Model year guide

1997 GMC sonoma

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 GMC sonoma is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

1997 GMC sonoma — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 GMC sonoma at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints134
Combined16–23 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1997 GMC sonoma recalls 3

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices NHTSA Campaign #07E021000 · 12/03/2007

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Seat Belts NHTSA Campaign #97V096001 · 12/06/1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 60/40 FRONT BENCH SEATS AND EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND 2-DOOR UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL LOCKING RECLINER BUCKET SEATS. THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE DRIVER'S AND/OR PASSENGER'S SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #97V146001 · 11/09/1997

VEHICLE 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 CAUSING THE BRAKE LINE TO WEAR TO THE POINT OF BRAKE FLUID LOSS DURING BRAKE APPLICATION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND THE BRAKE LINE. IF THE CLEARANCE IS 6MM OR LESS, DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL BRAKE LINE CLIP AND IF THERE WAS CONTACT BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND BRAKE LINE, THE FRONT BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1997 GMC sonoma common problems

Owners have filed 134 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

1997 GMC sonoma MPG & running costs

Combined16–23 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,650
EPA size classSmall Pickup Trucks
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 6 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1997 GMC sonoma costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,250
Fuel only$18,250
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1997 GMC sonoma trims & engines on record

Trims
4x2 sls
Engines
2.2L 4-cyl · 4.3L 6-cyl

1997 GMC sonoma vehicles on record

1997 GMC sonoma 1997 GMC sonoma 4x2 sls1GTCS19W6V8516716 1997 GMC sonoma1GTCS1446VK518216

Other GMC sonoma model years

2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1996 1995 1994

1997 GMC sonoma — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 GMC sonoma have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1997 GMC sonoma. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 GMC sonoma?

Owners have filed 134 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are visibility, electrical system, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 1997 GMC sonoma get?

The 1997 GMC sonoma has U.S. EPA estimates of 16–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (6 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.