1997 GMC Sonoma: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 111 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (29% of complaints); the 1999 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 gmc sonoma. While driving 25 mph on a steep hill, the vehicle stalled. The dealer replaced the ignition switch. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000. Updated 10/02/14*lj updated 3/6/2015*js”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 gmc sonoma. While driving approximately 35 mph, the driver heard a loud popping sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The driver inspected the vehicle and noticed that the front and rear frame was cracked. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 145,261.”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2012
“I had a 97 gmc sonoma that I was going down a dirt road about 30-35 mph and swerved to miss a truck coming on my side of the road and lost traction and flipped over a hill and rolled 3 times and the airbags didnt deploy and the drivers seatbelt snapped . *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2012
Show 7 more owner reports
“Unable to stop due to brake pedal going all the way to the floor! Brake pedal and accelerator pedal are positioned too close, and when brake pedal is all the way down, foot comes in contact with accelerator pedal, making it impossible to stop! This is apparently a common problem with these gmc pickups, as I had the same problem with a 1991 gmc sonoma. In this case, I could have avoided a collision, but could not stop, even though I had applied the brakes with plenty of force. Gm should be held responsible for this major defect, which was not corrected from at least 1991 through 1997 -- and probably beyond! *js”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2012
“The key used to stick in the ignition and release itself after a short time. Then the key would not release, and when the key came out the vehicle could still be started, then the steering wheel locked and the key came out, but when placed back in, would not unlock the steering wheel nor would it turn the ignition cylinder. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2008
“I have encountered trouble with my windshield wipers. They go on and off intermittently. I am assuming the problem is the pulse wiper relay, and was wondering if there was a recall for this product. I was driving in heavy rain when this occurred, and there was nearly a collision. Please let me know if there are any recalls for this part. Thank you. *tr”Owner report · Visibility · Oct 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 gmc sonoma. The vehicle has tbc stampede radial a/t tires, size p205/75/r15 (na). The contact noticed that all four tires have bulges in the lower white sidewalls, which indicates separation between the two lower sidewall components. The dealer stated that this was a normal characteristic of the tires. The contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer in reference to NHTSA campaign id number 08t006000 (tires:sidewall). The failure and current mileages were 18,000. Updated 09/16/08 *bf updated 09/19/08. *jb”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2007
“While driving down the road, my air bag light on the dashboard , goes on and the engine quits. If the steering wheel air bag is tapped, the light goes off and the engine can be restarted. Very scary. *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2006
“Windshield wiper motor failure wipers work intermittently and some times not at all.I took my vehicle to a repair shop they informed there had been recalls on this condition involving several gm vehicles including mine. When I took my vehicle to a gm repair shop they told me my vehicle was not included in the recall because it was the 4wd model and not the 2wd model I'm shocked that the same year same model but not 4wd is included. I would really like to know why my vehicle is excluded ? When it has the exact conditions of the others recalled.”Owner report · Visibility · Jul 2005
“The headlight blinkers are not functioning. They called gm, and they said it was not a recall. They felt that this was a safety issue. *ak the gas tank gauge went out. The dealer stated that this was normal and would not fix it. *sc *jb”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · May 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 14 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.3L ENGINES. THE FRONT BRAKE LINE CAN CONTACT THE LEFT-HAND SIDE OF THE ENGINE OIL PAN CAUSING THE BRAKE LINE TO WEAR TO THE POINT OF BRAKE FLUID LOSS DURING BRAKE APPLICATION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND THE BRAKE LINE. IF THE CLEARANCE IS 6MM OR LESS, DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL BRAKE LINE CLIP AND IF THERE WAS CONTACT BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND BRAKE LINE, THE FRONT BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 60/40 FRONT BENCH SEATS AND EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND 2-DOOR UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL LOCKING RECLINER BUCKET SEATS. THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE DRIVER'S AND/OR PASSENGER'S SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sonoma by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 GMC Sonoma reliable?
NHTSA has 111 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 GMC Sonoma. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 GMC Sonoma problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 66,000 miles or less.
Does the 1997 GMC Sonoma have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.