1997 GMC Sonoma
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1991 | 29 |
| 1992 | 25 |
| 1993 | 58 |
| 1994 | 224 |
| 1995 | 213 |
| 1996 | 148 |
| 1997 | 111 |
| 1998 | 156 |
| 1999 | 57 |
| 2000 | 136 |
| 2001 | 89 |
| 2002 | 57 |
| 2003 | 39 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
20% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 22 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX 35 MPH WENT TO HIT BRAKES, BRAKES WENT TO FLOOR ,HIT VEHICLE IN FRONT. THIS DEFECT RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19971103
ABS BRAKES ARE REQUIRING EXCESSIVE FORCE TO SLOW DOWN VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970128
18% of complaints: visibility — 20 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: visibility — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING IN A RAIN STORM, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY AFTER BEING TURNED ON. SOMETIMES THE WIPERS WOULD NOT COME ON BUT THE MOTOR WOULD STILL BE RUNNING. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021008
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY5% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM
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. T
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.
Campaign 97V096001 — check if this car was fixed
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 PO
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
Campaign 97V146001 — check if this car was fixed
DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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 UNI
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.
Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 GMC Sonoma — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V096001 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V146001 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 GMC Sonoma reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 GMC Sonoma is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 GMC Sonoma?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Sonoma have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.