1997 GMC Sonoma
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Sonoma › 1997
These records cover every 1997 GMC Sonoma. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1997 GMC Sonoma. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
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: 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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Brake fluid loss can reduce braking effectiveness and increase stopping distances resulting in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If a separation occurred and there were secondary crash events or vehicle rollover, there would be no belt restraint of the occupant and increased injuries could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will install a protective cover over the recliner mechanism.
Owner complaints
111 complaints14 involved a crash10 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine
Approx one mile from home as I was approaching a stop sign engine suddenly shut off. After a few seconds managed to restart engine. Engine shut down twice more before arriving back home. At home was unable to restart engine had vehicle towed to gmc/buick dealership. Dealership found that problem…
Approx one mile from home as I was approaching a stop sign engine suddenly shut off. After a few seconds managed to restart engine. Engine shut down twice more before arriving back home. At home was unable to restart engine had vehicle towed to gmc/buick dealership. Dealership found that problem was defective ignition switch assembly. Replaced ignition switch at a cost of $600.23, I was informed vehicle was not on current recall list. If not, why not. Thank god I was not on interstate with a 16 wheeler behind me. I contacted GMC customer assistance requested to be reimbursed for above cost. request denied because vehicle not on recall list. I also have a 2004 cadillac which IS on recall list for ignition switch never received recall letter until I complained at above customer service they did send me recall letter concerning cadillac. Unable to have switch repaired because cadillac dealer cannot get parts. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
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
- Air bags · Seat belts · Structure › Body
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
- Structure › Body
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.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
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…
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
- Fuel system, other · Vehicle speed control
Vehicle throttle sticks at 1500rpm and will stick above 1500rpm if downshifted or increasing speed. The only way to lower the rpm to idle IS shift to neutral a n d come to a complete stop -- firmly holding brake to maximum depression and then only after a few second delay. Upon entering any gear…
Vehicle throttle sticks at 1500rpm and will stick above 1500rpm if downshifted or increasing speed. The only way to lower the rpm to idle IS shift to neutral a n d come to a complete stop -- firmly holding brake to maximum depression and then only after a few second delay. Upon entering any gear [automatic xmsn] the rpm will again go to 1500, but if brake pedal remains depressed for about 10sec the rpm will go back to idle. Any slick roads or mountain/steep downhill driving IS extremely hazardous! Check engine stays on and computer reading calls for replacement of a sensor which has been replaced 3 times. The directions say to let the new sensor "break in" by idling for 20 minutes minimum prior to driving. It does not work! This IS a faulty design wherein a sensor or component malfunction results in throttle boost beyond operator control and IS often at rpm's above 2500 !!! The malfunction IS permanent and the incident occurs every day the vehicle IS driven !!! *Tr
- Visibility
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
- Electrical system
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
- Tires › Sidewall
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…
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
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module · Electrical system
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
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
At 85,687 miles, I had to replace all four ball joints on my 1997 GMC sonoma 4X4. genuine gm parts were used for the replacement. I currently have 127,532 miles on those ball joints and all four of them need replaced again!!!!. this mean that these genuine gm parts have 41,845 miles on them and…
At 85,687 miles, I had to replace all four ball joints on my 1997 GMC sonoma 4X4. genuine gm parts were used for the replacement. I currently have 127,532 miles on those ball joints and all four of them need replaced again!!!!. this mean that these genuine gm parts have 41,845 miles on them and are bad again!!!! After calling gm to ask for some help with a warranty on the parts, of course there IS nothing they can do for me. *Jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Dt: the contact said windshield wipers were working intermittently. This has been an ongoing problem for six months. The vehicle has not been taken to a dealer for diagnostics on the problem. She has not made any arrangements for repairs at this time. *Ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Dt: the caller complained about a windshield wiper motor problem. it will work in light rain, but not in heavy rain. he had to pull off the road. There was a recall on other vehicles, but this vehicle was not included due to vin. Manufacturer said it was a blanket recall and the time has run out on it.*ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Tailgate › Latch
Dt: 1997 GMC sonoma. the consumer states the tailgate cable on the driver side broke while he was standing on it. the passenger side also broke. the vehicle has been repaired. he contacted GMC, and they told him if there was a recall he would be reimbursed. he did not want to pay to have this fixed. he took cables from another type of vehicle and fixed it himself. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
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…
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.
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal
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
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
While reaching to unload a couch I was on the tailgate of my 1997 GMC sonoma. Both tailgate straps broke at the same time causing the tailgate to crash down. The force that the tailgate went down and hit the bumper put dents on both sides of the tailgate. At this tim I have not replaced the straps or fixed the dents. I do plan on calling the dealership and orderng the parts.
- Electrical system › Ignition · Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Exterior lighting › Hazard flashing warning lights › Switch · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system · Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system · Power train · Power train › Manual transmission · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
We have a 1997 GMC sonoma with a votrec 4.3 x. over 2 years ago, we started getting misfires. We tried everything we could think of, to no avail. In the past month I've put over $500 alone. I have been looking it up on-line, and have realized, I'm not the only one with this issue. There has even…
We have a 1997 GMC sonoma with a votrec 4.3 x. over 2 years ago, we started getting misfires. We tried everything we could think of, to no avail. In the past month I've put over $500 alone. I have been looking it up on-line, and have realized, I'm not the only one with this issue. There has even been a recall in california, but only there. gm told me they have different gas out there. another major safety issue has been the wiper motor failure, that had a recall. Gm told me my vin # was not on the list, but I battle my wipers at least once a month. I have to yank the blades half way up the window before they grab and start to work. One more problem that I now know I am not alone on IS the issue with dex-cool. We have flushed and refilled the system at least three times, only to have it gunk-up again. Please help me and all the other customers who got trapped with junk vehicles. We have had too many other failures to count!*ak
- Service brakes, air › Antilock
On dec.24, 2004 I was driving my 1997 GMC sonoma with 31000 miles on the odometer when I experienced total brake failure without any warning. The truck has ABS brakes. I was able to stop the truck without out an accident but only by sheer luck. *Ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Vehicle has a faulty windshield wiper motor.*mr product recall notification was sent from general motors to the consumer, but the dealership failed to reimburse the consumer for repairs made for the above mentioned defect. *cb *jb
- Engine and engine cooling · Equipment · Fuel system, gasoline · Service brakes, hydraulic · Unknown or other
Since day one of getting the truck, I notice that the gas tank meter was broke. Brought it back in to them for meter plus the brake system. They fixed the meter problem but they said needed brake pads changed. So I went home changed the brake pad, rotor, drums. Went back in ever since then till now…
Since day one of getting the truck, I notice that the gas tank meter was broke. Brought it back in to them for meter plus the brake system. They fixed the meter problem but they said needed brake pads changed. So I went home changed the brake pad, rotor, drums. Went back in ever since then till now for coolant, knocking of engine, a/c, main engine seal gaskets, brackets, fuel system, motor mounts, belts, seals, nipples, studs, fan clutch, pulleys, plus brakes are still failing,(went on line found out brakes are recalled they failed to tell me that). As far as I can see the motor IS bad. the truck has cost me money out of pocket, work time, as well as my own on a persistent basis. The truck IS junk.
- Air bags
Airbag did not deploy in a wreck. Truck was totaled with major damage to right front. *Jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Repairs were made to defective wiper motor on 1997 GMC sonoma. *mr the consumer requested the other half of the refund, since the vehicle was recalled. *sc the consumer was told the remainder of the refund was in the mail, however the consumer stated he had not received a check.*jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Fuel pump failed on interstate highway bridge between ky. And oh. this was the 2ND. Fuel pump failure. the first one failed while the vehicle was still under warranty.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The automatic transmission on my 1997 GMC sonoma quit working with only 66,000 miles on the odometer. I'm told this IS common.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Driver's seat belt buckle assembly
On february 18, 2004, odi opened this recall query (rq) based on two fatality reports involving my 1997 gm S-10 pickup trucks.each report alleged that the belted driver occupant was ejected in a multiple-rotation rollover crash.the my 1997 s/t series pickups use an energy-absorbing loop in the driver seat belt that…
On february 18, 2004, odi opened this recall query (rq) based on two fatality reports involving my 1997 gm S-10 pickup trucks.each report alleged that the belted driver occupant was ejected in a multiple-rotation rollover crash.the my 1997 s/t series pickups use an energy-absorbing loop in the driver seat belt that allows the webbing to elongate up to 10 inches (to mitigate driver injury in frontal crashes).gm also used this energy-absorbing loop seat belt design in my1997 s/t series utility vehicles (chevrolet blazer, GMC jimmy and oldsmobile bravada).gm conducted a safety recall campaign (03v-117) to replace the driver seat belt in these utility vehilces based on a higher fatality rate of ejected belted drivers in rollover crashes.both fatal crashes are severe rollover crashes (multiple-rotation rollover) and both vehicles sustained damage to the roof structure.odi reviewed the field data performance of the subject vehicles and compared them to peer vehicles using nhtsa's fatality analysis reporting system (fars) database.the fars data did not indicate a field performance trend for the subject vehicle.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will monitor this issue and take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
- ABS braking system
This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v-193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10139019This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 100135724WD models with noise, vibration on dry pavement.
- 10010375Service engine soon light and p0300 when towing, cruising uphill or on hard acceleration.
- 10010270Heat coming from vents with hvac off.
- 10009647Driver information center (dic) stays in bulb check.
- 10007838Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan.
- 10007717Engine coolant leak at intake gasket. * mj
- 100063634.3 L35 LU3 rattle or buzz noise from engine. Sit bulletin 1457619.
- 100055664L60-e automatic transmission oil pump first and second design identification.
- 10004354Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) IS on; the transmission IS stuck in third gear; and / or the instrument cluster IS inoperative.
- 10004301Rattle noise in engine.
- 10002567Windshield wiper failure due to cracked boulder joints on the controller circuit board. This special policy covers the condition for a period of seven years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service regardless of ownership or for these vehicles currently outside of this coverage until february 29, 2004.
- 10001125Special policy adjustment - windshield wiper motor failures.
- 10000749Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds on various models including the 1995 and 1996 envoy.
- 10000062Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds.
- 636523Information on over torquing or a reverse bedrail installation.
- 634999Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case. 2006 and prior cars and light duty trucks.
- 634218Subject regarding rust in cooling system, heater inoperative, blows cold air, engine overheats (flush cooling system). Nlm
- 631292Some customers may comment that the third door IS hard to open and/or the door handle may be broken for 1996-2002 chevrolet and GMC s/t extended cab pickup models.. *Slc
- 629723Concerns with excessive effort or breaking of the third door handle on extended cab pick ups.
- 626507Subject regarding necessary resurfacing of the park brake drum.
- 625141Customers may comment that the seat recliner handle IS stripped.
- 623086Some customers may comment that the heater IS inoperative, blows cold air, engine may exhibit an overheat condition or the coolant reservoir has rust in it.
Every GMC Sonoma model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.