What's New for 1997 GMC Sierra 3500
Knowing how much a vehicle has changed from previous model years can help provide additional context when reviewing reliability ratings. Our Editors give you the bottom-line on what's new, the pros, the cons and more.
What's New for 1997
A passenger airbag is added to models with a GVWR under 8,600 pounds, and all models get speed-sensitive steering that reduces low-speed effort. Automatic transmissions are refined to provide smoother shifts and improved efficiency. Three new paint colors debut. Read More
Long-Term Reliability Ratings by Identifix
Portions © 2008 by Identifix, Inc. All rights reserved
Ratings Key
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Minimal Problems |
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Moderate Problems |
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Significant Problems |
1997 GMC Sierra 3500 Reliability Rating
| Category |
Rating |
Comments |
| Engine |
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Common problems on this vehicle are failures of the Fuel Pump, Fuel Injectors, Fuel Pressure Regulator and the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Passages. Failure of the Fuel Pump and Fuel Injectors may prevent the vehicle from starting. The cost to repair the Fuel Pump is estimated at $133.63 for parts and $136.50 for labor. The cost to repair the Fuel Injectors is estimated at $103.50 for parts and $136.50 for labor to replace one injector. The cost to replace the Fuel Pressure Regulator is $72.75 for parts and $136.50 for labor. The cost to repair the EGR Passages is estimated at $16.00 for parts and $58.50 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. |
| Transmission & Driveline |
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Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the Transmission Valve Body (automatic transmission only), the Front Axle Actuator (4WD models only) and the Transfer Case Encoder Motor Assembly (4WD models only). The cost to repair the Transmission Valve Body is estimated at $485.00 for parts and $110.50 for labor. The cost to repair the Front Axle Actuator is estimated at $95.00 for parts and $65.00 for labor. The cost to repair the Transfer Case Encoder Motor Assembly is estimated at $552.00 for parts and $39.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. |
| Steering & Suspension |
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An occasional problem on this vehicle is the failure of the Steering Wheel Sensor in the lower steering column bearing. This problem can be repaired by replacing the Lower Steering Column Bearing Assembly. The estimated cost of the bearing assembly is $72.79 for parts and $117.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. |
| Brake |
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An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Front Wheel Speed Sensor. Failure of the Wheel Speed Sensor can cause false cycling of the ABS brakes. This problem can sometimes be repaired without replacing either of the front wheel speed sensors. Should a sensor require replacing, the cost of the Wheel Speed Sensor is $111.00 for parts and $84.50 for labor per side. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. |
| Heating & Air Conditioning |
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| Starting & Charging |
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| Accessories |
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An occasional problem on this vehicle is the Ignition Switch and Lock Cylinder. This condition can cause an electrical circuit to not power up or the vehicle to not start. The cost to repair the Ignition Switch and Lock Cylinder is $183.75 for parts and $84.50 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. |
| Overall |
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3 out of 5 |
Reliability ratings displayed above reflect style specific standard features and may vary from aggregated values displayed for the same year in the historical model overview below.
Reliability History for GMC Sierra 3500
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Reliability History for GMC
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