How many problems does the 1997 GMC Sonoma have?

The 1997 GMC Sonoma currently has 134 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1997 GMC Sonoma?

The most common problems reported for the 1997 GMC Sonoma are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1997 GMC Sonoma problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1997 GMC Sonoma comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

1997 GMC Sonoma Problems

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

32 complaints

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

Apr 16, 2012

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

WHENEVER BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THEY WOULD MAKE A LOT OF SQUEALING NOISES IN THE FRONT, CONSUMER TOOK TO DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE NOISE WAS NORMAL, FRONT BRAKE PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ONCE AT 20000 MILES AND ANOTHER TIME AT 32000 MILES, BRAKES WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. *SLC

Jun 27, 2001

BRAKE PEDAL WILL GO STRAIGHT TO FLOOR UNDER HEAVY BRAKING IF TRAVELING ON ANY UNEVEN SURFACE. BRAKES NEED TO BE RECALIBRATED. DEALER WOULDN'T ACKNOWLEDGE RECALL. CONSUMER HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET THIS FIXED SINCE 1998.*AK

Mar 30, 2001

REAR BRAKE LINE IS ROUTED- (1) FROM MASTER CYLINDER (2) DOWN PAST DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT OF VEHICLE (3) ACROSS ROUGH BODY BRACKET. THIS CAUSES THE BRAKE LINE TO BE WORN IN 2 PLACES CAUSING LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID AND BRAKE FAILURE. THERE IS A USELESS PIECE OF SPRING-LIKE SHEILDING WHICH THE AFOREMENTIONED BRACKET CAN EASILY SEPARATE/SLIDE BETWEEN AND BEGIN CUTTING THE BRAKE LINE, RENDERING THE REAR BRAKES COMPLETELY DISABLED AND THE ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM SUSEPTABLE TO THE INTRODUCTION OF AIR IN THE LINES.*AK

Mar 12, 2001

WHEN MAKING A TURN VEHICLE WILL LOSE BRAKING POWER DUE TO THE WIRE COMING FROM ABS COMPUTER AND RUNNING TO FRONT DISC BRAKES, CAUSED BRAKE FAILURE. *AK

Jan 24, 2001

+ 27 more complaints for this component

VISIBILITY

28 complaints

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

Nov 30, 2008

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

Oct 31, 2005

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

Sep 20, 2005

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.

Jul 15, 2005

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

Jan 06, 2004

+ 23 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

7 complaints

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

Dec 11, 2003

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVNG AND TRYING TO CHANGE GEARS THE RPM WILL REV UP. CONTACTED DEALER. *MR

Oct 04, 2002

VEHICLE WILL STICK IN 4 WHEEL HIGH, CAUSING EXCESSIVE GAS USAGE AND VEHICLE WILL ALSO SHAKE.*AK CONSUMER STATED IT ALSO ALTERNATED BETWEEN 2 WHEEL AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE, REPAIRS WERE MADE. *SLC

Jun 13, 2002

I DON,T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR MY REPAIRS AND WANTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT IN CASE SOMEBODY ELSE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. NO SAFETY DEFECT STATED. *AK

Jul 02, 2001

THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT SEEMED TO HEAL UP BUT IT JUST CAME BACK AGAIN. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP HAVE HAD PROBLEMS FIXING THE PROBLEM, THEY HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED OTHER GM VEHICLES WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS. GM HAVE BEEN CONTACTED AND THEIR ATTITUDE IS THAT THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE 4L60E TRANSMISSION AND NOT IN ANY SAVANA VANS. THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING FOR US AS THE NONE GM WARRANTY HAVE COVERED MOST OF THE COST. WHAT ABOUT THE LACK OF VEHICLE THE FACT THAT IT HAD LESS THAN 70K ON THE CLOCK AND THIS IS THE SECOND VEHICLE WE HAVE OWNED WITH A SIMILAR PROBLEM. WE ARE UNABLE TO GET ANY ASSISTANCE IN FINDING OUT IF THERE IS A PROBLEM OR A FLAWED COMPONENT IN THE TRANSMISSION. WE HAVE HAD GM VEHICLES FOR APPROXIMATELY 8 YEARS AND UP UNTIL THE LAST YEAR OR SO HAVE NEVER HAD ANY REASON TO COMPLAIN. WE WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM. THE DATE OF FAILURE IS NOT THE EXACT DATE THAT THIS PROBLEM CAME TO OUR ATTENTION, IT IS A CLOSE GUESS. *AK

Jul 19, 2000

+ 2 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

6 complaints

AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN A WRECK. TRUCK WAS TOTALED WITH MAJOR DAMAGE TO RIGHT FRONT. *JB

Mar 16, 2004

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 30 MPH. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK *ML

Feb 23, 2000

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

THE VEHICLE HIT 2 TREES HEAD-ON AT 50MPH, AND THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK

Feb 14, 2000

Crash: 1

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT 35 MPH CONSUMER WAS FORCE OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED FRONT FIRST INTO A TREE. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *AK

Jan 14, 2000

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

VEHICLE HIT A TREE HEAD-ON AND FLIPPED OVER INTO ANOTHER LANE AT 30 TO 35MPH, AND NEITHER DRIVER'S SIDE NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. DEALER HASN'T SEEN VEHICLE. *AK

Dec 20, 1999

Crash: 1

+ 1 more complaint for this component

STEERING

6 complaints

WHEN CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN, THE VEHICLE JERKED SUDDENLY, THE DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THE STEERING POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TS *JB

Aug 29, 2002

STEERING SPEED SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED

Apr 18, 2000

STEERING JUMPS ERATICALLY INTO NEXT LANE UPON SHALLOW TURNS SOMETIMES???? 3 OUT OF EVERY TURNS, USALLY LEFT, ARE JUST FINE BUT THAT ODBALL TURN ERRATICALLY JUMPS INTO THE TURN UNEXSPECTEDLY HARSH. THIS HAS POSED A REAL PROBLEM IN THAT ON THE FREEWAY AT 70 MPH IN SHALLOW BANKS YOU DONT KNOW IF IT IS GOING TO BE FINE AR IF YOU MUST HOLD ON FOR DEAR LIFE. I HAD THIS PROBLEM REPAIRED ONCE ON THE VEHICLE AT ABOUT 30,000 MILES AND SUPOSEDLY THEY CHANGED THE GEAR BOX. I HAVE 45,000 ON IT NOW AND IT HAS BEEN DOING IT AGAIN FOR ABOUT THE PAST 5,000 MILES. IT IS PROGRESSIVLY GETTING WORSE AND MORE DANGEROUS. I WAS MAILED A COUPON FROM MY DEALER FOR A POWER STEERING POWER FLUSH THAT SAID IT GETS RID OF "THAT JERKY FEELING". THAT JERK FEELING AT 70 MPH COULD BE DEADLY! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. *AK

Jan 26, 2000

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

Jul 06, 1999

WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS IN TILT POSITION GAUGES ARE NOT VISIBLE. YH

Feb 01, 1999

+ 1 more complaint for this component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 complaints

DANGEROUS! THROTTLE STUCK OPEN WHEN A COMPONENET RIVETED TO BUTTERFLY "BLADE" BROKE OFF AND LODGED CAUSING ALMOST WIDE OPEN THROTTLE - ENGINE HAD TO BE SHUTOFF TO AVOID ACCIDENT.*AK

Jun 20, 2002

VEHICLE STARTS W/ A JERK WHEN ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED FROM A STOP. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, WITH MANY NEEDING AN EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT AT LOW VEHICLE MILAGES. CUSTOMER SHOULD NOT BE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR THIS UPDATE BECAUSE OF A DESIGN FLAW.*AK

May 25, 2002

I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN IT BEGAN TO ACCELLERATE UNCONTROLLABLY. IT CONTINUED TO ACCELLERATE WITH MY FOOT COMPLETELY REMOVED FROM THE ACCELLERATOR. AT THE TIME THIS WAS HAPPENING I WAS IN SOME TRAFFIC AND BY BRAKING HEAVILY TO SLOW THE VEHICLE I WAS ABLE TO SLOW IT ENOUGH TO PREVENT BEING INVOLVED IN ANY KIND OF INCIDENT. I THEN PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD AND DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH. WITH THE CLUTCH DEPRESSED THE TRUCKS ACCELLERATOR CONTINUED TO ACCELLERATE UNCONTROLLABLY TOWARDS THE REDLINE SO I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF.I THEN RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND IT SEEMED TO HAVE BECOME UNSTUCK. I WAS ONLY ABOUT A QUARTER OF A MILE FROM A MECHANIC'S SHOP THAT I WAS FAMILIAR WITH AND TRIED TO GET THERE. AS I ACCELLERATED THROUGH THE GEARS THE THROTTLE AGAIN BECAME STUCK AND BEGAN TO ACCELLERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. I SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE AND COASTED TO THE SHOP. THE MECHANIC THERE FIRST CHECKED THE CABLES THE BE SURE THEY WERE NOT BINDING. HE THEN REMOVED THE BREATHER ASSEMBLY TO CHECK THE THROTTLE BODY TO SEE IF IT WAS BECOMING STUCK. WHEN HE OPENED IT HE SAW THAT A PIECE THAT WAS ATTACHED BY RIVETS TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE FRONT PORTION OF THE BUTTERFLY VALE HAD PARTIALLY BROKEN LOOSE. IT WAS THEN OBVIOUS THAT THIS WAS WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE GMC CUSTOMER SERVICE(RELATIONS) DEPARTMENT . I WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER (C04730917)AND TOLD THAT A DEALER WOULD HAVE TO DO THE WORK IF I WERE TO HAVE ANY CHANCE OF BEING REIMBURSED FOR THE WORK. I TOLD THE PERSON I THE PHONE THAT I FELT THAT THIS WAS DEFINITELY A SAFETY CONCERN. SHE TOLD ME TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AND THEY WOULD DETERMINE IF THIS WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. I TRUELY BELEAVE THAT IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS THIS COULD HAPPEN AT ANY PLACE AT ANY TIME AND SOMEONE ELSE MAY NOT BE AS LUCK AS I WAS TO BE IN A GOOD PLACE TO GET OFF OF THE ROAD BEFORE SOMETHING HAPPENED AND CAUSED ME TO BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. I WAS DRIVING IN THE MOUNTIANS SATURDAY WITH MY NEPHEW. *AK

Jun 29, 2001

CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTION. YH

Feb 01, 1999

WHILE DRIVING THE GAS PEDAL WILL TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT ANY MANUAL OPERATION AND THE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY ACCELERATE TO EXCEED 2000 RPM. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Sep 18, 1998

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

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

Aug 11, 2014

I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT AN ACCIDENT TO NHTSA. I WAS DRIVING A 25 FOOT GMC PENSKE TRUCK FROM FLORIDA TO VIRGINIA ON AUG 16TH, 2000 WHEN THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE UNEXPECTEDLY AND BURNED EVERY MATERIAL ITEM THAT I OWNED, INCLUDING MY 2000 TOYOTA CELICA THAT WAS BEING TOWED ON A CARRIER. I WAS LUCKY TO ESCAPE WITH SINGED LEG HAIR, AND SMOKE INHALATION AS I LITERALLY HAD TO BAIL OUT OF THE CAB AND RUN FOR MY LIFE. THE FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL WAS ON THE SCENE AS I95 WAS COMPLETELY CLOSED DOWN. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM PENSKE'S INSURANCE COMPANY GHALLAGER AND BASSETT, TOLD ME THAT SUCH ENGINE FIRES HAD OCCURED APPROXIMATELY 6 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS. ALSO I KNOW OF A COUPLE WHO WAS IN A SIMILAR INCIDENT, DRIVING A PENSKE RENTAL TRUCK FROM SOUTH CAROLINA TO FLORIDA WHEN THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR OF MY ACCIDENT FROM PALM BEACH GARDENS FIRE DEPARTMENT IN FLORIDA, DETERMINED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, AND GMC HAS CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I WAS TOLD THE YEAR OF THE TRUCK WAS 1993 BY A FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICER BASED ON THE VIN, BUT GMC CLAIMS IT WAS A 1997 VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE IF THERE HAVE BEEN SIMILAR INCIDENTS IN THE PAST, AND TAKE ACTION TO ENSURE THAT OTHER PEOPLES LIVES AND BELONGINGS ARE NOT IN DANGER. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Oct 18, 2000

Fire: 1

Injuries: 1

VEHICLE CONTINUALLY EXPERIENCED REPEATED BLOWN OUT BRAKE LIGHT FUSE, DUE TO A SHORT AT FIREWALL. *MJS

Mar 08, 2000

EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE.

Mar 19, 1999

STRUCTURE

4 complaints

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.

Sep 05, 2012

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.

May 11, 2005

TAILGATE CABLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE SNAPPED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LOOP. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE CABLE ENDS WERE NOT PROPERLY SEALED WHEN MANUFACTURED. AS A RESULT WATER WAS ABLE TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE CABLE CAUSING IT TO RUST. *AK *NM

Dec 10, 2003

KEYLESS ENTRY TRANSMITTER FAILED.

Jun 03, 1998

TIRES

4 complaints

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

Jul 14, 2008

THE STEAL CABLE HOLDING THE SPARE TIRE UNDER THE VEHICLE BECAME FRAYED AND STARTED TO BREAK ONE STEEL STRAND AT A TIME UNTIL THERE WAS A COMPLETE FAILURE. THIS CAUSED THE SPARE TIRE TO FALL FROM UNDER VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION. THIS PRESENTS A "SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD" FOR ANY VEHICLES FOLLOWING AT THE TIME OF A FAILURE. *JB

Jun 24, 2003

SPARE TIRE CABLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING TIRE TO FALL ONTO ROADWAY, ALMOST CAUSING A COLLISION.*AK

Jun 17, 2003

TREAD AND SIDEWALL ARE SEPARATING ON THE TIRES. SIZE# 2357515 DOT UNKNOWN (108S M+S)EXTRA LOAD, 2183 POUND CAPACITY, TREADWEAR, 500, NARROW WHITE WALL. *AK THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED 3-4 INCHES OF BUBBLE PROTRUSION NEXT TO THE RIM ON THE LEFT/FRONT/LEFT/REAR TIRES, AND ON THE LAST INCIDENT THE CONSUMER FOUND IT HARD TO CONTROL THE STEERING. WHEN THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND SAW THE FRONT TIRES, THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE HAD TWO OR THREE LARGE LUMPS PROTRUDING IN THE TREAD. *SCC

May 28, 2002

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4 complaints

CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER, DEALER WAS REPLACING THE ENGINE. *AK

Aug 01, 2003

ENGINE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY.

Jul 29, 1998

CONSTANT VIBRATION FROM ENGINE DUE TO A MISSING ENGINE MOUNT.

May 18, 1998

OIL COOLER LINE LOCATED TOO CLOSE TO OIL PAN, RUBS AGAINST UNIT.

Mar 03, 1998

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 complaints

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

Jun 27, 2005

DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS FAILED. NLM

Feb 01, 1999

DAYTIME DRIVING LIGHTS ARE TOO BRIGHT; THEY ARE HIGH BEAMS AND VERY IRRITATING, DRIVER TURNS EYES AWAY FROM THEM. ALSO, ON SOME OF THESE MODELS THESE LIGHTS ARE VERY CLOSE TO EACH OTHER, GIVING A FALSE SENSE OF LON GDISTANCE, COULD CAUSE ACCIDENTS. *AK

Sep 04, 1997

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 complaints

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.

Jan 13, 2004

FUEL GAUGE QUIT, NEVER RESUMED, DEALER VERY UNRESPONSIVE,SAFETY ISSUE

Sep 26, 1999

GAS CAP BROKEN.

Jun 03, 1998

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

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

Nov 02, 2005

LOOSE STABILIZER MOUNT IN FRONT END WHICH CAUSED PINGING WHENEVER HITTING BUMP.

Jun 03, 1998

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

2 complaints

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

Aug 25, 2005

THE TOP DOOR LATCH FOR THE THIRD DOOR (EXTENDED CAB) CRACKED AND FELL OFF WHEN I OPENED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR! THE LATCH CRACKED COMPLETELY IN HALF AT THE TWO RIVVET HOLES THAT MOUNT THE CATCH TO THE UPPER DOOR FRAME. THE LATCH SECURES BOTH THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND REAR DOOR AT THE TOP OF THE DOOR FRAME. NOW THAT THE "U" SHAPED LATCH HAS BROKEN, ONLY THE SINGLE BOTTOM LATCH HOLDS THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CLOSED. THE DRIVER'S SHOLDER AND LAP BELT IS ATTACHED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. MY FEAR IS THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR MAY SPRING OPEN DURING AN ACCIDENT AND THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT SECURE THE DRIVER. *AK

Jun 12, 2001

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

2 complaints

GAS GAUGE HAS STOPPED WORKING, AND CORRECT GAS LEVEL WILL NOT REGISTER PROPERLY. *AK

Apr 01, 2002

GAS GAUGE DOES NOT INDICATE WHEN VEHICLE IS OUT OF GAS. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE ONE NEVER KNOWS WHEN HE IS RUNNING OUT OF GAS.*AK

Aug 06, 2001

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

WHEN DRIVING AND UPON DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE A NORMAL STOP THERE IS A DELAY IN BRAKING, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH RESULTED IN A NEAR ACCIDENT. ALSO, NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM FRONT BRAKE. RECALL NUMBER 97V146001 REGARDING A BRAKE LINE, VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT 62000 MILES. CONSUMER STATES FRONT BRAKES CONTINUE TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED WITH HEAVY FOOT. *SLC

Feb 08, 2001

INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. THROTTLE FAILES TO COME TO IDLE AT STOP. STAYS AT HIGH SPEED. GROWLING FROM TRANS-CLUTCH AREA - HARD SHIFT - CLUTCH FAILURE. *YC

Oct 21, 1999

SEATS

2 complaints

WHILE WAITING AT A STOP LIGHT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK TO COLLAPSE BACKWARDS, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S HEAD HAD WENT THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW. VEHICLE AT REPAIR SHOP. DRIVER HAD EMERGENCY ROOM TREATMENT. *AK

Oct 26, 1999

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

REAR SEAT LOCK THAT ALLOWS SEAT TO FOLD DOWN FAILED.

Feb 01, 1999

WHEELS

2 complaints

WAS GOING INTO A CURB & FELT A VIBRATION OF SORT & THEN NOTICED THE LEFT REAR WHEEL ROLLING PAST. HAD TO STOP VEHICLE & CHECK. NOTICED THE LUGS & BOLTS HAD POPPED OFF & LOOSENED WHEEL & HUB. TOOK TO DEALER & WAS INFORMED OWNER'S FAULT. PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPAIRED. *AK

Jul 21, 1999

WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNING AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS NOT BEING APPLIED, THE WHEELS LOCK UP WHEN IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE. DEALER SAYS IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE LIKE THAT. *AK

Oct 14, 1997

SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES BECAUSE IF FAILS TO EXTEND OUT FOR BUCKLING. IN OTHER WORDS, THE PASSENGER CANNOT PULL OUT THE SNAGGED SEAT BELT, THEREFORE, THE PASSENGER IS WITHOUT SEATBELT CONNECTION. THE DEALER ADVISED ME THEY'VE HAD LOTS OF PROBLEMS WITH THESE SEATBELTS AND REPLACEMENT IS NOT UNCOMMON. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT. *AK

Apr 21, 1999

PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT, WHEN IN USE, WILL MAKE A CLICKING NOISE. AT THIS POINT YOU CAN NOT MOVE THE SEAT BELT OUT AND IF YOU PRESS BACK INTO THE SEAT THE BELT FOLLOWS AND ALLOWS NO GIVE. THE BELT MUST BE RELEASED, RETRACTED ALL THE WAY IN AND PULLED BACK OUT AND REHOOKED. IT MAY WORK OR YOU MAY HAVE TO REPEAT THE PROCEDURE UNTIL IT DOES WORK. AFTER GETTING IT WORKING IN A NORMAL WAY, WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE PASSENGER MAY MOVE FORWARDED, THE CLICKING NOISE AND LOCK UP OCCURS ANEW AND THE PROCESS MUST BE REPEATED. I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE DEALER FIXING THE PROBLEM. IT ENTAILS HIM ORDERING A NEW BELT AND INSTALLING IT. TO THIS DATE IT HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND IT GOING OUT AGAIN.

Nov 25, 1998

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

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

Aug 20, 2014

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

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

Nov 25, 2012

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

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

Jan 04, 2011

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

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

Nov 09, 2008

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

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

Jun 17, 2006

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

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

Apr 05, 2005

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

1 complaint

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

Dec 25, 2004

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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.

Jan 15, 2004

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

I HAVE A 1997 GMC SONOMA S.N. [XXX]. I HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF THINGS WRONG WITH IT. AIR CONDITIONER (A/C) WENT OUT, THE MOTOR MOUND BROKE, THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN, THE BRAKES FAIL, THE VALVES ARE TAPPING, MAIN FRONT BEARING SEAL IS LEAKING, BLINKERS ARE NOT WORKING,OIL IS LEAKING ON TOP OF ENGINE BY A/C, WATER IS LEAKING FROM HEATING COIL, WATER PUMP IS OUT NOW,GOD THAT IS ONLY SOME OF THE THINGS. I HAVE HAD IT 1YR. 7 MON. WHAT CAN I DO? I GOT THE WARRANTY. AND THANK GOD I DID. *LA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Oct 26, 2003

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

WHILE TRAVELING AT 40 MPH HIT AN ENBANKMENT HEAD-ON, AND DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. *AK CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. CONSUMER STATES ACCELERATOR STICKS AT TIMES. KEYS CAN NOT BE REMOVED, PROBLEM SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE. *SLC

Jun 25, 2001

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

A MALFUNCTION WITHIN ELECTRICAL MOTOR FOR 4 WHEEL DRIVE TRANSFER CASE CAUSES A FUSE TO BLOW, AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE FEATURE TO MALFUNCTION. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Feb 23, 2001

VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

THE 1996 CHEVROLET S-10, WAS RECALLED FOR THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, AND THE DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM EXPLAINS MINE PERFECTLY. WHEN I TRIED TO TURN THEM ON, THEY WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF FOR NO REASON. FINALLY, THEY JUST QUIT WORKING. IT'S EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WITH NO WIPERS IN THE RAIN.*AK

Nov 28, 2000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

AIR CONDITIONING FAILED AS WELL, AFTER ARGUING WITH DEALER EACH TIME GOT A RENTAL VEHICLE AND REPAIRS WERE MADE. TRUCK IS UNDEPENDABLE! WANT A VEHICLE BUY BACK!

May 09, 1999

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

BRAKES: WHEN DRIVING AND APPLYING THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE WAS VERY HARD TO STOP. THERE WAS A LEAKY BRAKE LINE, HAD DISC PADS ON BOTH SIDES REPLACED. HAD TO HAVE STEERING BOX REPLACED AT 9000 MILES. *AK

Oct 29, 1997

1997 GMC Sonoma Problems & Complaints

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