1998 GMC Sonoma

Routine

Owners filed 156 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the visibility. It has been recalled 4 times.

Not among the GMC Sonoma years to avoid. Which GMC Sonoma years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
67,000 milesMedian miles at failure

59 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 50,000–60,000 miles.

Most common 1998 GMC Sonoma problems

50 of the 156 complaints (32%) are about the visibility.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor20
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer20
000
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner13
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes11
301
Seats8
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission6
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring5
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags5
500
Visibility4
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine3
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices07E021000
Filed Mar 12, 2007742 vehiclesDelphi

Defect. 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.

Risk. FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting00V220000
Filed Aug 11, 200014,279 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS BUILT WITH A CANDELA VALUE GREATER THAN 3,000 CANNOT BE MOUNTED HIGHER THAN 864MM ABOVE THE ROAD SURFACE.

Risk. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED WIRING HARNESS THAT CHANGES THE DRL'S FROM HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM DRL'S, AND INSTALL NEW LONG-LIFE LOW BEAM BULBS.

Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood97V208001
Filed Nov 25, 199733,973 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES. AN ENGINE ELECTRICAL WIRING-HARNESS CLIP CAN MELT AND DRIP ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.

Risk. THE CLIP MATERIAL ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAN IGNITE AND SUBSEQUENTLY IGNITE OTHER COMBUSTIBLE COMPONENTS RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS ARE CONTACTING OWNERS BY TELEPHONE TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLES TOWED TO THE DEALER AND ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED TO THEM UNTIL THE DEALER CAN REROUTE THE ELECTRICAL WIRING-HARNESS.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings97V218000
Filed Nov 24, 199719,716 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. A FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE REAR AXLE RIGHT-HAND BRAKE PIPE CAN OCCUR CAUSING A SLOW BRAKE FLUID LEAK RESULTING IN A SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. IF THE BRAKE PIPE BREAKS, THE DRIVER WOULD EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN DROP IN THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE, AND THERE WOULD BE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.

Risk. PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Apr 11, 201780,000 milesCO

WHILE DRIVING ALL ELECTRICAL SHUTS DOWN ENGINE , EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!

Air Bags
Filed Apr 11, 2016264,477 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC SONOMA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 264,477.

Seats
Filed Jun 2, 2013178,000 milesMI

PASSENGER SEAT DOES NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. PASSENGERS SEAT SLIDE FORWARD AND BACKWARD , AND AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON , LEFT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT AND BRAKE DON'T COME ON. *TR

Tires
Filed Feb 20, 201391,700 milesMN

I WAS DRIVING HOME ON THE HWY, DRIVING BETWEEN 35-60 MPH BECAUSE OF ICY, SNOWY, SLUSHY, 35 MPH WINDY CONDITIONS. MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED VIBRATING CRAZILY AND MY TRUCK KEPT WANTING TO PULL ITSELF TO THE LEFT. I FELT BUMPING EVERY TIME THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL MADE A REVOLUTION. WITH 1 1/2 HOURS OF DRIVING TIME LEFT I KEPT HOPING I WOULD MAKE IT HOME SAFELY, WHICH I DID. I TOOK MY TRUCK IN THE NEXT DAY ONLY FOR THEM TO TELL ME ALL FOUR TIRES OF MINE WERE SHOT - CORDS IN TWO TIRES SNAPPED, AND BUBBLING AND THREAD/TREADWEAR IN THE OTHER TWO. GRANTED, I HAD THE TIRES FOR 7 YEARS. HOWEVER, THEY WERE 70,000 MILES TIRES THAT LASTED 31,000 MILES. PREMATURE TREADWEAR WAS EVIDENT AFTER DRIVING THE FIRST 10,000 MILES AND BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. I MAINTAINED REGULAR TIRE ROTATION SCHEDULE THROUGHOUT. NOT ONE TIME DID MY MECHANIC MENTION ANY PROBLEMS, EVEN WHEN ASKED. KUMHO 205/75 TIRES ARE CRAP, THEY ARE GOING TO KILL SOMEBODY AND THE COMPANY KNOWS IT. DO MINIMAL RESEARCH AND YOU'LL DISCOVER THIS YOURSELF. TIRE PLACES WHO DON'T KNOW THIS HAVEN'T DONE ENOUGH RESEARCH OR DON'T CARE. IS THAT WHO YOU WANT TO TAKE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS FROM? NOT ONE, NOT TWO, BUT ALL FOUR TIRES OF MINE NEEDED REPLACING AT THE SAME TIME. WHEN I COMPLAINED TO THE ONES WHO HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THESE TIRES, THEY BLAMED ME - 7 YEARS IS TOO LONG, DIDN'T ROTATE TIRES ENOUGH, DIDN'T INSPECT THEM MYSELF EVERY TIME I HOPPED IN MY TRUCK, MY TRUCK SAT TOO LONG WITHOUT BE DRIVEN, ALIGNMENTS NOT DONE EVERY YEAR, NOBODY HAS

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jul 12, 2012145,000 milesGA

DRIVER WAS GOING APPROX. 40MPH DOWN THE RURAL HIGHWAY IN HEAVY RAIN AND THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF HER CAME TO A STOP. BY THE TIME THE DRIVER OF THE SONOMA SAW THE TRUCK IT WAS TOO LATE TO STOP AND NOT HIT THE STOPPED VEHICLE. THE DRIVER OF THE SONOMA HIT THE STOPPED TRUCK AND TOTALED THE SONOMA. AT NO POINT DID THE DRIVER AIRBAG DEPLOY. *TR

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jul 29, 201150,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC SONOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD STOP WORKING SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. ..UPDATED 09/15/11 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS PERIODICALLY STOPPED WORKING IN THE RAIN. UPDATED 09/28/11*JB

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 18, 2011100,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC SONOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS RUSTING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE FRAME TO SEPARATE INTO TWO PIECES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000...UPDATED 09/15/11 *BF UPDATED 10/05/11

Tires
Filed Feb 19, 2011146,000 milesUT

I LOST THE TREAD ON ONE OF MY TOYO TIRES AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. IT COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE! IT WAS THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE. THANKFULLY, I WAS ABLE TO STEER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND CALL FOR HELP. I'VE ALREADY HAD IT REPLACED BUT THE DEALER I WENT TO (DISCOUNT TIRES) WHERE I PURCHASED THE DEFECTIVE ONE TOLD ME THEY ARE GOOD TIRES AND CONVINCED ME TO BUY ANOTHER TOYO. NOW I'M WORRIED. *TR

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Mar 8, 2010KS

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAVE ONLY WORKED INTERMITTENTLY WHENEVER THEY ARE RUN. IN THE HEAVIEST RAIN YOU CANNOT COUNT ON THEM AND SOMETIMES THEY WON'T COME ON AT ALL. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM WHEN THEY QUIT WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD IN THE MIDDLE OF A RAIN. THEY HAVE NOT MADE IT A WHOLE TRIP IN THE RAIN AND STAYED WORKING- ALWAYS ONLY INTERMITTENT. SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO PULL OVER UNTIL THEY DECIDE TO COME ON AGAIN. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 7, 2009179,500 milesWV

I HAVE NOT HAD ANY WRECKS OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT, YET. MY TURN SIGNALS DON'T WORK PROPERLY ONE OF MY LOW BEEN HEADLIGHTS KEEPS BLOWING AND MY TAILLIGHTS DON'T WORK. I HAVE CHANGED THE BULBS JUST FOR THEM TO BLOW WHEN I TEST THEM. AND NO I DO NOT TOUCH THE GLASS ON THE HEADLIGHTS. I SEEN THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE LIGHTING SYSTEM AND ON THE WIRING SYSTEM, COULD THIS BE MY PROBLEM? *TR

Visibility
Filed Dec 30, 200810,000 milesWI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC SONOMA. IN MARCH OF 1998, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BEGAN WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. IN NOVEMBER OF 2008, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE WIPER MODULE AND WIPER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD FOR THEM TO BE LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

Visibility
Filed Dec 15, 200850,000 milesAL

MY TRUCK HAS 70,000 MILES AND IT HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS. YOU CAN HIT ON THE INSIDE OF THE MOTOR AND IT WILL START WORKING. I CAN BE DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY WILL QUIT. I HAVE NOTICED THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jul 30, 200842,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC SONOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. THE DEALER INITIALLY STATED THAT THEY WOULD APPROVE THE REPAIR; HOWEVER, THEY ARE CURRENTLY REFUSING TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V159000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD, WIPER/WASHER) WAS REFERENCED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. UPDATED 09/13/08. *LJ THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TWICE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WIPER MOTOR BOARD. UPDATED 09/17/08. *JB

Visibility
Filed May 18, 2008NC

WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL STOP WORKING WITHOUT NOTICE. *TR

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Nov 3, 200750,000 milesMD

WINDSHIELD WIPER INTERMITTENT. CAN CAUSE SEVERE VISIBILITY PROBLEMS DURING BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS, ALMOST RESULTING INTO A CRASH WHEN TRYING TO EXIT ROADWAY. *TR

Structure › Body › Tailgate
Filed Nov 3, 200750,000 milesMD

TAILGATE CABLES RUSTED, AND BROKE. SEVERAL OTHER GMC PICK UPS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, AND WAS UNDER RECALL. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, WHY NOT A RECALL ITEM. THIS IS POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE WHEN HAULING ITEMS WITH TAILGATE DOWN. *TR

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Aug 17, 2007TX

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL TO OPERATE ON OCCASION DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. RECALL ISSUED FOR OTHER GM VEHICLES CITING PROBLEM CIRCUIT CONTROL BOARDS TO WIPER MOTORS. VERY HAZARDOUS CONDITION WHEN DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN CONDITIONS AND WIPERS FAIL TO OPERATE. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Aug 11, 200740,000 milesMI

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL TO OPERATE ON OCCASION DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. RECALL ISSUED FOR OTHER GM VEHICLES CITING PROBLEM CIRCUIT CONTROL BOARDS TO WIPER MOTORS. VERY HAZARDOUS CONDITION WHEN DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN CONDITIONS AND WIPERS FAIL TO OPERATE. *JB

Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Jul 22, 2007NC

DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT RECLINING LEVERS BROKEN. THIRD DOOR HANDLE BROKEN. THIRD DOOR HANDLE HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. SEAT LEVERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED BUT DIDN'T LAST. CAN'T SOMETHING BE DONE TO CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS PERMANENTLY? *TR

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Apr 19, 200790,000 milesGA

HAD A PROBLEM WITH WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT WORKING OR WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. I FOUND PROBLEM TO BE THE ELECTRICAL PLUG ON WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD TO HAVE FRACTURED SOLDIER CONNECTIONS. RESOLDIER CONNECTIONS CURE PROBLEM. *TR

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring
Filed Mar 26, 2007OK

AT FIRST INSTANCE OF FAILURE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD INTERMITENTLY STOP WORKING. IT HAS NOW PROGRESSED TO TOTAL FAILURE. GOT UNDER HOOD AND TRACED TO WIRING PLUG IN AT WIPER MOTOR. IF PLUG IS JIGGLED THE WIPERS WILL WORK FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN DURING POSSIBLE RAIN CONDITIONS DUE TO SAFETY ISSUES. WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS FROM A DEALER.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 28, 200759,000 milesAZ

I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 1998 GMC SONOMA PURCHASED NEW IN FEBRUARY OF 1999. VEHICLE PROPERLY MAINTAINED DRIVEN AS A COMMUTER VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 7,400 MILES PER YEAR. IT IS EQUIPPED WITH THE 4L60E TRANSMISSION, WHICH IS CLEARLY DEFECTIVE. 59,000 MILES BEGINS TO SURGE AND SLIP. ACCELERATION IS GREATLY REDUCED WITH HARSH SHIFTING. GREATLY COMPROMISING MY SAFETY. ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $3100.00 GMC WILL NOT REIMBURSE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE. MY CLAIMS WERE "DENIED" BY THE DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Jan 27, 2007107,030 milesIN

IN APRIL 2006, A BRAKE LINE ON MY 1998 GMC SONOMA PICKUP BROKE WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES AT APPROX 50 MPH. I HAD TO STOP RATHER QUICKLY DUE TO TRAFFIC BACKING UP ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. WHEN THE BRAKE LINE BURST, MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I HAD NO BRAKES. PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING, THE BRAKES WERE WORKING FINE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO SWERVE INTO ANOTHER LANE AND DOWNSHIFT (STD SHIFT) TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. MY MECHANIC REPLACED THE BROKEN LINE (FROM HYDRAULIC ABS TO JUNCTION) AND ALSO THE REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. THE TRUCK HAD 107,000 MILES ON IT WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I DECIDED TO REPORT THIS BECAUSE I AM CONCERNED THAT IT MIGHT HAPPEN TO OTHERS, RESULTING IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.*JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Oct 18, 200678,000 milesCA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON A RAIN DAY, THE WIPERS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING AT HIGH SPEED. ALSO, WHEN THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, AND SOMETIMES DID NOT WORK AT ALL. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNALS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN SEEN BY A DEALERSHIP.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jul 30, 2006116,000 milesIN

ON OUR 1998 GMC SONOMA WE HAVE REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR AND BOARD. THE WIPERS STILL HAVE A GHOST IN THEM AND DELAY DOES NOT WORK MOST OF THE TIME AND HIGH SPEED WHEN ON LOW SPEED, ERRATIC BEHAVIOR ON WIPERS. WON'T TURN ON OR OFF ON OCCASION. WAS THERE A RECALL ON ALSO ON THE PASSENGER SEAT? THE LEVER BROKE RIGHT OFF THE FIRST TIME WE USED IT. CHEAPLY BUILT HANDLES. PLEASE SEND ME A LIST OF RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE PLEASE FOR OUR OWN SAFETY AS THIS VEHICLE IS DRIVEN DAILY ON OPEN HIGHWAYS. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jun 11, 200650,000 milesCA

WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM IS FAULTY. USUALLY THE WIPERS CONTINUE RUNNING AFTER BEING TURNED OFF, SOMETIMES THEY STOP WHILE RUNNING, FREQUENTLY THEY RUN CONTINUOUSLY WHEN IN THE "INTERVAL" SETTINGS, A FEW TIMES THEY HAVE FAILED TO OPERATE AT ALL. *NM

Visibility
Filed Jun 11, 200650,000 milesCA

INTERIOR COMPONENTS BREAK EASILY: DRIVER'S RECLINER HANDLE SHEARED OFF, DRIVER'S VISOR HINGE SNAPPED, WINDSHIELD DEFROST GRILLE FRACTURED. *NM

Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Apr 21, 200650,000 milesNY

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CABLE THAT HOLDS THE TAILGATE RUSTED AND THE TAILGATE FRACTURED. THERE IS AN NHTSA RECALL, # 06V066000, REGARDING THE STRUCTURE: BODY: TAILGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 05/10/06*JB

Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Mar 10, 200646,000 milesNC

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TAILGATE SUSPENSION CABLE BROKE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V066000, REGARDING THE STRUCTURE BODY TAILGATE HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 03/28/06. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring
Filed Jan 16, 2006107,081 milesVA

THIS STARTED AS AN OCCASIONAL FAILURE IN 2002 WHEN THE INTERMITTENT WIPERS WOULD SUDDENLY START WIPING AT FULL SPEED "ON THEIR OWN" AND WOULD ONLY GO BACK TO INTERMITTENT SPEED AFTER I WOULD TURN OFF THE WIPERS AND RE-TURN THEM ON. IN AUGUST 2005 THIS CHANGED TO WHERE THE INTERMITTENT WIPERS WOULD GO TO FULL SPEED AND THEN JUST STOP. THEY WOULD NOT RESUME WIPING WHEN I WOULD TURN THE SWITCH ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES (THUS I WAS DRIVING IN THE RAIN WITH NO WIPERS). HOWEVER - THEY WOULD JUST AS SUDDENLY BEGIN WIPING. IN OCTOBER 2005 I HAD THE LOCAL GM DEALER REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE CIRCUIT BOARD WHICH IT TURNED OUT WAS CRACKED. THIS IS THE SAME PIECE OF EQUIPMENT THAT GMC DID A RECALL FOR VEHICLES BETWEEN 1994 AND 1997. I HAVE REGISTERED THIS ISSUE WITH THE GM CLAIMS DEPARTMENT - BUT THEY WILL NOT TAKE ANY ACTION FOR A RECALL NOR REIMBURSE THE COST OF THE PART. *NM

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Jan 3, 200690,500 milesMO

1998 GMC SONOMA PICK UP WITH 4 CYLINDER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE FUEL LINE MOUNTING BRACKET LOCATED ON THE BELL HOUSING RUBBED A HOLE IN THE FUEL LINE ALLOWING GASOLINE TO DRIP ON THE HOT EXHAUST PIPE. IT TOOK THREE DEALERS AND A COUPLE OF MONTHS TO FIND THE LEAK. GENERAL MOTORS STATED THIS WAS NORMAL WEAR AND REFUSED TO REPAIR OR ASSIST IN REPAIR WITH ESTIMATED COST OF $400-$600. THIS LEAK PRESENTED AN EXTREME FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARD. I HAVE NEVER SEEN OR HEARD OF A GAS LINE RUBBING THROUGH ON ANY VEHICLE. THERE IS NO WAY THIS IS ANYTHING BUT A DESIGN/MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. *JB

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Nov 2, 200510,752 milesIN

1998 GMC SONOMA PICK UP. THE WIPERS DON'T WORK OVER HALF THE TIME. AND WHEN YOU SHUT THEM OFF THEY KEEP GOING . IF THEY HAPPEN TO WORK AT THAT TIME. THE HANDLE TO THE DRIVERS DOOR KEEPS BREAKING OFF. *NM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages
Filed Sep 15, 200525 milesMO

MY 98 GMC SONOMA'S WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE FAILED CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY DURING RAIN. INITIALLY, I WAS ABLE TO TAP THE MODULE TO REGAIN WIPER USE, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME UNMANAGEABLE. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED AT NEIL TWINTER MOTORS COSTING $95.81.*JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Aug 28, 200533,000 milesCA

WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK CORRECTLY. IF THEY WORK, THEY WILL STOP MID-WIPE BLOCKING THE DRIVERS VIEW. HALF OF THE TIME, HOWEVER, THE WIPERS FAIL TO EVEN COME ON. THIS IS A VERY WIDE-SPREAD PROBLEM FOR MANY GM TRUCKS AND SUVS BUILT THROUGHOUT THE 1990'S. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 18, 200546,637 milesKS

1998 GMC SONOMA ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *MR A STRANGE SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REGULARLY MAINTENANCED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO COMPENSATED FOR A PORTION OF THE DAMAGES. *SC

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Aug 10, 2005101,500 milesIL

DT: THE CALLER SAID THE LINER OF THE EXHAUST PIPE BROKE OFF AND CLOGGED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, CAUSING AIR FLOW TO BE BLOCKED AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPENED AT ANY SPEED, BUT MOSTLY WHEN GOING AT LOW SPEEDS AND TAKING OFF. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER ON JULY 24, 2005 FOR INSPECTION, AND DEALER SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS AND THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS. THEY WILL HAVE THE PARTS IN SEPTEMBER. SHE COULD DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THEN. THE CALLER WAS CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF STALLING. SHE TALKED TO THE MANUFACTURER ON JULY 26, 2005. THEY SAID IT WAS OKAY TO DRIVE IT UNTIL THE CALLER TOLD MANUFACTURER HOW UNSAFE IT WAS TO DRIVE. THEN, MANUFACTURER TOLD HER NOT TO DRIVE. *AK

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed May 25, 200568,480 milesLA

DT: THE ELECTRIC WIRING FROM THE MAIN TRUNK THAT COMES FROM THE FIREWALL AND THE MOTOR SYSTEM. BRANCHED OFF FROM THE MAIN BRANCH TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, WHO ONLY WORKED 67% OF THE TIME.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Apr 27, 2005CA

1998 GMC SONOMA EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. *MR THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT GO OFF, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED IN RAINY WEATHER, THE POWER WINDOWS FAILED, THE RECLINER HANDLE HAD BROKEN OFF, AND THE HANDLE TO THE SIDE DOOR HAD BROKEN AS WELL. *SC *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring
Filed Mar 29, 200544,475 milesRI

WINDSHIELD WIPERS RUN FOR A WHILE (5 TO 15 MIN) THEN JUST STOP. AFTER A VARIABLE PERIOD OF TIME (1MIN-10 MIN) THEY WILL COME BACK ON ONLY TO QUIT AGAIN AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. LAST NIGHT IT WAS RAINING HARD AND THE FAILURE CAUSED A SERIOUS LOSS OF VISIBILTY, LUCKLY NO ACCIDENT ENSUED.THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS FAILURE OCCURRED AND I SAW TWO OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON YOUR WEB SITE.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Dec 27, 200473,000 milesFL

INTERMITTENTLY THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTIONED. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ENGAGED BY THEMSELVES TO THE FASTEST SPEED SETTING WHEN IN THE SLOW SPEED SETTING. ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT WORKING, BUT ENGAGED AGAIN WITHIN SECONDS ON TWO OCCASIONS. THEN, FAILED TO COME BACK ON THE THIRD OCCASION. THIS FAILURE WAS DUE TO A DEFECT DESCRIBED IN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER RECALL 03V159000, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch
Filed Oct 20, 200497,000 milesMI

I OWN A 1998 GMC SONOMA PICKUP. BOTH TAILGATE CABLES FAILED BY BREAKING IN HALF BECAUSE OF RUST. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THEM AND AM CURRENTLY NOT USING MY TAILGATE BECAUSE EACH ONE COSTS $42.00 (THEY ARE PART OF THE LATCH ASSEMBLY). GM HAS RECALLED TAILGATE CABLES ON FULL SIZE TRUCKS - DOES ANYBODY BELEIVE THE CABLES ON THEIR SMALLER TRUCKS WERE ANY BETTER? I AM A BELEIVER THE SAME PROBLEM EXISTS BUT THEY SELL LESS SMALL TRUCKS SO THERE ARE FEWER COMPLAINTS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MINE CORRECTED LIKE MANY OTHER GM TRUCK OWNERS HAVE.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 20, 2004TX

WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD A WINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION HESITATED, THEN DOWN SHIFTED ON ITS OWN. THE CONSUMER DROVE IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring
Filed Oct 19, 200467,880 milesIL

MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON MY TRUCK WILL WORK FOR A WHILE AND THEN LOCK UP, TODAY I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND IT WAS RAINING AND THE WIPERS WERE WORKING FINE AND THEN IT BEGAN POURING SUDDENLY THE WIPERS STOPPED ABOUT HALFWAY ALMOST CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Sep 24, 200480,000 milesFL

WHEN PARKING BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Filed Sep 23, 200490,000 milesGA

THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT RECLINER LEVERS BROKE COMPLETELY OFF WITHOUT ANY EXCESSIVE FORCE BEING APPLIED. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Sep 5, 200475,000 milesKY

A FEW MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT MY 1998 GMC SONOMA THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. SOMETIME THEY COME ON AND WORK FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN STOP BUT MANY TIMES THEY NEVER WORK. MY DEALER SAYS THE 97 SONOMAS WERE RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM THAT CONTINUES ON TO THE 98 MODEL. THIS MAKES IT EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN THE RAIN. *JB

Equipment
Filed Aug 29, 200483,000 milesPA

WINDSHIELD WIPER ELECTRICAL CONNECTION OR CIRCUIT BOARD FAILS DURING WET WEATHER CAUSING WIPER FAILURE AND LOSS OF VISIBILITY. I PERSONALLY REPLACED FAULTY WIPER MOTOR ASSEMBLY. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jul 29, 2004MI

WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED, CAUSING CONSUMER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED.*AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed May 17, 200435,000 milesCA

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL WHEN IT RAINS. *AK

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed May 11, 2004TN

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILED, CAUSING THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR TO OPEN. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE FACTORY'S FAULT. THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS KNOWN FOR A KNOCKING NOISE AROUND THE TIRES IN WHICH THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED. *SC *JB

Complaints 1-50 of 156, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1994
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20051000Routine
20040100Routine
200339110Routine
200257010Routine
200189110Routine
2000136401Fatalities reported
199957110Routine
1998 — this page156420Routine
1997111300Routine
1996148910Routine
1995213700Above average
1994224621Fatalities reported
199358430Routine
199225300Routine
199129230Routine
19901000Routine

Compare every Sonoma year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 12, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.