This page covers 7 recalls and 13 owner complaints for the 2017 GMC Sierra 3500.
Complaints for the 2017 GMC Sierra 3500 are spread across a handful of systems, with the powertrain drawing the most reports. Transmission issues are the most consistently mentioned, with owners describing sudden loss of drive, one pattern involves the engine revving normally when shifted into drive but the truck not moving, and another involves complete transmission failure without prior warning signs. Engine-related reports include oil leaks and seized exhaust components that complicated repair. On the brakes side, owners towing heavy loads report intermittent trailer brake connection warnings that cause the trailer braking system to cut out despite a secure electrical connection. A separate brake-adjacent report describes a wheel bearing failure accompanied by smoke, a squealing noise, and fluid leaking from the axle tube.
13
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
By System
The 2017 GMC Sierra 3500 has 7 recalls, the most serious involving fire risks from two separate sources: an optional engine-block heater cord that can short-circuit and ignite, and a fuel tank that can overfill, expand, and contact the driveshaft, puncturing the tank.
On the fuel system side, there is also a concern for trucks with the dual tank option and a diesel engine: the rear tank can collapse and cut off fuel delivery to the front tank, stalling the engine while driving. Three recalls address occupant restraint: the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to fire in a crash, leaving the driver and front passenger without full protection, and a separate issue affects the front seatbelt retractors, which were built with the wrong internal component and may not hold properly in a collision. Note that the engine-block heater recall applies only to trucks with the Duramax 6.6-liter diesel and that optional heater cord, while the fuel overfill issue affects gasoline-engine trucks with dual tanks.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear fuel tank may collapse, blocking the fuel pump from moving fuel to the front tank and causing the engine to stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tank and fuel pump module as needed, and install a vent hose on the rear tank.
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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 →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical short circuit can develop in the engine-block heater cable or its connection terminals, potentially causing overheating or electrical failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine-block heater and heater cord at no cost. Previously disabled heaters and those in prior recall 19V-328 will also receive replacement cords, rerouted as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater cord or its terminals may short circuit and fail, affecting certain diesel-equipped Silverado and Sierra trucks.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine block heater free of charge. On some models, they will also install a rerouted heater cord.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel-level sensor in the front tank may stick, preventing it from reading correctly. This allows fuel from the rear tank to overfill the front tank.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear-tank fuel-pump module and inspect the front tank, replacing it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat belt retractors have an incorrect torsion bar that may prevent the seat belts from working properly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front seat belt retractor assemblies at no cost to you.
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.
