GMC Sierra problems
425 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
- Brakes: 99 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 32,900–60,000 mi
- Electrical system: 46 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 13,000–71,000 mi
- Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2017 GMC Sierra? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- powertrain — 134 owner reports · tends to show around 45,222 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- brakes — 99 owner reports · tends to show around 49,512 mi · ~$450 to fix
- electrical — 46 owner reports · tends to show around 39,993 mi · ~$850 to fix
- engine — 40 owner reports · tends to show around 72,514 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: brakes is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 49,512 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2017 GMC Sierra
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
Your road ahead on this 2017 GMC Sierra
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
- ~27,000 misteering~$700
- ~37,000 mipowertrain~$2,500
- ~46,000 mibrakes~$450
- ~48,000 mielectrical~$850
- ~60,000 miengine~$3,100
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Started car via remote start. When I went out to the car I noticed smoke in the cab. I then observed the rear power slide window to be smoking and further discovered the rear defroster wires the be smoldering creating considerable smoke. The tempered glass then began to spider…
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the RPM increased, and the drive signal flashed on and off. The…
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and slammed into the intended gear. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had persisted, and the vehicle had…
There is a shuttering in the transmission as the vehicle attempts to climb slight/steep grades at slow to medium speeds. Around 1500 RPM the vibration is sent throughout the whole vehicle. Having to increase acceleration to allow the truck to shift properly to overcome the…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2017 GMC Sierra reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 425 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 GMC Sierra is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2017 GMC Sierra?
The 2017 GMC Sierra is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Brakes: 99 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 32,900–60,000 mi; Electrical system: 46 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 13,000–71,000 mi; Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2017 GMC Sierra?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 134 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 45,222 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2017 GMC Sierra a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 425 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 45,222 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2017 GMC Sierra?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 134 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 45,222 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 45,222 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my GMC Sierra has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2017 GMC Sierra?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 425 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.