1997 GMC Sonoma Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 8%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 GMC Sonoma, 8% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 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“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. Transmission was replaced at 62000 miles. Consumer states front brakes continue to make a loud noise when brakes are applied with heavy foot.”
NHTSA complaint #880151, filed 2001-02“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.”
NHTSA complaint #848212, filed 1999-10“Vehicle will stick in 4 wheel high, causing excessive gas usage and vehicle will also shake. Consumer stated it also alternated between 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive, repairs were made.”
NHTSA complaint #8011766, filed 2002-06“A malfunction within electrical motor for 4 wheel drive transfer case causes a fuse to blow, and 4 wheel drive feature to malfunction. Please give any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #881244, filed 2001-02Related service bulletins
- 10013572Apr 21, 20054wd models with noise, vibration on dry pavement.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 5 | 13% |
| 2002 | 4 | 7% |
| 2001 | 10 | 11% |
| 2000 | 8 | 6% |
| 1999 | 8 | 14% |
| 1998 | 11 | 7% |
| 1997 | 9 | 8% |
| 1996 | 16 | 11% |
| 1995 | 7 | 3% |
| 1994 | 10 | 4% |
| 1993 | 7 | 12% |
| 1992 | 3 | 12% |
| 1991 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Sonoma
36 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsElectrical system
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