Owners have filed 160 complaints
about the 1997 GMC Sonoma with NHTSA between 1997 and 2014.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 11 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 53
Against the median year of the GMC Sonoma. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 13
8% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
12.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1529.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1835.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
713.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
611.8%
150,000+ miles
47.8%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1997 GMC Sonoma Extended Cab
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1997peak 10Aug 2014
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 GMC Sonoma
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ04002Opened 18 Feb 2004Closed 27 May 2004SEAT BELTS:FRONT
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 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 (03...
EA94038Opened 31 Oct 1994Closed 28 Feb 2000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM
THIS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN A SAFETY RECALL, 99V-193, AND A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, 99I-006.
Recalls on the 1997 GMC Sonoma
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
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.
97V146001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
97V096001
SEAT BELTS
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2003064323,584 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles (not involved in recall 98-150), may experience a windshield wiper failure due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. If this were to occur in a severe weather situation, driver's visibility could be reduced, which could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning. Correction: Dealer will replace defective wiper motor until 7 years or 112 000 km from date vehicle was originally placed into service or for those vehicles currently outside of this coverage, until March 31 2004.
Recall 19971544,499 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the front brake pipe may contact the left-hand side of the engine oil pan. This contact could cause the brake pipe to wear through to the point of brake fluid loss during brake application. This could reduce braking effectiveness and increase stopping distances. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and an additional brake pipe clip will be installed if required. If there was contact between the oil pan and the brake pipe, the brake pipe will be replaced.
Recall 199715223,860 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the driver's and/or passenger's front outboard seat-belt webbing could separate during a frontal impact having at least the same dynamics as a 48 kph frontal barrier collision. If a separation occurred and there were secondary crash events or rollover, there would be no restraint of the occupant and increased injuries could occur. Correction: A protector cover will be installed over the recliner mechanism.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 100,150 milesBethesda, OHCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
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 .
NHTSA complaint #10485988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,150 milesBethesda, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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 .
NHTSA complaint #10485988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,150 milesBethesda, OHCrash1 injured
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 .
NHTSA complaint #10485988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,950 milesSebastopol, CACrash1 injured
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 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!
NHTSA complaint #10455314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,282 milesEllamore, WVCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN A WRECK. TRUCK WAS TOTALED WITH MAJOR DAMAGE TO RIGHT FRONT.
NHTSA complaint #10062354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Biburnum, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #891161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 60,985 milesIndianapols, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10626728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,985 milesIndianapols, IN
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10626728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesGreenville, ME
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
NHTSA complaint #10621500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,150 milesBethesda, OHCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
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 .
NHTSA complaint #10485988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,150 milesBethesda, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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 .
NHTSA complaint #10485988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,150 milesBethesda, OHCrash1 injured
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 .
NHTSA complaint #10485988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,261 milesDyke, VA
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.
NHTSA complaint #10473919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,950 milesSebastopol, CACrash1 injured
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 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!
NHTSA complaint #10455314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesOklahoma City, OK
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 [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 !!!
NHTSA complaint #10374650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesOklahoma City, OK
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
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 !!!
NHTSA complaint #10374650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesGrass Valley, CA
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.
NHTSA complaint #10250196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,256 milesST. John's, 00
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.
NHTSA complaint #10248043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesDeming,, NM
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10234200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 181,603 milesWolcott, NY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10160065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 181,603 milesWolcott, NY
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10160065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,687 milesGlenwood, IA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER 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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10141607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,687 milesGlenwood, IA
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10141607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,500 milesAurora, CO
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.
NHTSA complaint #10141281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesHillsville, VA
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.
NHTSA complaint #10137064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Magnolia, TX
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.
NHTSA complaint #10134244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,487 milesHermitage, TN
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10128933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesRoscommon, MI
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
NHTSA complaint #10122025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,600 milesRenton, WA
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.
NHTSA complaint #10120644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesRochester, NY
POWER TRAIN
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!
NHTSA complaint #10116406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesRochester, NY
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
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!
NHTSA complaint #10116406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.