.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that ‘hood open” was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact inspected the hood and confirmed that the hood was securely locked. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
MY TRUCK BRAKING SYSTEM IS GOING TO THE FLOOR BOARD OF MY TRUCK. MAKING VERY HARD FOR ME TO STOP. THEY CALL THEMSELVES FIXING IT BUT THE SAME PROBLEM IS BACK. REALLY TIRED OF THIS PROBLEM AND OTHER SPEND 1000.00 ON SPRINGS AND THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY A 1 1/2 OLD WAS TOLD THE WARRANTY ON COVER IT IF THEY WERE BROKEN A LIE THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking, and hesitating, and the transmission unexpectedly shifted out of gear while driving. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the torque converter, transmission pump assembly, and reverse clutch were faulty, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced severe transmission shudder and was vibrating while driving up inclines. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission torque converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Dear Sir, I currently own a 2017 GMC Denali that had a potentially catastrophic failure with one of the alloy wheels that are on my vehicle. Mileage about 110,000 I recently went to have new tires installed on my vehicles when the tire shop manager came from the work area and said that he could not put a new tire on my one wheels. The reason the tire store could not put a tire on that wheel is because two of the spokes on the alloy wheel were broken. There were three spokes between the broken spokes. The are 12 spokes on the wheel and the two broken spokes were non adjoining. They were not next to each other. There were good spokes between the broken spokes. With a close inspection of the wheel there is no scuffing or impact damage to the wheel either on the outside of the wheel or the inside that would cause this failure. The spokes just cracked. The fact that the two broken spokes are not next to each other would seem to indicate that this was a manufacturing defect. I am writing to go on record of this failure of the alloy wheel on my truck. If someone would like to inspect the wheel, please contact me to arrange for a time to look at it. I have attached pictures of the wheel with the broken spokes. Regards, [XXX] You can see the cracked spokes at the 12:00 and 7:00 position on the wheel towards the center of the wheel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD AT REGULATED SPEED, MY WARNING LIGHT TURNED ON AND ONE OF THE WHEELS WAS LOWER IN AIR PSI COMPARING TO THE OTHER 3. I THOUGHT THE TIRES WERE ALREADY WORN OUT SO COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER I REPLACED THE TIRES, I SAW THAT THE WARNING LIGHT POPPED UP ONCE AGAIN SO I WENT BACK TO THE TIRE SHOP AND WHAT THEY FOUND OUT WAS THAT THE RIM HAS A SLIGHT CRACK ON THE INNER SIDE AND AIR WAS LEAKING OUT, THE WEEK FOLLOWING THE TIRE REPLACEMENT I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER FOR A SOLUTION AND THEY FAILED TO ASSIST ME AND DENIED THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 GMC 1500 Denali equipped with Land Spider Tires, Tire Line: Wild Traxx, Tire Size: 35x121/2/R22, DOT: (N/A). The contact stated that while diving at various speeds and turning, the tires were rubbing against the sidewall. The coolant line blew out. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the thermostat and Oxygen sensor needed to be placed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The tire failure mileage was 130,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 GMC SIERRA 1500 EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE DUELER 684 TIRES, SIZE: 255/70/17 (NA). THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRES WERE PEELING, CRACKING, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE (LOCATED AT 4835 LANKERSHIM BLVD, NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91601, (818) 824-5973) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRES WERE SAFE. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO FIRESTONE. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,800.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I face this problem
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .