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, Mar 25, 2023
I have persistent transmission problems documented on multiple dealer visits where I purchased the vehicle. The first one was after 6000 miles. A large clunk sound and vibration occurred after shifting gears in the 30 mph range. The dealer told me this was a know issue related to the transmission manufacturer lubricant conflicting with the GMC transmission fluid. They did a flush and replace and for a time period it settled down. I have 56,000 miles now and the latest complaint I made was when nearing a stop at 5-10 mph the transmission did a massive clink. I had two others in the vehicle that observed this over 20 times. I immediately scheduled a service to look at this. After 4 hours they told me nothing is wrong. Since then the transmission has a light clunk shifting at low speed so I wonder if they lied and flushed the fluid. They said no metal was in the fluid. Online websites show many posts of owners hanging this issue. I was never shown a bulletin on any reported issues and would like to see every one related to the 8 speed transmission. My standard powertain warranty has expired after 5 years. I fear the value of this vehicle is impacted by so many complaint, no action by NTSB, and questionable practices by two GM dealers that serviced my vehicle. I would like to see a recall as this isn’t just my issue. I would like to see what investigation NTSB has done on this topic. I have printed service re odds for each I have complained about the transmission and now believe the dealer was aware of the issue and GM bulletins coached them how to tell me there is no issue. The last statement made was also odd, the service advisor told me that the clink is because the transmission sometimes goes from 3rd to 1st and skips second gear. I was charged to have them look for a problem and if this a known issue to both GM and the NTSB shame on you both.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 18, 2023
There has been a recall on the assisted braking pump. My truck is not on that recall as of now. But I am having the same braking trouble at slow speeds. Is there any way the company will fix this issue.
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Mar 17, 2023
Started my truck to go to the store. When me and my son got in we could smell like hot plastic burning. Figured someone was burning trash so we proceeded to the store. About a mile down the road it sounded like someone fired a gun inside the cab of the truck. So being a combat veteran it triggered me! I instantly swung for the back seat thinking someone was back there and noticed the rear sliding window on the drivers side had blown and shattered. I found a recall online that gm had put out about this specific issue happening. So when I called Varney Gmc of Bangor Maine. They told me the recall had Ben done at 97000 miles and there was nothing they could do unless I paid for it…
Service brakes, Mar 6, 2023
Brakes do not work a low speeds such as in parking area very hard to press brake pedal to stop vehicle.
Engine, Feb 26, 2023
Misfire with code PO300, Ticketing from engine at higher RPM/lose power and seems to be misfiring. Check engine light would blink and then shut off. Four rockers found to be bent push rod. - Replaced right and left side lifters and guides. Replaced Vlom and 1 push rod. Dealer diagnose and repair. Lifter failure due to engine switching from V8 to V4. Very expensive and very common problem with this type of engine. Truck is young with only 74,000 miles on it. Had to replace the transmission at 70,000 also.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Feb 17, 2023
Trailer Brake System Fault requiring service. Seems like its an issue a lot with Chevy and GMC Trucks.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 16, 2023
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.
Service brakes, Feb 9, 2023
The trailer brake system is displaying a warning. The truck has less than 50,000 miles and the tow option has never been used. I am told that it would be risky to use it without repair. this is a safety issue that should be a recall. I have checked and there are thousands with the same issue and it has gone on for years without being addressed by GM or NHTSA. It's time to step up and take care of this situation. There is no telling how many have been injured or killed by this. if nothing is done I will approach someone in the media.
Service brakes, Feb 4, 2023
While parking I was backing up to straighten the truck in the space. When I went to stop I noticed that "normal" pedal pressure was not stopping the truck and I could tell vacuum was not available to boost the brakes, causing me to have to "stand on the pedal", almost causing me to hit the car behind me. I purchased the truck used four months ago and when checking recalls the nhtsa says none are open so I assume it has been addressed but didn't fix the issue obviously.
Service brakes, Feb 2, 2023
Low speed brake assist failure in traffic.. Caused me to bump the person in front of me... Then a few days later I got the "service brake assist " on my dash.. Then my gmc app sent me a service soon warning... 2017 gmc sierra denali at 62500 miles.
Steering, Structure, Service brakes, Jan 28, 2023, crash
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
Power train, Jan 23, 2023
Transmission needed to be replace after only 73,277 miles.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 23, 2023, crash
I was pulling in to a parking spot and pressed the brakes and the truck didn’t stop and I hit the sign. When I looked at the dash there was a “service brake assist “ warning on.
Engine, Jan 13, 2023
Over some time we had noticed a chirping / pulsating sound when starting the engine after it was fully cooled down. Cold start. This sound over the last few months has been increasingly getting worse. We asked our dealer to check things over and determine what could be the issue on a regular service visit for oil change. They could not find a reason but said a service visit with a full line mechanic would be needed to diagnose the issue. We did our own closer look and diagnosing just where the sound and smell of oil fumes or gases were coming from and found the Left side (drivers) rear / back cylinder exhaust manifold bolts to be broken off and gone. There are a total of 5 studs and the rear two had failed and gave away to now allow the exhaust manifold to leak exhaust fumes that are obvious in the cab at startup. This is a pretty major failure and safety problem we feel that GM needs to take action on and correct.
Service brakes, Jan 10, 2023
I am experiencing hard brake pedal and/or brake fade when attempting to apply the brakes. Their is a recall for this problem on other models, however my truck model year is not included for some reason. This has occurred on multiple occasions and has nearly caused an accident on those occasions. My truck also began to roll out of a parking spot and I had extremely hard brake pressure but no response from the brakes.
Service brakes, Jan 9, 2023
My 2017 GMC Sierra is experiencing similar issues with excessive force required, vibration in brake pedal at low speeds, and delays in stopping as found on 2018 and up trucks and SUVs. I notified the dealership about a year ago about the issue and it potentially being linked to the recall and they said it wasn't and they would have to charge me to inspect and repair. The issue can obviously lead to an accident if the brakes continue to worsen and fail. Also abrupt stopping at low speeds doesn't work efficiently putting anyone who steps out in front of my vehicle or stops abruptly in front of me at risk. A couple of times there was a diagnostics alert sent to my email stating an "issue with the antilock braking system was detected". There are already accidents reported with 2018 and up vehicles because of this issue. I feel the recall for the 2018 and up vehicles needs to be extended to 2017 vehicles to prevent accidents.
Electrical system, Jan 6, 2023
Driving down the road. Thankfully it was late at night and the roads were empty. But the truck shut down and brakes locked up and steering wheel locked. Once I was at a full stop. I turned the truck off and back on and was able to drive home. But I called Gmc regarding this issue and brought they couldn’t find anything wrong
Service brakes, Jan 5, 2023
When pressing the brakes a few time at a low speed Iose brake power. There is already a recall out for this model but not my vin. This is my recall issue Brake Assist Decreased Due to Vacuum Loss
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Dec 6, 2022
I purchased my vehicle in January 2022. On 11/18/22 I captured a photo across my dash stating that the trailer brake system needed to be serviced (photo attached) . This was the second time this message appeared within days. The vehicle continued to beep and flash for a long period of time clearing out my dash screen making it UNSAFE TO DRIVE. The beeping noise startled me, almost causing an accident on the freeway. I did not know what the warning meant as I wasn't towing a trailer. I wasn't towing anything and could not turn off the beeping sound or the flashing screen, in spite of hitting the dismiss button. I don't know why the message continued to go on and assuming there is an electrical shortage somewhere with the wiring. This needs to be recalled and fixed as it is a manufacturer issue. I do not have any aftermarket parts installed in this vehicle. This same alert message appeared again yesterday 12/5/22 as I was driving back from the airport. It continued for almost 2 hours while on the freeway and again I was not pulling or towing anything. I pulled over, checked my tailgate, turned off the vehicle and turned it back on and the message continued until I got home. It is very alarming and annoying and scared me. This is a big safety hazard and almost caused an accident again as the alert is very loud and flashes across, clearing out your screen, causing you to take your eyes off traffic looking ahead. This time, I was traveling in heavy traffic. Please investigate this further. Thank you
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 29, 2022
The service message appeared on the display after backing up "SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST" I searched this issue and found over 65 complaints for this vehicle year/make /model. I am at work and fear driving home as this issue has resulted in brake failure on some of the complaints noted. I have not contacted anyone yet, I wanted a recall notice as this is a safety issue and we cannot afford any costly vehicle repairs.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 21, 2022
The trucks power source starts failing when going at about 15 mph and turning a bit, it happens when coming to a stop or when you’re about to park. The steering wheel starts getting super stiff and all the power buttons and lights start going dim and the truck shuts off. The truck can turn on right after but at times it takes about 15 minutes for the system to reboot and then the truck will finally turn. When this happens you can’t turn on hazard light making it a dangerous situation at night! I’ve talked to other gmc owner with the Denali models and they have stated as well that they’ve had the same issue occur at least once to them, this truck currently does it very often and even more in the cold weather! There has been a recall on earlier an earlier year of the same model truck but just not this one making it tedious to try to get it fixed. I’ve took it to the mechanic and they’ve changed the ground wires, it made the problem just happen less frequently, but it still occurs.
Power train, Nov 20, 2022
Transmission engine light on, code P0700, P182E. Truck went into limp mode, would recognize what gear its in. Had to shut down vehicle for 10 minutes, restarted then it aloud me to drive.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra. The contact stated while driving and coming to a stop, the vehicle lost braking functionality. The contact had to desperately depress the brake pedal for the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and offered no additional assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 46,000.
Power train, Nov 15, 2022
The contact's son owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her son was driving 30-35 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's son veered to the side of the road and attentively listened for the sound. The contact's son then inspected the transmission reservoir and noticed that the transmission fluid had leaked out. The contact’s relative brought transmission fluid which was added to the transmission reservoir. The contact's son continued driving; however, the vehicle became undrivable later that day. There was no further information provided. The vehicle was towed to the son’s residence. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Nov 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, a grinding noise was present coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the residence and examined by a mechanic, who determined that the transmission had failed. The cause of the transmission failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage 100,000.