2017 GMC Sierra 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 429 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 Sierra 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 20 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 8 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorSep 24, 2026
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, GMC Sierra 2500/3500 vehicles, and 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262569920. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 24, 2026.
Campaign 26V611000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, wheel speed sensor/tone ringOct 24, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Campaign 19V761000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, power assist, vacuumSep 6, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Campaign 19V645000 on NHTSA.gov
Child seat, tether, connector/clipAug 3, 2017
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. The owner's manual for the affected vehicles may be missing instructions on how to use the tether anchorage and child restraint anchorage systems. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
If the instructions are missing from the owner's manual, the child seat may be installed incorrectly and not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will provide a corrected insert for the owners manual, free of charge. The recall began on September 25, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 17307.
Campaign 17V487000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalJul 10, 2017
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Campaign 17V437000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalSep 8, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Campaign 16V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
429 reports, newest first.
Power train, Dec 4, 2024
Vehicle torque converter broke internally at 76000 miles while on the highway, causing vehicle immobile while traveling at 55 mph. Almost rear ended trying to get off highway safely. Torque converter failure caused transmission to have to be rebuilt at a cost of $4,700. After doing some research it is a very common and defective problem with trucks using 6l80 transmission.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 28, 2024
I remote started my truck and entered the vehicle with my girlfriend approximately 3mins after remote starting. We immediately smelled smoke that smelled like an electrical fire. I heard sizzling/static-like/electrical short sounds coming from back seat and when I looked back, I saw thick white smoke pouring out of the the small black plastic trim piece on the rear power sliding window that covers the electrical connections between the sliding pane of the power sliding window and the solid, non-moving pane of glass on the passenger side of the rear window assembly. I immediately shut the truck off and climbed into the back seat with a flashlight to investigate. While looking at the rear window, the passenger side non-moving pane of glass in the rear window EXPLODED very loudly, which actually hurt my ears. The glass stayed intact but spider webbed the entire pane. I immediately pulled the fuse for the rear defroster and cleared the tremendous about of smoke that had filled my cab. The window continued to make sizzling and static like noises for the 20min ride home. Upon investigating this issue online, I discovered that GM has issued a recall on this defect for all of Canada and only certain US states that are above a certain longitude, which doesn’t include my state of PA. I am terrified to use my remote starter on the vehicle now or even preheat the truck manually for fear of burning mu truck down. I contacted a GM dealership who told me my truck didn’t have any active recalls on it and to file an insurance claim. I have since filed a complaint to GM customer service who is investigating my claim to determine if they will cover the repair. They said up to 30days to make determination! This is a huge safety hazard that is known and acknowledged to be in every Silverado and Sierra with a power sliding rear window within the model years 2014-1017
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 28, 2024
When driving the truck sometimes all the gauges start to go out and go back and forth all the dash lights go on an the whole truck goes to low power an only goes about 10miles per hour you pull over and let it cool down for about 20to30 minutes and can start the truck and drive off again took it’ to the dealer for a plug in and he said no code is showing up and can not help me its been doing this for 1and a half years
Steering, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 27, 2024
Simply driving down the road an all your lights insode an out glitching along with steering. The steering locks up an comes back. It does not matter what you are doing. It will lock up at any giving moment. Putting you in dangerous way of others. 3months an you can barely turn it because the power steering is totally out. It now does not want to start as it needa jumped. Something electrical is draining it daily. Power steering assist light has been on.
Power train, Nov 18, 2024
My complaint number 11461471 , I made this complaint on 04/20/2022 about my 2017 GMC Sierra 1500.my truck is have the same problems that the GMC trucks recalled. As I stated when I filed my complaint with NHTSA and GMC. I carried my truck back to the dealership 7 times and complained about the problem. Once my warranty expired no one want to talk about the problem with the transmission. I started having problems in September 2017 my truck had 6,949 miles. I have paperwork every time I carried it to gmc dealership. NHTSA need to look at the problem with the 2017 Sierra too.
Power train, Nov 16, 2024
Truck would slip out of gear while in DRIVE in very dangerous situations. Tuck would suddenly jerk forward when in Drive and Stopped at a Stop Sign or light. No warning light or codes. Transmission Specialist evaluated and determined that Transmission was about to have a critical failure. The 6L80 transmission was replaced with 109,933 original miles on it.
Power train, Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the spark plugs, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who determined that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Power train, Nov 8, 2024
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.
Service brakes, Nov 1, 2024
THE AFFECTED VEHICLE IS A 2017 GMC SIERRA 1500 4X4 CREW CAB TRUCK WITH LESS THAN 34K MILES. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE TODAY THE BRAKES BECAME VERY HARD, LIKE A LOSS OF POWER BRAKES. FELT LIKE THERE WAS A LOSS OF VACUMN. AT SLOW SPEED IN REVERSE THE BRAKES "SHUDDERED" WHEN APPLIED. HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO A DEALER AS IT JUST HAPPENED WHILE TRAVELING. CHECHED FOR INFORMATION FOR SYMPTOMS ONLINE AND FOUND GM HAD INITIATED A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE SO I CHECKED THE NHTS WEB SITE TO SEE IT MY VEHICLE HAD A RECALL. SYSTEM INDICATED 0 UNREPAIRED RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE. SO WANTED TO REPORT THE ISSUE.
Engine, Oct 23, 2024
lifter going bad
Steering, Oct 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Power Steering Failure" was displayed. The contact continued driving until he could safely pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that he was able to pull to the side of the road by using physical force to steer the steering wheel. The contact then drove to the residence at low speed. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the vehicle was not covered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Power train, Oct 2, 2024
The automatic transmission occasionally slips and slams hard into gear between first and second gears, causing the truck to lunge forward when attempting to stop. This could potentially cause the truck to hit another person or vehicle when attempting to stop. This problem was immediately observed upon receiving the new truck in 2017 and is ocurring more frequently over time. The problem was reported to and taken in to the GMC dealer. They advised that they were unable to reproduce the problem during their time with the truck. There have been no safety incidents thus far. No warning lamps or messages have been displayed on the dashboard.
Power train, Sep 23, 2024
8L90 transmission shudders and jolts forward at low speeds. Delayed acceleration when accelerating from a stop.
Power train, Sep 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and shuddered upon depression of the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer where the dealer found no defects with the vehicle. The contact was then informed that the shuddering was normal operation. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic discovered a defect with the bell housing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Tires, Sep 3, 2024
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.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 2, 2024
On [XXX], on or about [XXX], while leaving out the garage the steering wheel locked-up and would not turn unless exceptional strength was used. We immediately notified Garlyn Shelton in Temple, TX dealer and had the 2017 GMC Denali towed with AAA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Aug 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated. The vehicle hesitated and was shaking abnormally while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed due to the pistons misfiring and then collapsing. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Power train, Aug 21, 2024
Transmission making a shuttering feeling while driving. Felt in the steering wheel. Dealer said it’s not covered unless still under powertrain warranty. No check engine light while happening. There was a pending code about transmissions control module.
Power train, Aug 19, 2024
The transmission isn't working properly and there is a major delay (over one year) in parts because so many are needed.
Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2024
Noticed a/c getting warm. Attempted refilling Freon without success. Took by auto shop and they discovered the welds to the top driver side of the condenser were in question and ruptured causing a Freon leak. They advised a replacement and stated “this is very common with GM model trucks and SUVs. Save your info and report for recall. They need to recall these models for their a/c issues.” Condenser replaced with receipt attached
Steering, Service brakes, Aug 4, 2024
The vehicle while driving just rapidly steers to one side out of nowhere and some of the times even breaks.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 31, 2024
My vehicle has on two separate occasions experienced a failure where the steering locks up, the engine shuts down, and the dash displays warnings about stabilitrac and trailer wiring. The vehicle has had random electrical glitches for some time, but they have escalated to a safety issue. In doing research, my issues sound very similar to those issues which resulted in a recall to earlier vehicles of the same generation, on report 17V-414. Googling the issue also points to insufficient grounding at the battery and / or the G218 grounding connection.
Power train, Engine, Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to continue driving to the destination. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the torque converter. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred 2-months later. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 76,000.
Power train, Jun 29, 2024
8 speed transmission shudder reported by GMC for my model. My truck has 35,500 miles and has the shudder posted in a technical service bulletin by GM. The supposed fix is x 20 quart fluid flush, new filter, and flash the computer. GM will not cover under any warranty as they say this is a “fluid change” even though the manual says this fluid should not be changed until 72,000 miles. The dealerships act like they are just hearing about this which is a total lie. They were told over a year ago if they had any new on lot to change the transmission fluid to mobile one synthetic before selling them. This should be a recall as GM knew this was an issue during manufacture. This is a $1200 repair that should be covered by GM.
Power train, Engine, May 10, 2024
#1 While merging onto the highway, the vehicle began to shake violently and have a sudden lose of power due to a misfire on cylinder 6 and 4. I was unable to merge onto the highway as the vehicle would not accelerate almost causing me to be hit from behind. I was able to get the vehicle off to the shoulder to avoid an accident as it was barely able to stay running and the CEL was flashing. The failed parts (AFM lifters/push rods and VLOM) have been removed from the engine and saved for review. #2 My family's safety was put at risk as the vehicle had a sudden lose of acceleration while trying to merge on the highway almost causing us to be hit from behind. #3 I spoke with my local GMC dealer and explained the situation and diagnosis that I have completed on the vehicle. That wanted me to pay out of pocket to tow the vehicle in and would not cover anything as the vehicle is barley out of powertrain warranty (72695 miles). I have been an engineer in the automotive industry for almost 10 years and can properly diagnose a vehicle and the issue it has. Trouble codes were provided along with pictures and videos as evidence. I understand when something is a safety issue and needs to be addressed as this is a common issue with GM 5.3l and 6.2l engines. I then spoke to GM corporate (Mandy, case# 9-12424996557) and once again they wanted me to pay for everything out of pocket even though this is clearly a safety concern with their product and the diagnosis had already been completed. This vehicle has all the maintenance records since it rolled off the showroom floor, proving that the failure is not related to neglect or poor maintenance of the vehicle. There is very clearly a design issue or manufacturing issue on this components. #4 Components are available for inspection by mfg. #5 There were not warning lights or any other indicators prior to the failure. Oil pressure was at 40PSI and engine temp was ~200F. All within the normal operating windows of the vehicle.