Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1997 Gmc SONOMA: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

111 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

66,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1997 model year. Data updated: . 27 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip is the most frequently named component, appearing in 22 of 111 complaints (19.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior3632.4%
Electrical and battery issues43.6%
Steering behavior43.6%
Engine operation32.7%
Fuel system concerns32.7%
Transmission and shifting21.8%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
22
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor
20
Vehicle Speed Control
7
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
7
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
5
Air Bags
4
Air Bags:Frontal
4
Electrical System
3
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip22
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor20
Vehicle Speed Control7
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer7
Power Train:Automatic Transmission5
Air Bags4
Air Bags:Frontal4
Electrical System3

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 22; Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor: 20; Vehicle Speed Control: 7; Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer: 7; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 5; Air Bags: 4; Air Bags:Frontal: 4; Electrical System: 3

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
6
50,000 to 74,999
8
75,000 to 99,999
6
100,000 to 149,999
4
150,000 and above
2
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9996
50,000 to 74,9998
75,000 to 99,9996
100,000 to 149,9994
150,000 and above2

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 6; 50,000 to 74,999: 8; 75,000 to 99,999: 6; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 2

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 84 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1997
9
1998
12
1999
21
2000
11
2001
12
2002
12
2003
11
2004
5
2005
8
2006
1
2008
3
2011
1
2012
3
2014
2
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19979
199812
199921
200011
200112
200212
200311
20045
20058
20061
20083
20111
20123
20142

1997: 9; 1998: 12; 1999: 21; 2000: 11; 2001: 12; 2002: 12; 2003: 11; 2004: 5; 2005: 8; 2006: 1; 2008: 3; 2011: 1; 2012: 3; 2014: 2

Pattern summary

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 36 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10008304 · 2003-03-01 (March 1, 2003)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10008304 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10017686 · 2003-04-28 (April 28, 2003)

THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKED SPORADICALLY, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHEN DRIVING. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10017686 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10021649 · 2003-05-27 (May 27, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING THEN SUDDENLY COME BACK ON. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY. *NLM. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10021649 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10023663 · 2003-06-24 (June 24, 2003)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 33,226 miles reported. Look up ODI 10023663 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10024196 · 2003-06-17 (June 17, 2003)

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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10024196 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10031874 · 2003-08-01 (August 1, 2003)

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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10031874 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10037752 · 2003-08-27 (August 27, 2003)

WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND WITHOUT WARNING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10037752 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10043608 · 2003-10-26 (October 26, 2003)

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 INFOR…

Owner-reported narrative. 36,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10043608 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

97V096001 · Seat Belts

Reported: 1997-06-12 (June 12, 1997)

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
97V146001 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Reported: 1997-09-11 (September 11, 1997)

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

111 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

24.3%Usable mileage27 / 111 records
73.9%Valid incident date82 / 111 records
100.0%Valid filing date111 / 111 records
73.9%Ordered incident and filing dates82 / 111 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
1034.5%
ODI 529201

ABS NEVER WORKED. DMV FAILED THE VEHICLE DURING A VEHICLE INSPECTION EVEN AFTER BRAKE SERVICE WAS PERFORMED.

Look up ODI 529201 at NHTSA ↗

1144.0%
ODI 527151

EGR VALVE FAILED, RECALL ON THIS ITEM HOWEVER VEHICLE DOES NOT QUALIFY DUE TO MILEAGE.

Look up ODI 527151 at NHTSA ↗

2746.6%
ODI 525381

ANTI-LOCK BRAKES LOCK UP ON OCCASION AND PEDAL GOES ALMOST TO FLOOR BEFORE STOPPING VEHICLE.

Look up ODI 525381 at NHTSA ↗

11149.6%
ODI 10006899

THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THEH VEHICLE TO SLIDE INTO A FENCE AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO CONSUMER'S VEHICLE.*JB

Look up ODI 10006899 at NHTSA ↗

6430.0%
ODI 489189

ANTILOCK BRAKES FAILED. *SD

Look up ODI 489189 at NHTSA ↗

3423.0%
ODI 10173684 · 98,651 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH UNDER NORMAL BRAKING ON WET ROADS, THE ABS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE HAD AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THE THREE SENSORS HAD TO BE REPLACED, BUT WERE NOT CERTAIN THAT THE REPLACEMENT WOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR FURTHER REPAIRS. THE CONTACT ENCOUNTERED NHTSA RECALL # 99I006000 REGARDING THE SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK.

Look up ODI 10173684 at NHTSA ↗

2219.8%
ODI 526166

ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAIL ON OCCASION, VERY UNPREDICTABLE.

Look up ODI 526166 at NHTSA ↗

117.1%
ODI 10009054

THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LOCKED UP, WHICH RESULTED IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.*JB

Look up ODI 10009054 at NHTSA ↗

47.0%
ODI 715677

THE ACCIDENT THAT HAPPENED IN OCTOBER WASN'T REPORTED BECAUSE IT WAS A SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT AND THE PAVEMENT WAS WET. I FIGURED IT WAS MY FAULT AND NOT THE BRAKES. AT THE SECOND ACCIDENT, THE PAVEMENT WAS DRY AND THE COLLISION WAS WAS A RESULT OF THE BRAKES FAILING. I CAN ONLY CONCLUDE THAT BRAKES DURING THE FIRST TIME WERE A COMPELLING FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO COMPLAIN ABOUT PROBLEMS I HAD BEEN EXPERIENCEING WITH THE BRAKES BEFORE BOTH ACCIDENTS. THEY ONLY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK.(…

Look up ODI 715677 at NHTSA ↗

2417.6%
ODI 10083680

AFTER DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE A STOP BRAKE PEDAL PULSATED. THIS RESULTED IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK

Look up ODI 10083680 at NHTSA ↗

77.9%
ODI 10158256 · 53,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 10 MPH, THE ABS ENGAGED RESULTING IN AN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THE ACTIVATION OCCURRED. THE BRAKES MADE A GRINDING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, #05V379000, REGARDING THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED 6/16/2006 - *NM

Look up ODI 10158256 at NHTSA ↗

58.8%
ODI 10127787

DT: CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SONOMA. LAST WEEK THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. AT THE FIRST STOP SIGN THE CAR VEERED TO THE RIGHT AS HE WAS PRESSING ON THE BRAKES. HE WENT TO A SERVICE STATION THAT WAS ABOUT A HALF MILE DOWN THE ROAD. THEY INDICATED IT WAS A SENSOR FOR THE ABS BRAKES. HE WENT TO HIS DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM HIS STORY AND THEY SAID THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATED THAT IF THE ABS FAILED THERE WOULD …

Look up ODI 10127787 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

2611.6%
ODI 10016322 · 50,000 mi

WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WORKING. THEY WILL SOMETIMES START WORKING AGAIN IF YOU JIGGLE THE CONNECTOR WIRE TO THE WIPER MOTOR. THE 1995 AND NEWER MODELS HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT IT DOES NOT EXTEND TO THE 94 YEAR. *NLM

Look up ODI 10016322 at NHTSA ↗

3114.6%
ODI 10217786

WHILE DRIVING, THE WIPERS CAN STOP CAUSING A SUDDEN LOSS OF VISIBILITY. *TR

Look up ODI 10217786 at NHTSA ↗

106.8%
ODI 545165

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED DURING RAINSTORM - PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 98V15. *YC

Look up ODI 545165 at NHTSA ↗

76.3%
ODI 10017686

THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKED SPORADICALLY, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHEN DRIVING. *JB

Look up ODI 10017686 at NHTSA ↗

2314.7%
ODI 10017043 · 38,000 mi

WINDSHIELD WIPERS JUST STOP WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. *JB

Look up ODI 10017043 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

10.7%
ODI 10006470

WINDSHIELD WIPER DELAY IS DEFECTIVE. BIG OAK PONTIAC/GMC IN BARTOW, FL TRIED TO REPAIR AND CLAIMS TO HAVE REPLACED THE NECESSARY COMPONENT, BUT THE REPAIR WAS NEVER EFFECTIVE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE DELAY SOMETIMES WORKS, SOMETIMES DOESN'T WORK AT ALL AND SOMETIMES WORKS BUT WITH ERRATIC TIME INTERVALS BETWEEN WIPES. THE PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT IS THE PASSENGER SEAT DOES NOT LOCK IN PLACE AFTER THE SEAT HAS BEEN TILTED FORWARD.*AK *JB ***** DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/03 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*****750084.

Look up ODI 10006470 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.6%
ODI 10045938 · 15,000 mi

WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP IN CENTER OF WINDSHIELD WHEN ON, USUALLY AT EARLY MORNING STARTUP. WINDSHIELD WIPERS PARK IN CENTER OF WINDSHIELD. RENTAL VEHICLE.*AK

Look up ODI 10045938 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.7%
ODI 713644

WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WORKING FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *AK

Look up ODI 713644 at NHTSA ↗

229.8%
ODI 10038476 · 100,000 mi

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH ITS WINDSHIELD WIPERS AS STATED IN RECALL 03 V 159 000; BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Look up ODI 10038476 at NHTSA ↗

178.0%
ODI 528228

WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILED.

Look up ODI 528228 at NHTSA ↗

1711.5%
ODI 10038124

WINDSHIELD WIPER COMES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHILE TRAVELING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. *AK

Look up ODI 10038124 at NHTSA ↗

2018.0%
ODI 10008304 · 50,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10008304 at NHTSA ↗

2012.8%
ODI 10014360

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WORKING. WAS TRAVELING THROUGH DOWNTOWN DALLAS IN HEAVY RAIN AND TRAFFIC AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHEN THE WIPERS STOPPED AND I HAD TO STOP IMMEDIATELY ON THE INTERSTATE AND WAIT FOR THEM TO START WORKING AGAIN. TOOK TO A REPAIR SHOP IN OKLAHOMA AND HAD THE CONNECTIONS CLEANED AND EVENTUALLY RE-SOLDERED. WAS TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE AND WILL PROBABLY NEED TO REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR. HAS THERE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS MODEL AND YEAR? *NLM

Look up ODI 10014360 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Structure:Body:Tailgate:Hinge And Attachments
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

10.7%
ODI 10203631 · 150,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 GMC SONOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STRAPS THAT SUPPORT THE TAILGATE FAILED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE DEALER INFORMATION WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 152,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 12/12/2007 *BF UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

Look up ODI 10203631 at NHTSA ↗

21.8%
ODI 10044886 · 57,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10044886 at NHTSA ↗

21.3%
ODI 10152436 · 46,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TAILGATE SUSPENSION CABLE BROKE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V066000, REGARDING THE STRUCTURE BODY TAILGATE HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 03/28/06. *JB

Look up ODI 10152436 at NHTSA ↗

47.0%
ODI 10118211

TAIL GATE CABLE BROKE WHEN LOADING TRUCK. BOUGHT NEW CABLE AND REPLACED NO OLD PARTS KEPT. *NM

Look up ODI 10118211 at NHTSA ↗

3324.3%
ODI 10065101 · 32,000 mi

WHILE STANDING ON THE TAILGATE WASHING THE VEHICLE BOTH TAILGATE CABLES SNAPPED. *AK

Look up ODI 10065101 at NHTSA ↗

2325.8%
ODI 10073702 · 91,000 mi

THE CABLE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TAILGATE BROKE, AND THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CABLE STARTED BREAKING. THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN THE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLE RECALL 04V129000. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Look up ODI 10073702 at NHTSA ↗

610.5%
ODI 10120485

BOTH TAILGATE CABLES ROTTED AND BROKE IN HALF ON MY 2002 GMC SONOMA, ON 05/09/2005. THERE WAS NO LOAD ON THE TAILGATE AT THE TIME, BUT BOTH BROKAT AT THE SAME TIME (SIMPLY LOWERING THE TAILGATE).

Look up ODI 10120485 at NHTSA ↗

12.6%
ODI 10109476 · 30,000 mi

WHEN STANDING ON THE TAILGATE THE TAILGATE SUPPORT STRAPS SNAPPED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10109476 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.0%
ODI 10019392

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN IT SUDDENLY ROLLED BACKWARDS AND KNOCKED THE CONSUMER DOWN. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT HURT. *NLM

Look up ODI 10019392 at NHTSA ↗

610.3%
ODI 10020041

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION AS STATED IN RECALL#94V09300, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED. *JB

Look up ODI 10020041 at NHTSA ↗

73.1%
ODI 486272

LOOSE TRANSMISSION MOUNT AND/OR BRACKET, CAUSING VEHICLE TO RATTLE UPON ACCELERATION UPHILL, ALSO CLUNKING NOISE WHEN SHIFTING FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE.

Look up ODI 486272 at NHTSA ↗

10.5%
ODI 738866

THE 1ST TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 55311 MILES ON 8/12/99. REPLACED WITH ANOTHER TRANSMISSION AND FAILED ON 01/04/2001 WITH 75121 MILES ON IT. HEAD GASKET REPLACED ON 01/05/98 WITH 33229 MILES. REPAIR CYLINDER HEAD AND LIFTERS ON 08/04/98 WITH 40905 MILES. REPLACED CRANKSHAFT AND BEARINGS ON 09/28/98 WITH 42917 MILES. REPLACED ENGINE ON 06/05/99 WITH 53755 MILES ON IT. LOT OF MECHANICAL BRAEKDOWN.

Look up ODI 738866 at NHTSA ↗

106.8%
ODI 520897

TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP BETWEEN GEARS. *AK

Look up ODI 520897 at NHTSA ↗

54.5%
ODI 10049605 · 66,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10049605 at NHTSA ↗

74.5%
ODI 10097310

WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD A WINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION HESITATED, THEN DOWN SHIFTED ON ITS OWN. THE CONSUMER DROVE IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Look up ODI 10097310 at NHTSA ↗

47.0%
ODI 10016971 · 36,489 mi

DEALER WHERE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FOR REPAIRS SAYS THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MUST BE PULLED AND DISASSEMBLED TO DETERMINE WHAT IS BROKEN AND THE FACTORY WILL NOT PROVIDE WARRANTY RELIEF SINCE THE TRUCK IS OVER 4 YEARS OLD EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 36,489 MILES. ORIGINAL WARRANTY WAS 3 YEARS OR 36,000 MILES WHICH EVER COMES FIRST. VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED BY DEALER SINCE PURCHASE. THE TRUCK GAVE A HIGH SCREECHING NOISE AND LOSS OF POWER IN THE TRANSMISSION, FORWARD DRIVE GEAR. I PULLED OFF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY PARKWAY IN HERNDON AND PULLE…

Look up ODI 10016971 at NHTSA ↗

53.7%
ODI 765371

CAR IS UNSAFE - WILL POP OUT OF GEAR OR AT TIMES WILL IDLE AND NOT MOVE FORWARD. *AK

Look up ODI 765371 at NHTSA ↗

22.2%
ODI 10119694 · 78,000 mi

I HAVE A 2001 GMC SONOMA WHICH WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 2002. THE VEHICLE HAS 78K MILES ON IT. AT FIRST THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TROUBLE STARTING. THEN THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP WHEN DRIVEN COLD. AFTER THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, A CODE INDICATED THAT THERE WERE TWO SHIFT SOLENOID MALFUNCTIONS. BOTH SHIFT SOLENOIDS WERE REPLACED. THAT TWO DAYS AGO. TODAY THE TRUCK STARTED UP, SO THE VEHICLE WAS ASSUMED SAFE TO DRIVE. I WAS TRAVELING DOWN A BUSY ROAD AT ABOUT 40 MPH, WITH AN 18 WHEELER TRACTOR TRAILER BEHIND ME, WHEN THE VEHICLE, WITHOUT A…

Look up ODI 10119694 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.0%
ODI 10053566 · 30,000 mi

AFTER CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT AT 35 MPH ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10053566 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

125.6%
ODI 10001720 · 95,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 68 MPH, CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS

Look up ODI 10001720 at NHTSA ↗

85.4%
ODI 10007312

CONSUMER LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A TREE, AND THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*JB

Look up ODI 10007312 at NHTSA ↗

43.6%
ODI 854135

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

Look up ODI 854135 at NHTSA ↗

74.5%
ODI 835962

WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. ALSO, SHOULDER BELT DIDN'T HOLD CONSUMER FROM HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. *AK

Look up ODI 835962 at NHTSA ↗

47.0%
ODI 10044857 · 42,700 mi

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH CONSUMER HIT A COW IN THE ROAD, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE MECHANIC HAD NOT RESOLVED THE PROBLEM.*AK

Look up ODI 10044857 at NHTSA ↗

53.7%
ODI 732763

I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAREND COLLISION WHITH ANOTHER CAR AT 50-60 MPH, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DIFFERENCE IN SPEED OF VEHICLES WAS 15-20 MPH. *AK

Look up ODI 732763 at NHTSA ↗

33.4%
ODI 8000961

WHILE PULLING OUT OF PARKING LOT AND GOING A WAYS DOWN THE ROAD AND UPON APPROACHING VEHICLES, CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN REAR END COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

Look up ODI 8000961 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.6%
ODI 10152892 · 35,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED FRONTAL DAMAGE AND WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN HOME. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED BUT NO APPOINTMENT HAS BEEN MADE FOR INSPECTION. UPDATED 4/6/2006 - THE CONSUMER HAS BACK PAIN AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. *NM

Look up ODI 10152892 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

35.2%
ODI 537170

SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE OF VEHICLE, THE DRIVERS SEAT STARTED TO BREAK AT THE SEAT BACK PIVOT POINT, CONSUMER STATES THAT GMC REPLACED THE SEAT BACK PARTS ON THREE OCCASIONS, HOWEVER THEY CONTINUE TO BREAK, CONSUMER FEELS THE DESIGN IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO SUPPORT HIS WEIGHT, WHICH IS 300 POUNDS. *SLC

Look up ODI 537170 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

41.9%
ODI 509907

SEAT BACK LATCH INOPERATIVE, CAUSING SEAT BACK TO FALL FORWARD INTO DASHBOARD WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED.

Look up ODI 509907 at NHTSA ↗

10.7%
ODI 831533

VEHICLE WAS REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE GOING AT APPROXIMATLY 55 -60 MPH, DRIVER SEATBACK BROKE DUE TO IMPACT, THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN INJURIES. *AK

Look up ODI 831533 at NHTSA ↗

10.9%
ODI 851797

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

Look up ODI 851797 at NHTSA ↗

1912.2%
ODI 10013577 · 63,500 mi

THE HANDLES THAT RECLINE BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS BROKE OFF WITH VERY LITTLE FORCE. MY PASSENGER SEAT IS ALWAYS SLIGHTLY RECLINED NOW AND MY DRIVER'S SEAT IS STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO REPLACE THEM BECAUSE THERE IS NOT A RECALL AND ACCORDING TO THEM ITS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. MY WARRANTY IS UP BUT I FEEL THIS GOES BEYOND WARRANTY AND IS A DEFECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *JB

Look up ODI 10013577 at NHTSA ↗

58.8%
ODI 10008072

BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT RECLINE HANDLES HAVE COMPLETELY BROKE OFF LEAVING BOTH SEATS INCAPABLE OF RECLINING. UNFORTUNATELY, THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT IS STUCK IN A FORWARD POSITION LEAVING THE PASSENGER SOMEWHAT VULNERABLE IF AN ACCIDENT WERE TO OCCUR.*JB

Look up ODI 10008072 at NHTSA ↗

42.9%
ODI 10159557 · 20 mi

MY 4 YEAR OLD GRANDSON REACHED DOWN TO RECLINE THE PASSENGER SEAT BACK AND THE HANDLE SHEARED OFF IN HIS HAND. *JB

Look up ODI 10159557 at NHTSA ↗

44.5%
ODI 564401

THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT DOES NOT LATCH INTO LOCKED POSITION, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ABRUPT MOTION AGGRIVATES A PREVIOUS BACK PROBLEM. *YH

Look up ODI 564401 at NHTSA ↗

11.8%
ODI 10099575

CONSUMER WAS ABOUT TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, PUT THE SEAT BELT ON, AND WAS ABOUT TO PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION WHEN THE SEAT BACK FAILED COMPLETELY BACK, LAYING THE CONSUMER DOWN ON HIS BACK. CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THE HE SHOULD CONTACT THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. *AK

Look up ODI 10099575 at NHTSA ↗

12.6%
ODI 10143836 · 35,000 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE SEAT FRAME WILL SLIDE BACKWARD. HE BELIEVED THE LOCKING MECHANISM BROKE. THE REPAIRS HAVE NOT BEEN DONE. *AK

Look up ODI 10143836 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
26.9%
ODI 809398

WHILE DRIVING ON WET PAVEMENT AT APPROX. 50MPH EXPERIENCED ABS FAILURE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN, VEHICLE'S FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP, LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CAPABILITY, VEHICLE SKIDDED STRAIGHT AHEAD INTO A DITCH, WAS TOTALLED. *AK

Look up ODI 809398 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.7%
ODI 959285

ON DAMP DAYS THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES DRAG , CAUSING EXCESSIVE BRAKE WEAR. TT

Look up ODI 959285 at NHTSA ↗

104.5%
ODI 482198

NOISE IN REAR OF VEHICLE WHEN SHIFTING OR BRAKING.

Look up ODI 482198 at NHTSA ↗

83.8%
ODI 480390

CONTINUOUS BRAKE FAILURES, CAUSING ONE ACCIDENT, ALSO REAR DRUMS TURNED DUE TO NOISE. *SKD

Look up ODI 480390 at NHTSA ↗

96.1%
ODI 520067

POOR GAS MILEAGE.

Look up ODI 520067 at NHTSA ↗

32.7%
ODI 525497

BRAKE HAVE FAILED SEVERAL TIMES CAUSING CAR TO ROLL BACKWARDS BEFORE RETURNING BRAKE POWER.

Look up ODI 525497 at NHTSA ↗

10.6%
ODI 8005070

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES IN SNOWY WEATHER THERE IS CLICKING SOUND PRESENT AND VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 8005070 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

10.7%
ODI 9002078

HEAVY VIBRATION THROUGH OUT VEHICLE, WEAR TIRES IMPROPERLY ON STEERING AXLE, ABS NO FUNCTIONING PROPERLY

Look up ODI 9002078 at NHTSA ↗

33.4%
ODI 8000959

JUST PULLED INTO THE MAIN STREET, DROVE A WAY DOWN THE ROAD, AND BECAUSE BRAKES DID NOT CATCH, REAR ENDED ANOTHER AUTOMOBILE. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. ALSO, WHILE BRAKING THE ENGINE WAS RACING, WHICH MADE IT HARDER FOR AUTO TO SLOW DOWN.*AK

Look up ODI 8000959 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor50,000–85,000 mi54,000 mi5
ODI 10008304 · 50,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10008304 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10116406 · 54,000 mi

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 …

Look up ODI 10116406 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10128933 · 98,487 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10128933 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed ControlToo few reports for a range156,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10374650 · 156,000 mi

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 C…

Look up ODI 10374650 at NHTSA ↗

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/WasherToo few reports for a range63,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 8022094 · 63,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AND IT STARTED TO RAIN THE VEHICLE WIPERS WILL NOT COME ON. CAUSE UNKNOWN. MR *TT

Look up ODI 8022094 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic TransmissionToo few reports for a range66,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10049605 · 66,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10049605 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range73,216 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10062354 · 46,282 mi

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

Look up ODI 10062354 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10485988 · 100,150 mi

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

Look up ODI 10485988 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range101,256 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10160065 · 181,603 mi

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

Look up ODI 10160065 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10248043 · 101,256 mi

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

Look up ODI 10248043 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10626728 · 60,985 mi

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 …

Look up ODI 10626728 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2004: 0 complaints · 2005: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2004000
2005000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2004000
2005100

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentService Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipVisibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:MotorVehicle Speed ControlVisibility:Windshield Wiper/WasherPower Train:Automatic TransmissionAir BagsAir Bags:FrontalElectrical System
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip—000
2
ODI 848212

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

Look up ODI 848212 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 880151

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

Look up ODI 880151 at NHTSA ↗

000
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor0—000000
Vehicle Speed Control00—0
1
ODI 609929

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

Look up ODI 609929 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 891161

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

Look up ODI 891161 at NHTSA ↗

00
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer000—0000
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
2
ODI 848212

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

Look up ODI 848212 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 880151

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

Look up ODI 880151 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 609929

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

Look up ODI 609929 at NHTSA ↗

0—000
Air Bags00
1
ODI 891161

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

Look up ODI 891161 at NHTSA ↗

00—00
Air Bags:Frontal000000—0
Electrical System0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

12 mentions · 10.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 67,975 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10043608 · 36,000 mi

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 INFOR…

Look up ODI 10043608 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10104477 · 31,815 mi

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

Look up ODI 10104477 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10374650 · 156,000 mi

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 C…

Look up ODI 10374650 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 2.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 73,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10621500 · 73,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10621500 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 538521

ENGINE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY.

Look up ODI 538521 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 765139

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

Look up ODI 765139 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 1.8% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 762265

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

Look up ODI 762265 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 848212

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

Look up ODI 848212 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 1.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 156,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10374650 · 156,000 mi

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 C…

Look up ODI 10374650 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 844395

EA94038, ABS BRAKING SYSTEM: WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES UNDER NORMAL STOPPING CONDITIONS ON DRY PAVEMENT, IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE HAS STANDARD BRAKES, WHICH IS CAUSING IT ALOT HARDER THAN NORMAL TO SLOW DOWN. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN ON. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK *YC

Look up ODI 844395 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 101,256 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10248043 · 101,256 mi

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

Look up ODI 10248043 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b