Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 GMC Sonoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Unable to stop due to brake pedal going all the way to the floor! Brake pedal and accelerator pedal are positioned too close, and when brake pedal is all the way down, foot comes in contact with accelerator pedal, making it impossible to stop! This is apparently a common problem with these GMC pickups, as I had the same problem with a 1991 GMC Sonoma. In this case, I could have avoided a collision, but could not stop, even though I had applied the brakes with plenty of force. GM should be held responsible for this major defect, which was not corrected from at least 1991 through 1997 -- and probably beyond!
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. The truck has cost me money out of pocket, work time, as well as my own on a persistent basis. The truck is junk.
I have a 1997 GMC Sonoma s.n. [redacted]. I have been having a lot of things wrong with it. Air conditioner (A/C) went out, the motor mound broke, the head gasket was blown, the brakes fail, the valves are tapping, main front bearing seal is leaking, blinkers are not working,oil is leaking on top of engine by A/C, water is leaking from heating coil, water pump is out now,god that is only some of the things. I have had it 1yr. 7 mon. What can I do? I got the warranty. And thank god I did.
On dec.24, 2004 I was driving my 1997 GMC Sonoma with 31000 miles on the odometer when I experienced total brake failure without any warning. The truck has ABS brakes. I was able to stop the truck without out an accident but only by sheer luck.
Intermittently when brakes are applied pedal becomes hard, resulting in extended stopping distance, and causing a collision. Dealer has inspected vehicle, and was not able to duplicate the problem.
Rear brake line is routed- (1) from master cylinder (2) down past driver's side front of vehicle (3) across rough body bracket. This causes the brake line to be worn in 2 places causing loss of hydraulic fluid and brake failure. There is a useless piece of spring-like sheilding which the aforementioned bracket can easily separate/slide between and begin cutting the brake line, rendering the rear brakes completely disabled and the entire braking system suseptable to the introduction of air in the lines.
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.
Ea94038, ABS braking system: when applying the brakes under normal stopping conditions on dry pavement, it feels as though the vehicle has standard brakes, which is causing it alot harder than normal to slow down. The ABS warning light has been on. The dealer was notified about this problem. Problem has not been corrected. Please provide any further details.
Whenever brakes were applied, they would make a lot of squealing noises in the front, consumer took to dealer who stated that the noise was normal, front brake pads have been replaced once at 20000 miles and another time at 32000 miles, brakes were not covered under the extended warranty.
Design of 1997 GMC somona has the rear brake lines running on top of the truck frame from the cab to the bed then on to each wheel. Road dirt had accumulated on top of the frame covering the brake lines, causing corrosion and a leak which disabled the braking system of the vehicle.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Remedy: 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,…
NHTSA investigations
ABS braking system
This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v-193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.
Brake complaints in other Sonoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 GMC Sonoma?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 GMC Sonoma, 32% of the model year's 111 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (22 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 GMC Sonoma brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 97V146001 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Sep 11, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 GMC Sonoma brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.