Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
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. I have to yank the blades half way up the window before they grab and start to work. One more problem that I now know I am not alone on is the issue with dex-cool. We have flushed and refilled the system at least three times, only to have it gunk-up again. Please help me and all the other customers who got trapped with junk vehicles. …
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dt: the contact said windshield wipers were working intermittently. This has been an ongoing problem for six months. The vehicle has not been taken to a dealer for diagnostics on the problem. She has not made any arrangements for repairs at this time.
This is the second of my three 1997 GMC vehicles to experience this problem. The wiper module failed. The first time was on a 1997 s10 ext cab 4wd; it cost me $175 to get that one repaired by dealer replacement of the module. I have no yet taken this one, a 1997 GMC Sonoma , to the dealership. I have checked to see if the part is available at other than a dealership. It is not. If there is no recall there should be. There has been ample incidences reported to create at least some investigation. I checked on recalls for the s10 and was told no.
While driving in a rain storm, the windshield wipers failed to operate properly after being turned on. Sometimes the wipers would not come on but the motor would still be running. The problem is intermittent and has been taken to the dealership. They have then been informed that the problem is not on recall but the problem was repairable due to a module of the wiper system. Please describe details. Mr
Consumer states was unable to keep windshield wipers working, consumer was also notified there was a recall, however was informed by dealer there was a recall, however recall was not applicable to consumer because of the VIN number mechanic stated the windshield wipers work intermediately resulting in the motor to malfunction.
Windshield wiper motor fails to operate some times when I turn it on. And then after a few minutes, its working again. I can't depend on the wipers to work when I need them. First incident occurred at about 75,000 miles. My local GM service center tells me there is some electrical module causing the problem and wants $150 to fix.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Sonoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1997 GMC Sonoma?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1997 GMC Sonoma, 27% of the model year's 111 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer › motor (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 GMC Sonoma window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1997 GMC Sonoma, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 GMC Sonoma window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles.
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.