CarBrief

NHTSA has 431 owner complaints for the 2017 GMC Sierra, and power train and brakes draw the most[1][2][3]. Six recalls are on file, including a roof rail air bag recall from September 2026[4][5].

431owner complaints[1]
6recalls[4]
17–20MPG combined (EPA)[6]
5★NHTSA overall rating[7]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 431 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 20 mention a crash, 5 a fire and 8 an injury, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component. Counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold.

Here is how the complaints split by component group:

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Power train[2] 144 24,500
Brakes[3] 128 45,500
Engine[8] 66 57,580
Electrical system[9] 61 49,000
Unknown or other[10] 41 5,200
Steering[11] 28 20,000
Visibility/wiper[12] 13 29,829
Exterior lighting[13] 12 12,000

We also read a sample of 12 complaint texts for each of the four biggest groups. It is a small sample, so it shows what owners describe, not how often a problem happens.

Power train. In the sample we read, 7 of 12 texts describe harsh, delayed or lurching shifts, including a truck that suddenly drops into a lower gear at low speed[2]. Another 3 of 12 describe vibration at certain speeds[2]. The group also has 4 crash mentions and no fires[2].

Brakes. In the sample, about 8 of 12 texts describe a hard brake pedal or lost power assist, and 6 of 12 name the brake vacuum pump[3]. The group has 14 crash mentions, the most of any group[3][1]. Brake recalls are covered below.

Engine. In the sample, 4 of 12 texts describe rough running, shuddering or vibration[8]. Another 3 of 12 mention the cooling system, such as a radiator leak or a coolant warning[8]. Two of 12 mention fuel injectors[8].

Electrical system. In the sample, 4 of 12 texts say the backup camera screen is too bright at night, though two of those texts look identical[9]. Another 3 of 12 describe a loss of power or steering assist messages while driving[9]. This group has 3 of the 5 fire mentions[9][1].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this model year[4]. Some cover other GM trucks and SUVs too, and some apply only to certain engines or drivetrains. Newest first:

You can check a specific truck by VIN on NHTSA.gov, because some of these recalls cover only certain vehicles[5][14].

Fuel economy

EPA lists 14 ratings for this model year[6][19]. Combined mileage runs from 17 to 20 MPG, and the EPA's estimated annual fuel cost runs from $3,350 to $3,950[6][20][21]. The top combined rating of 20 MPG goes to a 4.3L 6-cylinder 2WD and to a 5.3L model EPA lists as a "Sierra 15 Hybrid" 2WD[21][6]. The 6.2L 8-cylinder is rated 17 MPG combined in both 2WD and 4WD[20][22]. The fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the truck was new.

Engine, transmission, drive City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
4.3L 6-cyl, 6-spd, 2WD[21] 18 / 24 / 20 $3,350
4.3L 6-cyl, 6-spd, 4WD[23] 17 / 22 / 19 $3,550
5.3L 8-cyl, 6-spd, 2WD[24] 16 / 23 / 19 $3,550
5.3L 8-cyl, 8-spd, 2WD[19] 16 / 22 / 18 $3,700
5.3L 8-cyl, 6-spd, 4WD[25] 16 / 22 / 18 $3,700
5.3L 8-cyl, 8-spd, 4WD[26] 15 / 20 / 17 $3,950
6.2L 8-cyl, 8-spd, 2WD[20] 15 / 21 / 17 $3,950
6.2L 8-cyl, 8-spd, 4WD[22] 15 / 20 / 17 $3,950

EPA also lists the same engines in some cab chassis and Gasoline or E85 versions, with the same or slightly lower mileage[27][28][29][30]. A "Sierra 15 Hybrid" 4WD is rated 18 MPG combined[31].

Safety ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star ratings for seven body and drive configurations all read the same: 5 stars overall, 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars for rollover[7][32][33][34][35][36][37]. Rollover risk is listed at 17.4% for some configurations and 17.9% for others[7][33].

Size and weight

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada via NHTSA, converted to inches and pounds, and can differ slightly from US trucks[38]. All listed variants are crew cabs, 80 inches wide and 74 inches tall[38][39].

Variant Length Wheelbase Curb weight
Crew cab, M/BOX, 2WD[38] 235 in 153 in 5,161 lb
Crew cab, M/BOX, 4x4[40] 235 in 153 in 5,359 lb
Crew cab, M/BOX, Denali[41] 235 in 153 in 5,324 lb
Crew cab, S/BOX, 2WD[39] 226 in 144 in 5,073 lb
Crew cab, S/BOX, 4x4[42] 226 in 144 in 5,278 lb
Crew cab, S/BOX, Denali[43] 226 in 144 in 5,227 lb

How 2017 compares with other years

1995: 264 complaints, 6 recalls19951996: 251 complaints, 2 recalls1997: 321 complaints, 3 recalls1998: 249 complaints, 2 recalls1999: 758 complaints, 6 recalls19992000: 624 complaints, 9 recalls2001: 404 complaints, 6 recalls2002: 428 complaints, 5 recalls2003: 387 complaints, 7 recalls20032004: 412 complaints, 9 recalls2005: 298 complaints, 10 recalls2006: 203 complaints, 4 recalls2007: 341 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 467 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 278 complaints, 5 recalls2010: 212 complaints, 4 recalls2011: 355 complaints, 7 recalls20112012: 146 complaints, 5 recalls2013: 163 complaints, 6 recalls2014: 858 complaints, 20 recalls2015: 794 complaints, 15 recalls20152016: 379 complaints, 10 recalls2017: 431 complaints, 6 recalls43120172018: 322 complaints, 7 recalls2019: 684 complaints, 10 recalls20192020: 492 complaints, 12 recalls2021: 594 complaints, 7 recalls2022: 597 complaints, 6 recalls2023: 492 complaints, 3 recalls20232024: 377 complaints, 4 recalls2025: 130 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 148 complaints, 5 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Sierra model year. The 2017 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19952646
19962512
19973213
19982492
19997586
20006249
20014046
20024285
20033877
20044129
200529810
20062034
20073414
20084674
20092785
20102124
20113557
20121465
20131636
201485820
201579415
201637910
20174316
20183227
201968410
202049212
20215947
20225976
20234923
20243774
20251302
20261485

NHTSA data for each Sierra model year shows 431 complaints and 6 recalls for 2017[4]. Across the 32 years listed (1995 to 2026), 10 have more complaints than 2017: 1999, 2000, 2008, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023[4].

Next to its neighbors, 2017 has more complaints than 2016 (379) or 2018 (322), but fewer recalls than 2016 (10) or 2018 (7)[4]. The 2014 and 2015 model years stand out with 858 complaints and 20 recalls, and 794 complaints and 15 recalls[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2017 Sierra?

The 2017 Sierra earns 5 stars overall from NHTSA, and its complaint total is lower than for 10 of the 32 listed years and higher than for the other 21[7][4]. Power train and brake complaints are the ones to take seriously, and the brake group has the most crash mentions[2][3][1]. Check the VIN on NHTSA.gov for open recalls, especially the 2026 air bag inflator recall, since owner letters are not expected until November 9, 2026[5]. On a test drive, pay attention to how it shifts at low speed and how the brake pedal feels, and confirm oil capacity, towing and tires with a dealer or the owner's manual, since our data does not cover them.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 GMC Sierra?
Power train has the most NHTSA complaints at 144, followed by brakes at 128 and engine at 66[2][3][8]. In the sample we read, owners describe rough shifting and hard brake pedals[2][3].
How many recalls does the 2017 GMC Sierra have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls, covering air bags, seat belt pretensioners, brakes and a child seat instruction gap[4][5][14][15][16][17][18]. The newest, 26V611, covers a roof rail air bag inflator[5].
What gas mileage does the 2017 GMC Sierra get?
EPA combined ratings run from 17 to 20 MPG depending on engine and drive[6][20][21]. The 4.3L 6-cylinder 2WD is rated 18 city and 24 highway[21].
Is the 2017 GMC Sierra a safe truck?
NHTSA gives 5 stars overall, 5 frontal and 5 side, and 4 for rollover[7]. It also lists 6 recalls, some for air bags and brakes[4].
Is 2017 a good year for the GMC Sierra?
It has 431 complaints and 6 recalls, which is fewer complaints than 10 of the 32 listed years and more than the other 21[4]. It has more complaints than 2016 and 2018[4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 431 owner complaints on file for the 2017 GMC Sierra (20 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 8 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 144 complaints name the power train component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 24,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 128 complaints name the brakes component group (14 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Sierra model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 26V611, filed September 24, 2026: Air Bags › Side / Window › Curtain › Inflator. NHTSA recall database
  6. EPA rating for Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 66 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,580). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 61 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 41 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 5,200). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 28 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 13 complaints name the visibility/wiper component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 29,829). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 12 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. Recall 19V761, filed October 24, 2019: Service Brakes. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 19V645, filed September 6, 2019: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 17V487, filed August 3, 2017: Child Seat › Tether › Connector / Clip. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 17V437, filed July 10, 2017: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 16V651, filed September 8, 2016: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
  19. EPA rating for Sierra C15 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Sierra C15 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Sierra C15 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Sierra K15 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Sierra K15 4WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Sierra C15 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Sierra K15 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Sierra K15 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Sierra C15 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Sierra K15 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. EPA rating for Sierra K15 Cab Chassis 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  30. EPA rating for Sierra C15 Cab Chassis 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. EPA rating for Sierra 15 Hybrid 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  32. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  33. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  34. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  35. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, HYBRID PU/CC RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  36. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  37. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  38. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIERRA 1500 CREW CAB M/BOX 2WD: length 235 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 153 in, curb weight 5,161 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  39. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIERRA 1500 CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 5,073 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  40. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIERRA 1500 CREW CAB M/BOX 4X4: length 235 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 153 in, curb weight 5,359 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  41. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIERRA 1500 CREW CAB M/BOX DENALI: length 235 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 153 in, curb weight 5,324 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  42. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIERRA 1500 CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 5,278 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  43. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIERRA 1500 CREW CAB S/BOX DENALI: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 5,227 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.