GMC Sonoma Structure Problems
Owners have filed 117 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the GMC Sonoma across 9 model years. The 2000 model year has the most (41). The words owners use most often: “cables broke” (17% of reports).
- 117structure complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 8mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- 0%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Cables broke: mentioned in 20 of 117 complaints (17%)
- Both tailgate: mentioned in 16 of 117 complaints (14%)
- Rusted through: mentioned in 9 of 117 complaints (8%)
- Hinge attachments: mentioned in 7 of 117 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 83 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 117 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 8 an injury.
GMC Sonoma structure complaints by model year
| Model year | Structure complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Sonoma | 6 | 15% | 30,000 |
| 2002 Sonoma | 13 | 23% | 60,000 |
| 2001 Sonoma | 26 | 29% | 52,150 |
| 2000 Sonoma | 41 | 30% | 60,000 |
| 1999 Sonoma | 8 | 14% | 54,500 |
| 1998 Sonoma | 14 | 9% | 50,000 |
| 1997 Sonoma | 5 | 5% | 94,875 |
| 1996 Sonoma | 2 | 1% | 150,000 |
| 1995 Sonoma | 2 | 1% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists structure for the GMC Sonoma. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The 3rd door on ext cab. The door does not open. Was told by dealer this is major complaints for these 3rd models. Have to replace pins or something, but it keeps happening. This a a life & death hazard & defect. Why hasn't this been recalled? In an accident, (rear ended) the door could not be…
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc sonoma. While driving at approximately 25 mph, the spare tire wire cable hoist assembly fray snapped and the spare tire fell onto the road. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 gmc sonoma. The contact stated that the driver side door was loose and failed to close completely. An independent mechanic placed a pin on the bushing and noticed that the frame was completely rusted underneath the cab. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer…
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc sonoma. The contact stated that the driver's side interior extended cab door handle became fractured while the contact was attempting to exit the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the defect was remedied. The contact stated the same door handle…
I had a 97 gmc sonoma that i was going down a dirt road about 30-35 mph and swerved to miss a truck coming on my side of the road and lost traction and flipped over a hill and rolled 3 times and the airbags didnt deploy and the drivers seatbelt snapped . *tr
Frequently asked questions
Do all GMC Sonomas have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 117 owner complaints about structure for the GMC Sonoma. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the GMC Sonoma structure?
No recall currently lists structure for this vehicle.
What do owners say about structure problems on the GMC Sonoma?
The most frequent phrase is “cables broke”, in 20 of 117 complaints, followed by “both tailgate” (16).
Other GMC Sonoma problems
See all GMC Sonoma problems.