1997 GMC Sonoma Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 7%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,002miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 GMC Sonoma, 7% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,002 miles.
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“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“Air conditioning failed as well, after arguing with dealer each time got a rental vehicle and repairs were made. Truck is undependable! Want a vehicle buy back!”
NHTSA complaint #706367, filed 1999-05Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10139019May 3, 2013This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 3% |
| 2002 | 4 | 7% |
| 2001 | 7 | 8% |
| 2000 | 6 | 4% |
| 1999 | 4 | 7% |
| 1998 | 11 | 7% |
| 1997 | 8 | 7% |
| 1996 | 19 | 13% |
| 1995 | 26 | 12% |
| 1994 | 12 | 5% |
| 1993 | 7 | 12% |
| 1992 | 2 | 8% |
| 1991 | 4 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Sonoma
36 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 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