The GMC Sierra is GM’s best-selling competitor to the Ford F-150, and its professional-grade engineering is its key advantage. However, there were some problems with faulty airbags and unintended braking issues.
Key Points
- The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 has had five recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as well as almost 200 registered complaints.
- Two recalls address potentially faulty front airbags that might not deploy in an accident. Over 3.6 million GM vehicles were affected in the first recall.
- A recall affecting nearly 3.5 million GM units was issued for stiff brakes. Included models saw a decrease in power brake assist, requiring more effort from the driver to stop the vehicle.
- Consumers reported issues with engine shudder or stalling on higher mileage vehicles. No official response has been taken to correct the problem.
- While some of its issues are worrisome, most real problems have had a recall sent out to resolve matters. Overall the 2017 Sierra is a recommended buy.
2017 GMC Sierra 1500 has Two Similar Recalls for Airbag Issues
The 2017 GMC Sierra has five recalls, including two similar recalls over front airbags that may not deploy in the event of an accident. In affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the airbag sensor software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the front airbags and the seat belt pretensioners may not occur during a wreck.
The good news is most of the 3.6 million General Motors vehicles involved in the first recall, and many vehicles from the second recall have been remedied.
Stiff Brakes are Among Common Complaints from 2017 GMC Sierra Owners
The 2017 GMC Sierra has almost 200 registered complaints with the NHTSA, and the majority of them address problems with the brakes and powertrain. Owners have reported experiencing issues with a hard brake pedal with little to no stopping power. However, some consumers have complained about this same pedal feel at higher speeds. In most cases, standing firmly on the pedal added enough pressure to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Being one of the most pervasive single complaints of the Sierra, GMC did issue a recall to remedy this issue for owners. As it turns out, the electronic brake control module needs to be reprogrammed as it appears the vacuum pump would decrease the amount of brake assist, therefore increasing the amount of braking effort needed by the driver and delivering a “hard pedal” or “wooden pedal” feel described by many owners.
As of mid-July 2020, over half of the 3.4 million General Motors vehicles included in this recall have been remedied.
2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Faces Ongoing Complaints About Faulty Automatic Braking System
Unresponsive brakes and hard brake pedals were not the only braking issues owners have reported for the Sierra pickup, leading to another recall of braking-related components.
While not as pervasive as the vacuum pump and electronic brake control module issues mentioned above, some consumers noted uneven braking across the vehicle leading the pickup to pull left or right during a stop.
This is due to a software issue causing the vehicle to activate the driveline-protection system which will apply the brake to the wheel on the opposite side of a defective or failing sensor.
General Motors has identified over half a million vehicles that may suffer from this issue. Over 64% of these vehicles have been remedied as of mid-July 2020.
Stalling and Hesitation from the Engine in 2017 Sierras is not Addressed by Recall
While most of the major concerns reported by consumers have been addressed by a formal recall with suitable repairs in place, one issue remains unaddressed by GMC.
Many customer complaints surfaced showing the engine responsiveness to sputter or stall when the accelerator is pressed, leaving many customers to feel unsafe. In most instances, the vehicle was taken to one or more shops that couldn’t duplicate or repair the problem. One reported instance was solved by reprogramming the computer systems controlling the throttle, while others remain unrepaired.
Despite Airbag and Braking Woes, the Sierra is a Recommended Pickup Truck
Ultimately, the 2017 GMC Sierra is a competent entry into the highly competitive full-size pickup truck segment. It commands a premium price tag versus its competition but also delivers a premium experience in top trims. It was its capability, reliability, and overall premium nature that lead us to recommend the top two trims in a previous article as a premium and luxurious pickup for the modern consumer.
Photos: GMC
