Gmc K1500 1997
Model K1500 made in 1997 by Gmc got 42 consumer complains there is 1 recall as well as 3 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to air bags, electrical system and engine and engine cooling. Technical service bulletines regarding power train, structure and unknown or other. There was one recall concerning equipment .
Model 1997
Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EQUIPMENT | ||||||||||||||||
| 07E088000 | HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC. | E (Equipment) | 121680 | 11/08/2007 | MFR | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 10/24/2007 | 10/30/2007 | ||||||||
| Defect Summary | Certain honeywell fram racing brand hp4 and hp8 oil filters that were manufactured from may 25, 2006, through september 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above. the affected filters are marked with a date code a61451 through a72571 sequentially. the date code and part number appear on the filter housing. fram racing hp4 and hp8 oil filters not bearing a date code in this range are not affected by this recall. the gasket of the oil filter becomes more pliable under high temperatures and pressures. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | This condition may cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. the recall began during november 2007. owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov. | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||||
| 010730021 | 05/01/2001 | 619742 | This technical service bulletin states that technicians may experience difficulty in removing the connectors from the park / neutral position switch, usually when trying to remove the switch during transmission service. *tt | 06/26/2001 | |
| STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS | |||||
| 020864016 | 07/01/2002 | 261603 | 634339 | Some customers may comment on front door hinge pin bushing wear, front door sag, or door chucking movement in extreme operating conditions. *tt | 09/28/2002 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | |||||
| 010730002B | 05/01/2001 | 010730002A | 619741 | Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) is on; the transmission is stuck in third gear; and / or the instrument cluster is inoperative. *tt | 06/26/2001 |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIR BAGS - FRONTAL | |||
| 04/10/2000 | 0 | ||
| While vehicle was parked/ warming up, consumer moved the driver's seat and passenger's air bag deployed without a warning. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||
| 03/31/2005 | 144000 | 08/07/2004 | |
| Truck will not start. not hearing the electic fuel pump in gas tank. truck towed for repairs. during fuel pump replacement. noticed the connector inside the gas tank arced and burned with 2 inches of insulation burned off the wires supplying power to the fuel pump. 1997 gmc truck. i guess this connector that mates through the tank has had a history of arcing burning here. also the connector defect isnt easily noticable to the technician. causing intermittent fuel pump failure as in my case. has there been any history of fire/exposion with these connectors on gm vehicles. this i feel is a serious defect. this truck has been probably driven for some time with this defect and it is a known issue to many technicians.. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3102/is_6_123/ai_n6083406 here is an article explaining the defect. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 03/05/2001 | 2 | 11/01/1996 | |
| My problems really began soon after the warranty was over @ 36,000 miles. at 42,240 i had a fuel injector go out, at 55,590 miles i had a water pump, seal, and core nipples go bad, along with the idle arm assembly, and the main engine belt replaced. again only 2 weeks later @ 58,275 miles i still had a coolant leak, and it was then determined the intake manifold had developed a leak, and the thermostat and seal needed to be replaced. the again only 2 days later i again experienced yet another problem, this time the altenator went out! i complained to the dealer, and to general motors, who currently looking into the matter. the dealer did aggree it is fairly rare to have these problems so soon, and general motors aggrees. however that does'nt ease my mind, that their may be a design, or parts problem with these vehicles. i did talk with another owner of the same type truck a 1992, same style and engine, and informed me that he had exactly the same type of problems occur at aprox: the same milage time frame, and had several more pop up with the transmission as well.*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | |||
| 03/05/2001 | 2 | 11/01/1996 | |
| My problems really began soon after the warranty was over @ 36,000 miles. at 42,240 i had a fuel injector go out, at 55,590 miles i had a water pump, seal, and core nipples go bad, along with the idle arm assembly, and the main engine belt replaced. again only 2 weeks later @ 58,275 miles i still had a coolant leak, and it was then determined the intake manifold had developed a leak, and the thermostat and seal needed to be replaced. the again only 2 days later i again experienced yet another problem, this time the altenator went out! i complained to the dealer, and to general motors, who currently looking into the matter. the dealer did aggree it is fairly rare to have these problems so soon, and general motors aggrees. however that does'nt ease my mind, that their may be a design, or parts problem with these vehicles. i did talk with another owner of the same type truck a 1992, same style and engine, and informed me that he had exactly the same type of problems occur at aprox: the same milage time frame, and had several more pop up with the transmission as well.*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||
| 03/05/2001 | 2 | 11/01/1996 | |
| My problems really began soon after the warranty was over @ 36,000 miles. at 42,240 i had a fuel injector go out, at 55,590 miles i had a water pump, seal, and core nipples go bad, along with the idle arm assembly, and the main engine belt replaced. again only 2 weeks later @ 58,275 miles i still had a coolant leak, and it was then determined the intake manifold had developed a leak, and the thermostat and seal needed to be replaced. the again only 2 days later i again experienced yet another problem, this time the altenator went out! i complained to the dealer, and to general motors, who currently looking into the matter. the dealer did aggree it is fairly rare to have these problems so soon, and general motors aggrees. however that does'nt ease my mind, that their may be a design, or parts problem with these vehicles. i did talk with another owner of the same type truck a 1992, same style and engine, and informed me that he had exactly the same type of problems occur at aprox: the same milage time frame, and had several more pop up with the transmission as well.*ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - CARBURETOR SYSTEM | |||
| 03/05/2001 | 2 | 11/01/1996 | |
| My problems really began soon after the warranty was over @ 36,000 miles. at 42,240 i had a fuel injector go out, at 55,590 miles i had a water pump, seal, and core nipples go bad, along with the idle arm assembly, and the main engine belt replaced. again only 2 weeks later @ 58,275 miles i still had a coolant leak, and it was then determined the intake manifold had developed a leak, and the thermostat and seal needed to be replaced. the again only 2 days later i again experienced yet another problem, this time the altenator went out! i complained to the dealer, and to general motors, who currently looking into the matter. the dealer did aggree it is fairly rare to have these problems so soon, and general motors aggrees. however that does'nt ease my mind, that their may be a design, or parts problem with these vehicles. i did talk with another owner of the same type truck a 1992, same style and engine, and informed me that he had exactly the same type of problems occur at aprox: the same milage time frame, and had several more pop up with the transmission as well.*ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - FUEL PUMP | |||
| 03/31/2005 | 144000 | 08/07/2004 | |
| Truck will not start. not hearing the electic fuel pump in gas tank. truck towed for repairs. during fuel pump replacement. noticed the connector inside the gas tank arced and burned with 2 inches of insulation burned off the wires supplying power to the fuel pump. 1997 gmc truck. i guess this connector that mates through the tank has had a history of arcing burning here. also the connector defect isnt easily noticable to the technician. causing intermittent fuel pump failure as in my case. has there been any history of fire/exposion with these connectors on gm vehicles. this i feel is a serious defect. this truck has been probably driven for some time with this defect and it is a known issue to many technicians.. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3102/is_6_123/ai_n6083406 here is an article explaining the defect. | |||
| 05/02/2000 | 1 | 09/01/1996 | |
| I understand their have been a high number of fuel pump failures in these vehicles. the tow truck driver and service advisor already knew what was wrong with the truck before they even looked at it. also the tow truck driver told me his own fuel pump failed on his gmc truck at 38,000 miles. this is a lease vehicle that is to be turned in in four months and i had to put a $400 fuel pump in it. *ak | |||
| 07/01/1999 | |||
| Connecting wire in fuel pump, which is located in the fuel tank, melted and caused vehicle to stall. this may result in a crash. *ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM | |||
| 10/09/2003 | 20000 | 1 | 02/07/1999 |
| I have owned my 1997 gmc k1500 sierra since 1999 and have experienced continuous momentary loss of power steering control due to a failing vss sensor located on the steering column. this loss of power steering control occurs at any speed and direction. i have had this component replaced twice over the years and the sensor starts to intermittently fail within 6 months. every individual i have talked to over the years who has owned a gm 1997-1999 c/k full-size vehicle has experienced this sudden loss of control in the steering wheel at one time or another. it is unfortunate that multiple lives will have to be eventually lost before gm will recall these hundreds of thousands of vehicles due to lawsuits. the vss steering as well as the csfi fuel injection system are an extremely poor design and gm knows it. *la | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM - INJECTORS | |||
| 03/05/2001 | 2 | 11/01/1996 | |
| My problems really began soon after the warranty was over @ 36,000 miles. at 42,240 i had a fuel injector go out, at 55,590 miles i had a water pump, seal, and core nipples go bad, along with the idle arm assembly, and the main engine belt replaced. again only 2 weeks later @ 58,275 miles i still had a coolant leak, and it was then determined the intake manifold had developed a leak, and the thermostat and seal needed to be replaced. the again only 2 days later i again experienced yet another problem, this time the altenator went out! i complained to the dealer, and to general motors, who currently looking into the matter. the dealer did aggree it is fairly rare to have these problems so soon, and general motors aggrees. however that does'nt ease my mind, that their may be a design, or parts problem with these vehicles. i did talk with another owner of the same type truck a 1992, same style and engine, and informed me that he had exactly the same type of problems occur at aprox: the same milage time frame, and had several more pop up with the transmission as well.*ak | |||
| OTHER | |||
| 11/15/1999 | |||
| Interior dashboard material/padding continually cracked/deteriorated. dealer notified, and replaced it on the first occasion. less then nine months later, problem reoccurred, and dealer refused to repair because vehicle's warranty expired. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||
| 08/01/2005 | 1 | 03/01/1997 | |
| 1997 gmc sierra does not decelerate when the accelerator is released.*mr braking and/or downshifting only increased the rpm. transmission can be put into neutral then back in the desired gear and the vehicle will then slow down slightly. service dealer claimed no problem found. *tt | |||
| 01/31/2000 | 1 | 12/01/1996 | |
| I have heard of other incidents where this part failed. if this part had failed at high speed this could have resulted serious damage and possible injury. | |||
| 05/01/2000 | |||
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT | |||
| 03/18/1999 | 1 | ||
| Gmc k 1500 suburban 4wd 1997, 2nd replacement of carrier assembly. *bf the consumer has had several problems with the vehicle to include a total front differential teardown and replacement of the front left axle and it's components. | |||
| SEAT BELTS - FRONT - BUCKLE ASSEMBLY | |||
| 01/13/2005 | 1 | 12/10/1999 | |
| When the passenger seat was moved the seat belt would be in the way and and the seat would get stuck on the seat belt. the passenger seat belt latch which connects the shoulder harness to the car broke off. anyone riding in the car would be ticketed for not wearing a seat belt and no use of the seat belt with an airbag equiped. dealership says driver side seat belt was recalled but not the passenger side.*ak | |||
| SEAT BELTS - FRONT - RETRACTOR | |||
| 03/01/2001 | 1 | ||
| Passenger's front seat belt will not retract.*ak consumer states there is a broken part inside the seat belt housing. *slc | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK | |||
| 11/22/2000 | 1 | 01/01/1997 | |
| Increased stopping distance due to premature initiation of abs pump system. *ak | |||
| 05/01/2000 | |||
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 12/10/1998 | 12 | 10/01/1997 | |
| The problem with the abs-- it take longer to stop than it would without abs, it also seems to actually slide on slippery surfaces such as ice & snow.... even though pedal is held firmly down, the wheels grip, then release, as if the abs is not cyclling quick enough. i drive another gm vehicle with abs & that system works differently & works ok. i am not talking about the pumping & pressure i feel from the pedal. the wheels will slide before the abs kicks in, or so it seems. as regards to the rear drum brakes--- when it is cold & damp, the rear wheels will lock up with just the slightest pressure on the pedal... once it has been driven for approx 5 miles & the brakes used & warmed up, then the problem goes away...... this is a very annoying & dangerous trait of this vehicle... this has almost caused an accident on several occasions.. thank you | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM | |||
| 12/10/1998 | 12 | 10/01/1997 | |
| The problem with the abs-- it take longer to stop than it would without abs, it also seems to actually slide on slippery surfaces such as ice & snow.... even though pedal is held firmly down, the wheels grip, then release, as if the abs is not cyclling quick enough. i drive another gm vehicle with abs & that system works differently & works ok. i am not talking about the pumping & pressure i feel from the pedal. the wheels will slide before the abs kicks in, or so it seems. as regards to the rear drum brakes--- when it is cold & damp, the rear wheels will lock up with just the slightest pressure on the pedal... once it has been driven for approx 5 miles & the brakes used & warmed up, then the problem goes away...... this is a very annoying & dangerous trait of this vehicle... this has almost caused an accident on several occasions.. thank you | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - WHEEL CYLINDERS | |||
| The rear wheel cylinders are inoperable which cause poor braking when the vehicle is loaded. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | |||
| 10/08/2005 | 78600 | 1 | 04/18/1997 |
| Metal brake line to rear axle split open causing loss of brake fluid and rear brakes. i had the dealership replace the failed line at a cost to me of +$300. i have the failed part. *jb | |||
| STEERING | |||
| Intermittent unexpected steering movement at high speeds. the dealer will be notified. *ak | |||
| 2 | |||
| Driving at approximately 40-65 vehicle will pull to either left or right unexpectedley and strongly, causing the consumer to lose control for couple seconds, and be pulled to side of road. dealer has replaced steering box/sensor/gear and pump assembly. defect is still occurring. *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 03/01/2001 | 60000 | 10 | 01/01/2001 |
| Vehicle suddenly pulls to the right at highway speeds. seems more prevalent in cooler weather. lack of power assist at times, too much assist at other times. *ak | |||
| 04/03/2004 | 37063 | 7 | 05/22/1997 |
| While driving 35 mph and turning the power steering went out. consumer was able to maintain control of vehicle, pulled over, and turned the vehicle off. consumer tried to restart vehicle, and was able to start and drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. however, mechanic could not duplicate the problem. consumer informed the mechanic that this problem occurred on numerous occasions. *ak the vehicle pulled sharply to the right while driving around right curves at 35-45 mph. the problem became more frequent over time. the vehicle was taken to private tire shop. the technician there knew immediately that the power steering sensor was the problem because he had seen this problem several times on other gm pick-ups. a new sensor was installed and the problem was alleviated. *nm | |||
| 10/09/2003 | 20000 | 1 | 02/07/1999 |
| I have owned my 1997 gmc k1500 sierra since 1999 and have experienced continuous momentary loss of power steering control due to a failing vss sensor located on the steering column. this loss of power steering control occurs at any speed and direction. i have had this component replaced twice over the years and the sensor starts to intermittently fail within 6 months. every individual i have talked to over the years who has owned a gm 1997-1999 c/k full-size vehicle has experienced this sudden loss of control in the steering wheel at one time or another. it is unfortunate that multiple lives will have to be eventually lost before gm will recall these hundreds of thousands of vehicles due to lawsuits. the vss steering as well as the csfi fuel injection system are an extremely poor design and gm knows it. *la | |||
| 04/01/2099 | |||
| I experienced circumstances where as driving down the road, sometimes going around curves, my steering would give the feel of just going loose. on a couple of occasions when the steering would grab hold again i almost lost control of my truck. i first experience this problem about a month after i purchased the vehicle. when i inquired with dealers in maine and florida they couldn't identify a fix without experiencing the problem. recently a dealer in colorado disclosed to me that gm had identified the culprit of this anomaly to be the egr valve in the power steering. i sent a letter to gm stating my conern for customer safety and received a polite but poor answer basically citing compliance with safety standards or gm's determination that a product didn't meet safety standards. i don't believe that there is a set standard that applies to sudden changes to steerability of a vehicle due to such a defect. i've discussed this with an owner of a 97 chevrolet that has the same problem and he also expressed disbelief that this wasn't a safety concern. when i pointed out to my local dealership that in my opinion this should be a safety concern for gmc he could only sympathetcally agree and point out that a voluntary recall on would have to be a company decision. they did point out though, this problem is not uncommon in the 1997 series trucks and that when the dealership brought it to gms attention, which was apparently only about a year ago, they were just discovering the cause themselves. i am gravely concerned at how many people may have been turned away from repair shops prior to this defect being identified and thus still driving around with this dangerous potential for tragedy still lingering. thank you. dt | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - ARM - IDLER AND ATTACHMENT | |||
| 03/05/2001 | 2 | 11/01/1996 | |
| My problems really began soon after the warranty was over @ 36,000 miles. at 42,240 i had a fuel injector go out, at 55,590 miles i had a water pump, seal, and core nipples go bad, along with the idle arm assembly, and the main engine belt replaced. again only 2 weeks later @ 58,275 miles i still had a coolant leak, and it was then determined the intake manifold had developed a leak, and the thermostat and seal needed to be replaced. the again only 2 days later i again experienced yet another problem, this time the altenator went out! i complained to the dealer, and to general motors, who currently looking into the matter. the dealer did aggree it is fairly rare to have these problems so soon, and general motors aggrees. however that does'nt ease my mind, that their may be a design, or parts problem with these vehicles. i did talk with another owner of the same type truck a 1992, same style and engine, and informed me that he had exactly the same type of problems occur at aprox: the same milage time frame, and had several more pop up with the transmission as well.*ak | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 11/01/2000 | 1 | 07/01/1997 | |
| Intermittently at speeds of 20 mph and over and while going into a curve or a turn,e steering wheel will jump into the turn.*ak | |||
| 02/28/1999 | |||
| When driving anywhere from 50, 60, 70 mph, the steering loosened up. also, when making any kind of a right curve the steering wheel goes slack, you get 3-4 inches of free play. the dealer /gm is aware of this problem. the problem has not been corrected. truck is no longer under warranty and cannot be corrected free of charge. *ak | |||
| STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS | |||
| 10/01/1998 | 09/03/1997 | ||
| The chevrolet's and gmc c1500 and k1500 1997; the structure and frame around the driver and passenger have dents appearing which results in driver's and passenger's doors sagging, and not shutting properly, which may cause injuries. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||
| While driving 40 mph or above vehicle severely and unexpectedly pulls to the left which could result in loss of vehicle control. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL - ACCELERATOR PEDAL | |||
| 08/01/2005 | 1 | 03/01/1997 | |
| 1997 gmc sierra does not decelerate when the accelerator is released.*mr braking and/or downshifting only increased the rpm. transmission can be put into neutral then back in the desired gear and the vehicle will then slow down slightly. service dealer claimed no problem found. *tt | |||
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER | |||
| 01/01/2003 | 70000 | 200 | 10/12/2002 |
| Persistent failure of windshield wiper operation under normal vehicle operation. this led to lack of visibility through windshield. there is a well documented recall of the wiper module assembly for gm trucks/vans. my truck is a 1997 gmc k1500. when i took my truck into the dealership, they informed me that my particular vin was not included in the recall vin range. there is no doubt my truck has the bad parts illustrated in the recall(s) (eg, ea02006). my complaint is that it should be included and fixed by gm, and that by some sort of vin technicality or error, they refuse to fix. what is my course of action to rectify this situation? *nm | |||
| 06/20/2006 | 115765 | 1 | 11/15/1996 |
| Dt*: the contact stated the windshield wipers work intermittently or not at all. there is an nhtsa recall, # 03v159000, regarding the visibility: windshield wiper/washer. the vin was not included in the recall. | |||
| 06/26/2004 | 124000 | 5 | 12/15/1996 |
| 1997 gmc sierra has windshield wipers malfunction. windshield wipers quit working at ifferent times usually when it is raining. currently there is a recall for this type of ehicle but according to gm, not for my vehicle based on the vin#. the vin # is 2gtek19m9v1517661. i have not repaired the vehicle yet.*ak | |||
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER - MOTOR | |||
| 06/21/2004 | 04/14/1999 | ||
| For the last two years when i use my windshield wipers they just all of asudden just stop. if i can stop i try to move the wipers by hand which works sometimes and others it doesn't or they just start working. it happends everytimes it rains and i have to use my wipers. we called a dealship to see if there were any recalls on this and they said there were recalls on wipers due to cracked solder joints but they said my truck wasn't included. | |||
| 08/19/2003 | 1 | 09/09/1997 | |
| I received a recall notice for my 1997 gmc suburban. the campaign number is 03023. the defect was related to the windshield wiper motor stopping which has recently happened to us during heavy rains. when i brought the vehicle to the dealership (tucks trucks in hudson ma), they refused working on the vehicle as the gm system showed a campaign status as closed. i contacted gm and they said they would look into it. in the mean time i have wipers that stop working intermittently during rainstorms. i am curious to know how many of these campaigns are closed with no reason listed as mine is.*ak | |||
Car dealers selling
| State | City | Zip | Name | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA | CHICO | 95926 | COURTESY MOTORS AUTO CENTER INC. | |
| CA | FRESNO | 93710 | MICHAEL AUTOMOTIVE CENTER | 559-431-6010 |
| KY | LOUISVILLE | 40242 | SAM SWOPE | 502.499.4600 |
| ME | LEBANONE | 04027 | STATE LINE AUTO AUCTION | 207-339-0032 |
| MI | BAY CITY | LABADIE OLDSMOBILE CADILLAC | ||
| VA | LEESBURG | 20176 | STARR GMC | 703/777-2411 |