1997 GMC Sonoma Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1997 GMC Sonoma, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes3624.7%
- Visibility3020.5%
- Airbags96.2%
- Engine96.2%
- Fuel system96.2%
- Transmission96.2%
- Electrical85.5%
- Driver assistance74.8%
- Body & structure53.4%
- Interior & seats42.7%
- Suspension32.1%
- Tires & wheels32.1%
- Exterior lighting32.1%
- Other / unspecified32.1%
- Steering32.1%
- Heating & air conditioning21.4%
- Seat belts21.4%
- Powertrain (other)10.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRAKES ARE INADEQUATE FOR TRUCK. YH
LACK OF SECURITY LOCK FOR THE VEHICLE RESULTED IN SPARE TIRE AND WHEEL THEFT. YH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .