1997 GMC Sonoma Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 32%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,501miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 GMC Sonoma, 32% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,501 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10455314, filed 2012-04, 99,950 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10104477, filed 2004-12, 31,815 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10071111, filed 2004-01, 49,002 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #844395, filed 1999-08“Whenever brakes were applied, they would make a lot of squealing noises in the front, consumer took to dealer who stated that the noise was normal, front brake pads have been replaced once at 20000 miles and another time at 32000 miles, brakes were not covered under the extended warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #891428, filed 2001-06Related recalls
- 97V146001Sep 11, 1997Vehicle 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…Covers: GMC Sonoma 1996–1997, Chevrolet S10 1996–1997
Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 7 | 18% |
| 2002 | 16 | 28% |
| 2001 | 17 | 19% |
| 2000 | 35 | 26% |
| 1999 | 9 | 16% |
| 1998 | 17 | 11% |
| 1997 | 36 | 32% |
| 1996 | 52 | 35% |
| 1995 | 84 | 39% |
| 1994 | 136 | 61% |
| 1993 | 32 | 55% |
| 1992 | 15 | 60% |
| 1991 | 14 | 48% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Sonoma
30 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 GMC Sonoma
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology