GMC Sonoma Problems by Year
NHTSA has 1,007 owner complaints and 14 safety recalls on file for the GMC Sonoma, across 11 model years (1995–2005). The 1995 model year has the most complaints (213). The most reported problem area overall is service brakes, hydraulic.
GMC Sonoma years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Sonoma year: 1995. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 1995 Sonoma: 213 complaints, 3 recalls
- 1998 Sonoma: 156 complaints, 3 recalls
- 1996 Sonoma: 148 complaints, 6 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2005 Sonoma: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
- 2003 Sonoma: 39 complaints, 1 recall
- 1999 Sonoma: 57 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common GMC Sonoma problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems | 247 | 9 | 52 |
| Visibility problems | 178 | 8 | 3 |
| Structure problems | 117 | 9 | 3 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 86 | 9 | 0 |
| Power Train | 78 | 9 | 3 |
| Seats | 70 | 9 | 4 |
| Air Bags | 65 | 8 | 52 |
| Electrical System | 53 | 8 | 2 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 42 | 9 | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 35 | 8 | 2 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 32 | 7 | 0 |
| Suspension | 29 | 7 | 2 |
| Tires | 25 | 9 | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 24 | 8 | 0 |
| Equipment | 23 | 8 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 20 | 7 | 4 |
| Steering | 19 | 8 | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 11 | 4 | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 9 | 6 | 1 |
| Wheels | 7 | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Other | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Interior Lighting | 2 | 2 | 0 |
GMC Sonoma problems by model year
Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.
- 1998: visibility (55)
- 1995: service brakes, hydraulic (80) · visibility (52)
All GMC Sonoma model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Sonoma | 1 | 0 | — | Seat Belts | |
| 2004 Sonoma | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2003 Sonoma | 39 | 1 | — | Structure | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2002 Sonoma | 57 | 0 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2001 Sonoma | 89 | 1 | — | Structure | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2000 Sonoma | 136 | 3 | — | Structure | More complaints than other years |
| 1999 Sonoma | 57 | 0 | — | Power Train | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 1998 Sonoma | 156 | 3 | — | Visibility | More complaints than other years |
| 1997 Sonoma | 111 | 2 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1996 Sonoma | 148 | 6 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | More complaints than other years |
| 1995 Sonoma | 213 | 3 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Far more complaints than other years |
More from GMC: all GMC models · GMC VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Sonoma years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1995 (213) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Sonoma year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the GMC Sonoma?
Service Brakes, Hydraulic, with 247 complaints across 9 model years.
How many recalls does the GMC Sonoma have?
14 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.