1997 GMC Sonoma Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 8%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 GMC Sonoma, 8% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10116406, filed 2005-04, 54,000 miles“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, filed 2008-11, 101,256 miles“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, filed 2006-06, 181,603 miles“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 updated 3/6/2015”
NHTSA complaint #10621500, filed 2014-08, 73,000 miles“While traveling at 40 MPH hit an enbankment head-on, and driver's side airbag didn't deploy. Consumer was injured in accident. Consumer states accelerator sticks at times. Keys can not be removed, problem since purchase of vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #891161, filed 2001-06Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 3% |
| 2002 | 8 | 14% |
| 2001 | 5 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 7% |
| 1998 | 9 | 6% |
| 1997 | 9 | 8% |
| 1996 | 8 | 5% |
| 1995 | 9 | 4% |
| 1994 | 8 | 4% |
| 1993 | 5 | 9% |
| 1992 | 1 | 4% |
| 1991 | 3 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Sonoma
36 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaintsAir bags
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 27, 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