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2017 GMC Sierra problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2017 GMC Sierra has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 11safety recalls
- 481owner complaints
- 23crash reports
- 7fire reports
- 9injuries reported
481 complaints, against an average of 485 for the other 14 GMC Sierra model years.
Every GMC Sierra model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2017 GMC Sierra?
The components named most often in the 481 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2017 GMC Sierra owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 481 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2017 GMC Sierra transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?52 owners · 10.8%
- Why does my 2017 GMC Sierra stall, lose power or shut off while driving?36 owners · 7.5% · Recall 23V047000
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2017 GMC Sierra?31 owners · 6.4%
- Why does my 2017 GMC Sierra idle rough, misfire or hesitate?24 owners · 5%
- Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2017 GMC Sierra?23 owners · 4.8% · Recall 19V761000
- Why does my 2017 GMC Sierra vibrate or shake while driving?23 owners · 4.8%
- Has the 2017 GMC Sierra had transmission failures?19 owners · 4%
Has the 2017 GMC Sierra been recalled?
11 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain: Inflator 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Fuel System, Diesel: Storage: Tank Assembly General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual fuel tank option. The rear fuel tank may collapse and prevent the fuel pump from transferring fuel to the front tank, resulting in an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and fuel pump module, replacing them as necessary. Dealers will also add a vent hose to the rear tank assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on March 15, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 21, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222368030.
Equipment: Electrical: Engine Block Heater General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500 and 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel 6.6 liter engine and an optional engine-block heater cord. An electrical short-circuit may occur in the engine-block heater cable or in the terminals that connect the heater cable to the block heater.
Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace engine block heaters and heater cords. Vehicles that have this feature disabled as a remedy to the safety condition will be contacted and offered replacement block heaters and heater cords under a separate customer satisfaction program, free of charge. GM will provide free replacement block heaters and cords under a separate customer satisfaction campaign. For vehicles previously included in recall 19V-328, the heater cord will be replaced and rerouted, free of charge. Interim owner notifications were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 4, 2022. Customers may call GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 212329840.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: Wheel Speed Sensor/Tone Ring 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Power Assist: Vacuum 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Engine General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500 vehicles and 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater. The engine block heater cord or the terminals that connect the heater cord to the block heater may short circuit and fail.
Risk: A short-circuit may damage the engine components and increase the risk of fire.
Fix: GM will contact owners, dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Additionally, in Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles, dealers will install a new rerouted heater cord. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N182206310.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage: Tank Assembly General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 GMC Sierra 3500 and Chevrolet Silverado 3500 trucks equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks. The fuel-level sensor in the front tank may stick in a low-level position, allowing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.
Risk: If the front tank overfills, the excess pressure may cause the front tank to expand and contact the driveshaft, possibly resulting in a hole in the tank. The hole will leak fuel, which in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear-tank fuel-pump module, inspect the front tank and, if necessary, replace the front tank, free of charge. The recall began July 30, 2019. GM's number for this recall is N182204190.
Seat Belts: Front: Retractor General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 trucks. The front seat belt retractor assemblies were built with the incorrect torsion bar. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Risk: The seat belt retractors may not perform as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front seat belt retractor assemblies, free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's numbers for this recall are 17368, 17375, and 17376.
Child Seat: Tether: Connector/Clip 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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags: Frontal 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags: Frontal 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2017 GMC Sierra recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
EU Safety GateDue to a manufacturing defect of the head protection airbags, the gas generator cover(s) may detach, allowing compressed gas to escape and…Due to a manufacturing defect of the head protection airbags, the gas generator cover(s) may detach, allowing compressed gas to escape and the cover(s) to be catapulted into the vehicle, creating a risk of injury to the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2017 GMC Sierra owners report?
12 of the 481 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Brakes make a flutter noise and pedal becomes hard while in drive through line or at a red light or any place that requires constant brake application for an extended period of time
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra Denali 2500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH downhill, the message “Reduced Engine Power” was displayed. While the message was displayed, the trailer brakes and exhaust brake became inoperable, and the braking distance increased. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH to 50 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and made a shuddering sound while shifting between gears. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine lifters and camshaft were previously replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The traction control warning light was intermittently illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and informed the contact that the VIN was…
The catastrophic power failure with no warning on my 2017 GMC Sierra, at 87450 miles completely contaminated the engine oil cooling lines with metallic debris and fractured structural mounts. The servicing dealership replaced the transmission but is refusing to remediate the engine line contamination without out-of pocket payment. The vehicle cannot be safely operated without causing terminal engine failure on the highway, creating a imminent mechanical and traffic safety hazard.
I had an engine rebuilt completed on my L86 2017 GMC 6.2. After the repair, the engine failed due to the crank shaft on the engine being oversized which is the same problem that GM is having with the L87 engines. When the crank was ordered from the dealer for my L86, the only part number for the crank that was available was the new part number that was being used in the L87. Seems the same cranks were used in both engines and this recall on the L87 should be extended to anyone that had a rebuilt complete. Me and my family were left on the side of the road for a few hours which endangered our…
When I accelerate the vehicle, the gears shifts every 10mph when it shouldn’t. It does it all the way up to 60mph. It has been an on going problem since we got the truck
Truck was started using auto start and I drove roughly a mile down the road smelt burning and looked in the back seat, I saw smoke and promptly pulled to the side of the road shut the vehicle off then I heard a loud pop and saw the back drivers side window shattered.
The ABS light came on while driving. Tire and components were removed to expose the axle housing. It was determined by the parts manager at DeBauche Truck and Diesel that the rear wheel hub nut had come loose and destroyed the threading. The damage was catastrophic, in that continued use of the vehicle may result in an accident and the vehicle cannot be driven until remedied. GM customer satisfaction program released a notice dated January 2018 for this specific safety issue. Reference number N172120230. A replacement axle cost was 2078.35 with additional parts and labor to be determined…
The rear window on my 2017 GMC Sierra shattered unexpectedly without any impact. The vehicle had been remote started in very cold weather and the rear window glass suddenly shattered while the truck was parked. There was no rock strike or external damage that would explain the failure. I later learned about GM Customer Satisfaction Program N192265660 regarding rear window defroster thermal events affecting certain 2014–2019 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado trucks. Based on the sudden failure and the conditions at the time, this appears consistent with that issue. The Auto Rear Defog feature…
I loose brake pedal at low speeds seen gm has recall for vacuum pump but shows mine not in recall
Driving in town going 20mph and the truck shut down not allowing for braking or gas and the steering locked up. Placed the vehicle in neutral, shut the truck off and turned it back. Was able to continue driving. Attempted to have the dealership we bought it from run a diagnostic and the battery was replaced but it continues to shut down at random times. Took the truck to a local auto shop after this happened again, another diagnostic was run, I am waiting the report to confirm what was done.
Total loss of power while in motion on highway going 70 when first happened, got video of problem for shop while going lower speeds. Truck will loose all power the dash will turn off and then turn back on sometimes the engine will cut out completely.
2017 GMC Sierra: questions owners ask
Is the 2017 GMC Sierra reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 481 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 GMC Sierra; the most common categories were power train (153, 31.8%), service brakes (141, 29.3%), engine (72, 15%). There are 11 safety recalls. 23 complaints mention a crash, 7 mention a fire, 9 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 GMC Sierra?
Across 481 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (31.8% of complaints), service brakes (29.3% of complaints), engine (15% of complaints), electrical system (14.6% of complaints), steering (6% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2017 GMC Sierra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2017 GMC Sierra; the most recent (campaign 26V611000, 2026-09-24) concerns Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain: Inflator. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2017 GMC Sierra transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?
52 of the 481 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 GMC Sierra (10.8%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "My vehicle has lurched forward upon the first engine start of the day, under no throttle, on several occasions, throughout the life of my vehicle." (NHTSA complaint 11713207, January 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2017 GMC Sierra stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
36 of the 481 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 GMC Sierra (7.5%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. A related recall exists: campaign 23V047000 (fuel system, diesel: storage: tank assembly). The fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and fuel pump module, replacing them as necessary. One owner wrote: "In November 2023, my lifters collapsed and I had multiple bent pushrods on my vehicle due to the active fuel management system, leading me to become stalled in my vehicle on the middle of the road with no way of getting off the roadway safely." (NHTSA complaint 11682028, August 2025). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2017 GMC Sierra?
31 of the 481 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 GMC Sierra (6.4%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "check engine light and traction control light on. vehicle undriveable. took to dealer code P0304 lifters need to be replaced" (NHTSA complaint 11715507, February 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2017 GMC Sierra idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
24 of the 481 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 GMC Sierra (5%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Shifting 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 1st is very hard and jolting. It hesitates and doesn't go immediately which could cause an accident." (NHTSA complaint 11632863, December 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2017 GMC Sierra?
23 of the 481 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 GMC Sierra (4.8%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 19V761000 (service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: wheel speed sensor/tone ring). The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. One owner wrote: "It takes quite the amount of force to stop the vehicle brake pedal started feeling spongy and seems like it doesn’t have enough pressure constantly I have no brake fluid leaks or air in my lines it all comes down to the brake booster it seems like and I know…" (NHTSA complaint 11555389, November 2023). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2017 GMC Sierra vibrate or shake while driving?
23 of the 481 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 GMC Sierra (4.8%) describe vibration or shaking while driving. One owner wrote: "The pigtails to the injectors are prone to failure. The vehicle without warning throws multiple codes and immediately limits power and speed while shaking. This can cause a dangerous driving situation." (NHTSA complaint 11630205, December 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2017 GMC Sierra had transmission failures?
19 of the 481 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 GMC Sierra (4%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. One owner wrote: "While sitting at a stop sign heard a loud bang and truck lunged forward as if we were rear ended . Actually thought we were . Drove about 20 miles and transmission went out . Even though i had foot on brake truck still went forward ." (NHTSA complaint 11715495, February 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Sierra
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2017 only; combines NHTSA's entries for SIERRA 1500, SIERRA 2500 and SIERRA 3500.