27 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.
Most common 1997 GMC Sonoma problems
35 of the 111 complaints (32%) are about the brakes.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes
22
4
0
1
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
19
0
0
0
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
7
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
4
0
0
0
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags
4
4
0
2
Fuel System, Other · fuel system
3
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine
3
0
0
0
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
2
0
0
0
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments · body and frame
2
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc · brakes
2
1
0
2
3 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices07E021000
Filed Mar 12, 2007742 vehiclesDelphi
Defect. 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. 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings97V146001
Defect. 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. 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.
Filed Jun 12, 1997586,058 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. 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. 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.
All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Engine
Filed Aug 20, 201460,985 milesIN
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
Filed Aug 11, 201473,000 milesME
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
Seat BeltsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 25, 2012100,150 milesOH
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
Filed Sep 5, 2012145,261 milesVA
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 LinkagesCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 16, 201299,950 milesCA
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
Filed Jan 4, 2011156,000 milesOK
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
Filed Nov 30, 2008100,000 milesCA
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
Filed Nov 9, 2008101,256 miles00
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
Filed Jul 14, 200818,000 milesNM
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
Filed Jun 17, 2006181,603 milesNY
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
Filed Nov 2, 200585,687 milesIA
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
Filed Oct 31, 200534,500 milesCO
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
Filed Sep 20, 200585,000 milesVA
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
Filed Aug 25, 2005TX
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
Filed Jul 15, 200598,487 milesTN
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
Filed Jun 27, 200597,000 milesMI
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
Filed May 11, 200589,600 milesWA
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.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Apr 5, 200554,000 milesNY
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
Filed Dec 25, 200431,815 milesIN
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
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 16, 200446,282 milesWV
AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN A WRECK. TRUCK WAS TOTALED WITH MAJOR DAMAGE TO RIGHT FRONT. *JB
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 15, 200449,002 milesLA
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jan 13, 200456,692 milesOH
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.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jan 6, 2004MO
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
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Dec 12, 2003MO
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
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 11, 200366,000 milesMO
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
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Dec 10, 200357,000 milesMO
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
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 26, 200336,000 milesLA
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
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Aug 27, 2003IN
WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WITHOUT WARNING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 1, 2003FL
CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER, DEALER WAS REPLACING THE ENGINE. *AK
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
Filed Jun 24, 200333,226 milesVA
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
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
Filed Jun 17, 2003IL
SPARE TIRE CABLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING TIRE TO FALL ONTO ROADWAY, ALMOST CAUSING A COLLISION.*AK
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed May 27, 2003GA
WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING THEN SUDDENLY COME BACK ON. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY. *NLM. *AK
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Apr 28, 2003CA
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKED SPORADICALLY, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHEN DRIVING. *JB
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Mar 1, 200350,000 milesMD
WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. LATEST INCIDENT WAS IN HEAVY SNOW AND VISIBILITY WAS LOST. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE 1996 S-10 AND SONOMA WERE RECALLED FOR THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM BUT NO RECALL ON THE 1997. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT. *JB
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Nov 4, 200263,000 milesWY
WHILE DRIVING AND IT STARTED TO RAIN THE VEHICLE WIPERS WILL NOT COME ON. CAUSE UNKNOWN. MR *TT
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Oct 8, 2002FL
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. THEY HAVE THEN BEEN INFORMED THAT THE PROBLEM IS NOT ON RECALL BUT THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRABLE DUE TO A MODULE OF THE WIPER SYSTEM. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. MR
Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Oct 4, 2002NY
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVNG AND TRYING TO CHANGE GEARS THE RPM WILL REV UP. CONTACTED DEALER. *MR
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Aug 3, 2002CO
WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILED, WIPERS STALLED IN HEAVY RAIN AND TRAFFIC--HAD TO BLINDLY MANEUVER TO CITY FREEWAY SHOULDER AND PROCEED TO NEXT EXIT.*AK
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Aug 2, 2002OH
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTIONED. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT TAPPING THE MODULE WOULD MAKE THE WIPERS WORK AGAIN. *YH
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jul 26, 2002NY
WINDSHIELD WASHER/WIPERS RANDOMLY DO NOT WORK. DEARLER SAYS THEY CAN'T FIX A RANDOM PROBLEM. APPEARS TO BE THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN THE 1996 RECALL #98V150001. *AK
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jul 25, 2002CA
CONSUMER STATES WAS UNABLE TO KEEP WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKING, CONSUMER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED THERE WAS A RECALL, HOWEVER WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THERE WAS A RECALL, HOWEVER RECALL WAS NOT APPLICABLE TO CONSUMER BECAUSE OF THE VIN NUMBER MECHANIC STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMEDIATELY RESULTING IN THE MOTOR TO MALFUNCTION.*JB *YH
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 20, 2002IL
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
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift
Filed Jun 13, 2002FL
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
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 25, 2002WI
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
Fuel System, Other
Filed Apr 1, 2002VA
GAS GAUGE HAS STOPPED WORKING, AND CORRECT GAS LEVEL WILL NOT REGISTER PROPERLY. *AK
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Apr 1, 2002VA
WHILE DRIVING WINSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. CONTACTED DEALER, THEY REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING. *AK
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Sep 29, 2001GA
THIS IS THE SECOND OF MY THREE 1997 GMC VEHICLES TO EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM. THE WIPER MODULE FAILED. THE FIRST TIME WAS ON A 1997 S10 EXT CAB 4WD; IT COST ME $175 TO GET THAT ONE REPAIRED BY DEALER REPLACEMENT OF THE MODULE. I HAVE NO YET TAKEN THIS ONE, A 1997 GMC SONOMA , TO THE DEALERSHIP. I HAVE CHECKED TO SEE IF THE PART IS AVAILABLE AT OTHER THAN A DEALERSHIP. IT IS NOT. IF THERE IS NO RECALL THERE SHOULD BE. THERE HAS BEEN AMPLE INCIDENCES REPORTED TO CREATE AT LEAST SOME INVESTIGATION. I CHECKED ON RECALLS FOR THE S10 AND WAS TOLD NO.*AK
Fuel System, Other
Filed Aug 6, 2001MO
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
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jul 9, 2001AR
WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILS TO OPERATE SOME TIMES WHEN I TURN IT ON. AND THEN AFTER A FEW MINUTES, ITS WORKING AGAIN. I CAN'T DEPEND ON THE WIPERS TO WORK WHEN I NEED THEM. FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED AT ABOUT 75,000 MILES. MY LOCAL GM SERVICE CENTER TELLS ME THERE IS SOME ELECTRICAL MODULE CAUSING THE PROBLEM AND WANTS $150 TO FIX.*AK
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 29, 2001KY
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
Complaints 1-50 of 111, newest first, reproduced as filed.
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Mar 12, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.