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!
1997 GMC Sonoma brakes problems
36 complaints (32% of all complaints for this car). 7 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 36
- of this car's complaints
- 32%
- crashes
- 7
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip22
- Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings3
- Foundation components: disc: rotor3
- Foundation components: disc: pads3
- Foundation components3
- Foundation components: disc2
- Pedals and linkages1
- Foundation components: master cylinder1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
GMC Sonoma brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 GMC Sonoma brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Brake fluid loss can reduce braking effectiveness and increase stopping distances resulting in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
- 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, the front brake line will be replaced.
Recall number 97V146001 · Recall details
Related investigations
Abs braking system
This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v‑193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.
EA94038
What 1997 GMC Sonoma owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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. [xxx]. 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. *la information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
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.
Brake pedal will go straight to floor under heavy braking if traveling on any uneven surface. Brakes need to be recalibrated. Dealer wouldn't acknowledge recall. Consumer has been trying to get this fixed since 1998.
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. *ak transmission was replaced at 62000 miles. Consumer states front brakes continue to make a loud noise when brakes are applied with heavy foot.
When making a turn vehicle will lose braking power due to the wire coming from ABS computer and running to front disc brakes, caused brake failure.
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.
Questions about the 1997 GMC Sonoma brakes
Does the 1997 GMC Sonoma have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 36 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 GMC Sonoma, 32% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 1997 GMC Sonoma brakes problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1997 GMC Sonoma brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 97V146001. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the GMC Sonoma have bad brakes?
The GMC Sonoma model years with the most brakes complaints are 1994 (136 complaints), 1995 (84 complaints) and 1996 (52 complaints).
Other 1997 GMC Sonoma problems
Visibility 30Airbags 9Electrical 9Engine 9Fuel system 9Transmission 9Acceleration 7Body 5Lights 3Steering 3Suspension 3Tires 3Locks 2Seat belts 2Wheels 2Seats 1
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