1997 GMC Sonoma Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 27%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 GMC Sonoma, 27% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have encountered trouble with my windshield wipers. They go on and off intermittently. I am assuming the problem is the pulse wiper relay, and was wondering if there was a recall for this product. I was driving in heavy rain when this occurred, and there was nearly a collision. Please let me know if there are any recalls for this part. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10250196, filed 2008-11, 100,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10128933, filed 2005-07, 98,487 miles“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“Dt: the caller complained about a windshield wiper motor problem. It will work in light rain, but not in heavy rain. He had to pull off the road. There was a recall on other vehicles, but this vehicle was not included due to VIN. Manufacturer said it was a blanket recall and the time has run out on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10137064, filed 2005-09, 85,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10008304, filed 2003-03, 50,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 3 | 8% |
| 2002 | 1 | 2% |
| 2000 | 5 | 4% |
| 1999 | 1 | 2% |
| 1998 | 55 | 35% |
| 1997 | 30 | 27% |
| 1996 | 31 | 21% |
| 1995 | 52 | 24% |
| 1994 | 53 | 24% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Sonoma
36 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 28, 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