NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
A wheel-speed sensor may fail, causing the brake control computer to incorrectly activate the driveline-protection system while driving 41–60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode.
This page covers 5 recalls, 350 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Powertrain and brakes dominate what owners of the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 report, together accounting for the majority of complaints filed for this model year. On the powertrain side, owners frequently describe transmission hesitation, rough shifts, and shuddering, along with drivetrain vibrations that appear at highway speeds. Engine complaints are also common, with owners reporting tapping or knocking noises, loss of power, and check-engine lights, some tied to broken exhaust manifold studs. Brake complaints are the second-largest group, with owners describing reduced stopping ability, pedal feel changes, and premature wear. A smaller but recurring theme involves the rear window shattering spontaneously, most often after remote starting in cold weather, with no reported impact or external cause preceding the break.
350
Total Complaints
14
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 has 5 recalls, the most serious being an unexpected braking pull caused by a driveline protection sensor fault that can yank the truck to one side without warning, raising the risk of a crash. This recall only affects trucks equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle, and four-wheel drive.
Two recalls cover the same concern: the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to fire in a crash that requires them, leaving the driver and front passenger without the full protection those systems are designed to provide. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue, which is why two separate campaigns address it.
On the brake assist side, the vacuum pump that helps the brake booster operate can lose pressure over time, meaning the brake pedal grows progressively harder to push and the truck takes longer to stop than expected. The effect worsens gradually, so a driver may not notice the change until braking distances have grown substantially.
The final recall involves the owner's manual rather than the truck itself. Certain manuals are missing the instructions for correctly installing a child safety seat using the tether and lower anchorage points. Without that guidance, a child seat can end up improperly secured, which raises the risk of injury if a crash occurs.
At a glance
What can fail
A wheel-speed sensor may fail, causing the brake control computer to incorrectly activate the driveline-protection system while driving 41–60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 7 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the brake control computer at no cost to prevent the system from activating incorrectly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The vacuum pump produces less vacuum over time, which can reduce braking system performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module at no cost to restore proper braking function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The owner's manual lacks instructions for using the tether anchorage and child restraint anchorage systems, failing to meet federal safety standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will provide a corrected owner's manual insert at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control software may not have received a complete update from a previous recall. Under certain driving conditions, this software may run a diagnostic test that disables frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control software. If your vehicle previously deployed air bags, the control module will be replaced instead. Repairs are free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Under certain driving conditions, the air bag control module's software may run a self-test that disables the front air bags and seat belt pretensioners, preventing them from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control module software. If your air bags have previously deployed, the module will be replaced. Repairs are free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.