2017 Gmc Sierra Safety Report
2017 GMC Sierra: High Complaint Volume for Powertrain and Brakes, No Official Safety Ratings or Recalls
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Gmc Sierra
Reliability Score
The 2017 Gmc Sierra receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2017 Gmc Sierra
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Gmc Sierra:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission Failure/Hard Shifts Owners report hard shifts (1-2, 2-3), delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse, shuddering at 30-60 mph, slipping, and clunking when stopping. Some instances describe the truck lunging forward unexpectedly or complete transmission failure requiring replacement. |
High | Common | 38000-250000 miles |
| Rear Window Shattering/Defroster Fire The rear window, particularly the sliding three-part window, shatters unexpectedly, often after remote start or defroster use, with reports of smoke, burning smell, and glass fragments hitting occupants. |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| Engine Lifter/Camshaft Failure Frequent reports of lifter collapse, bent pushrods, and camshaft destruction, often linked to the active fuel management system, leading to check engine lights, tapping sounds, loss of motive power, and requiring expensive top-end rebuilds or new engines. |
High | Common | 25000-250000 miles |
| Loss Of Brake Pedal/Power Reports of losing brake pedal at low speeds or complete loss of braking and steering power when the truck unexpectedly shuts down while driving. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Engine Stalling/Loss Of Motive Power Vehicle stalls, fails to accelerate, or loses motive power while driving, sometimes accompanied by check engine lights and inability to shift gears. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Gmc Sierra:
The most reported issue, with 113 complaints, primarily involves transmission failures, hard shifts, delayed engagement, shuddering, and unexpected lunging.
With 90 complaints, issues include loss of brake pedal, reduced braking effectiveness, and complete loss of braking power, sometimes linked to vehicle shutdowns.
38 complaints detail significant engine problems such as lifter failures, camshaft destruction, stalling, loss of motive power, and check engine light illumination.
34 complaints fall into this category, often related to the rear window shattering and associated smoke/fire.
18 complaints, including issues with the rear defroster causing window shattering and smoke, and battery drain due to reverse lights staying on.
11 complaints, including instances of the steering wheel seizing or becoming difficult to maneuver, sometimes after a vehicle shutdown.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Gmc Sierra
Is the 2017 GMC Sierra safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 GMC Sierra has 469 owner complaints, including 23 crashes, 7 fires, and 9 injuries. While there are no official NHTSA crash test ratings or recalls, the high volume of complaints, particularly concerning powertrain, brakes, and engine, suggests significant safety concerns that potential buyers should be aware of.
What are common problems with the 2017 GMC Sierra?
The most reported issues for the 2017 GMC Sierra are related to the POWER TRAIN (113 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (90 complaints), and ENGINE (38 complaints). Specific common problems include transmission failures (hard shifts, shuddering), unexpected rear window shattering (often linked to the defroster), and engine lifter/camshaft failures.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 GMC Sierra?
According to the provided data, there are no active safety recalls specifically for the 2017 GMC Sierra. However, some owner complaints reference a known GM engine block-heater safety recall (NHTSA 21V-496 / GM N212329840) for other models, indicating similar issues might be present or have been addressed outside of a direct recall for this specific year/model.
What are the risks of the rear window shattering?
The rear window shattering, often due to the defroster, poses risks of smoke, burning odors, and glass fragments hitting occupants, as reported in several complaints. This issue is a significant safety concern due to potential injury and fire hazards.
How reliable is the 2017 GMC Sierra's transmission?
The 2017 GMC Sierra's transmission appears to have significant reliability issues, with numerous complaints about hard shifts, delayed engagement, shuddering, and complete failure. These problems are a major component of the 113 POWER TRAIN complaints and can lead to dangerous situations like unexpected vehicle lunging or loss of motive power.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the high volume of critical complaints regarding the powertrain, brakes, and engine, and the lack of official safety ratings or recalls, exercise extreme caution; a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is essential, focusing on these known problem areas.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Gmc Sierra
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Gmc Sierra. The data includes 469 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 23 reported crashes, 7 fire incidents, 9 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.