Is the 2017 Gmc SIERRA 1500 reliable?

The 2017 Gmc SIERRA 1500 has 472 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Gmc SIERRA 1500?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (117 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (107 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (58 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Gmc SIERRA 1500?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, CHILD SEAT:TETHER: CONNECTOR/CLIP, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. Contact any Gmc dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Gmc SIERRA 1500?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Gmc SIERRA 1500 is approximately $1,601/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Gmc SIERRA 1500

Q: Is the 2017 Gmc SIERRA 1500 often stolen?

The Gmc SIERRA 1500 was the #16 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 6,300 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: above-avg.

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Gmc SIERRA 1500 has 472 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 472. The most common issue is transmission problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: heavy vibration between 1200 rpm and 1500 rpm anywhere below 45 mph and above 70 mph. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.

5 fire reports 17 crash reports 2 injuries

472

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

117 complaints

25%

• HEAVY VIBRATION BETWEEN 1200 RPM AND 1500 RPM ANYWHERE BELOW 45 MPH AND ABOVE 70 MPH
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AFTER A COMPLETE STOP. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE RPMS INCREASED. WHEN SHIFTING FROM SECOND TO FIRST GEAR, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR WITH EXTREME FORCE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE
• UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO COME TO A STOP THE VEHICLE WILL OCCASIONALLY ENGAGE A LOWER GEAR VERY SUDDENLY AND LURCH FORWARD. THE RESULTING FORCE IS ENOUGH TO OVERPOWER THE BRAKING EFFORT BEING PROVIDED BY THE DRIVER AND THE VEHICLE WILL MOVE FORWARD SEVERAL FEET BEFORE THE DRIVER

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 4 crashes

“HEAVY VIBRATION BETWEEN 1200 RPM AND 1500 RPM ANYWHERE BELOW 45 MPH AND ABOVE 70 MPH”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Gmc SIERRA 1500

Based on 178 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 39K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 48 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 20K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 26K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 37K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

LIGHTING

In line with typicalmedian 13K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 4K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (5)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM06/09/2019

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.

Risk: As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.

Above-average theft risk

#16 most stolen in 2025

The Gmc SIERRA 1500 was the #16 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 6,300 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Notes: Full-size truck; parts demand

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Gmc SIERRA 1500

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,601

Full coverage / month

$133

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

-4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.06x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1601

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Gmc SIERRA 1500 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

Uses GM Oil Life System. Full-size trucks may have shorter differential and transfer case intervals if used for towing.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Gmc New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Gmc. If you're buying a used 2017 SIERRA 1500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Gmc dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 472 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: HEAVY VIBRATION BETWEEN 1200 RPM AND 1500 RPM ANYWHERE BELOW 45 MPH AND ABOVE 70 MPH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: WAS STOPPED AT STOP LIGHT,WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE. STARTED ROLLING FORWARD AND HAD TO PRESS HARDER ON THE BRAKE. WHEN HOLDING FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL AND IN GEAR PEDAL SLOWLY MOVES DOWN TO THE FLOOR. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHO WAS LUCKILY CLOSE BY. THEY TESTED TRUCK BRAKE'S AND FOUND THE SAME THING. THEY
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: THE VEHICLE WHICH HAS UNDER SEVEN HUNDRED MILES ON IT DOES THE FOLLOWING: WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE STARTS TO MISFIRE, STARTS TO CHUG AND JERK, IT STARTS TO HESITATE AND BECOMES ROUGH. WHEN I CALLED GMC SERVICE DEPARTMENT I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A CODE FOR THIS PROBLEM #PIP5457B BUT THAT CU
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TAKA RECALL WIRELESS CHARGER ON CONSOLE DOES NOT WORK WITH SMART PHONES ONLY ON A VERY SELECT FEW THAT ARE OUT OF DATE MY PHONE BEING THE GALAXY NOTE 9, AND MY FIANCEE'S PHONE IPHONE XR DO NOT CHARGE AND FRANKLY THE MONEY YOU PAY FOR THIS TRUCK TO HAVE AN ACCESSORY OPTION NOT WORK IS RIDICULOUS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Gmc dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)