Electrical System Related Problems of the 2017 GMC Sierra 3500

Table 1 shows one common electrical system related problems of the 2017 GMC Sierra 3500.

Table 1. Electrical System related problems of GMC Sierra 3500

Problem Category Number of Problems
Electrical System problems
3

Electrical System problem #1

Trailer brake system connection warning intermittent when towing it will say trailer not connected, while still having a secure 7 pin connection. This causes me to loose trailer brakes. My camper is nearly 14,000 lbs. Very dangerous situation. Happened since new. Was into / complained to gm service dept over 6 times.

Electrical System problem #2

Service trailer braking system. Faulty control in the dash. Known issue per mechanic but no recall issued. Safety issue as trailer brake may not function properly when towing as a result.

Electrical System problem #3

My truck is affected by gm’s engine block?heater safety recall (NHTSA 21v?496 / gm n212329840) addressing a risk of short circuit and potential engine?compartment fire at the heater cord/terminal connection. Gm’s interim action has been to remove/disable the block?heater cord, which my dealer did, and then marked the recall “completed. ” as a result, the NHTSA VIN tool shows 0 unrepaired recalls, even though no actual repair/restored functionality exists and gm continues to advise owners not to use the block heater until parts are available. Safety concern / impact: I live in a cold?weather area and purchased this diesel expecting a functioning block heater for reliable cold starts. Disabling the heater has removed an intended cold?weather safety/starting aid for multiple winters without a final fix. Gm’s bulletin explicitly allowed dealers to disable the cord to close the recall, rather than provide a repair, leaving owners without the feature indefinitely. Suspiciously, I have also had to replace glow plugs on this truck sooner than traditional wear / failure rates would demand - including one glow plug that has been replaced twice in short span of time (should have lasted years). I continue to monitor gm’s recall portal; still no parts/remedy schedule. Please review whether gm’s chosen remedy—disabling a safety?related feature and closing the recall—is adequate and within a reasonable time under the safety act. If not, I request NHTSA open a recall query into remedy adequacy and timeliness so owners receive a real repair (replacement heater/cord/connector) or appropriate alternative remedies.


Electrical System related problems in other GMC Sierra 3500 model year vehicles:



Sierra 3500 Service Bulletins
Sierra 3500 Safety Recalls
Sierra 3500 Defect Investigations