Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2017 GMC Sierra 1500
The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 shows some common issues, primarily related to powertrain and brakes, reflected in 355 NHTSA complaints and six recall campaigns. The recall data suggests notable safety concerns with airbags and brakes. Due to these issues, a detailed inspection is crucial before purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 355 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 7 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V611000 Air Bag Inflator Endcap May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V761000 Software Error May Cause Unintended Braking NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V645000 Vacuum Pump May Decrease Power Brake Assist NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V487000 Missing Child Anchorage Instructions/FMVSS 225 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V437000 Frontal Air Bags May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V651000 Frontal Air Bags May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 118 complaints
- Service Brakes 101 complaints
- Engine 58 complaints
- Electrical System 54 complaints
- Unknown or Other 35 complaints
- Steering 25 complaints
Of the 355 complaints on file, 14 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 355 complaints, owners report 7 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Reduced vacuum assist
How to check: Test brake pedal firmness and responsiveness
General power train issues
How to check: Listen for unusual noises or vibrations
Electrical system failures
How to check: Check functionality of all electronics
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any unusual engine noises
Red flag: Persistent knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe dashboard for warning lights
Red flag: Check engine light on
- 03
Low-speed braking
What to check: Feel brake pedal for firmness and assist
Red flag: Spongy or hard brake pedal
- 04
City driving
What to check: Check for smooth gear shifts
Red flag: Rough shifting or slipping
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Accelerate to test smooth power delivery
Red flag: Hesitation or lack of power
- 06
Highway deceleration
What to check: Test brake performance at speed
Red flag: Vibration or noise when braking
- 07
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Steering responsiveness and noise
Red flag: Clunking or heavy steering
- 08
Final idling
What to check: Observe if idle is stable
Red flag: Engine stalls or irregular idle
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Have the brakes required significant repairs?
- Are there any known electrical issues?
- Have regular maintenance records been kept?
- Has the powertrain been serviced recently?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair completion documents
- Detailed service history
- Vehicle history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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