1997 GMC Sonoma: common problems and reliability
134 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about service brakes. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 1997 Sonoma?The 1997 GMC Sonoma has 134 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic.
Safety record for the 1997 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 GMC Sonoma vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1997 a good year for the Sonoma?
Across the 7 Sonoma model years we track, complaint volume runs from 57 (2002) to 181 (1998). With 134 complaints, the 1997 Sonoma sits about the same as the model's median of 134.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1997 Sonoma
fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:pressure relief devices
Campaign 07E021000CERTAIN 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.
seat belts
Campaign 97V096001VEHICLE 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 97V146001VEHICLE 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep affection and nostalgia for these compact trucks.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sonoma. See the full Sonoma owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Sonoma listings typically run $5,408–$9,999 across 1991 to 2003 model years.
Other Sonoma model years
Compare every Sonoma year side by side to see how 1997 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Sonoma against its rivals
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