Vehicles / GMC / Sonoma / 1996

1996 GMC Sonoma

148 federal complaints (190 component records) · 6 recall campaigns on file · 36 service bulletins · 6 Canadian recalls
See all 16 model years of the GMC Sonoma →
Engine
2.2L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
18 city / 25 hwy
Federal complaints
148
Recall campaigns
6
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Brakes
59
Glass & wipers
31
Engine & cooling
21
Power train
17
Air bags
10
Electrical system
9
Fuel system
8
Speed control
7
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 26 complaints01 years old: 23 complaints2 years old: 7 complaints3 years old: 12 complaints4 years old: 13 complaints5 years old: 6 complaints56 years old: 8 complaints7 years old: 4 complaints8 years old: 1 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 3 complaints1011 years old: 3 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 1 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 108 of 148 complaints with a usable failure date.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Brakes

59 complaint records18 crash reports
"ABS BRAKES ARE CAUSING VEHICLE TWO WHEEL DRIVE TO LOCK UP WHEN APPLYING BRAKES IN WET CONDITIONS. DEALER NOTIFIED . *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Glass & wipers

31 complaint records2 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING AND USING WINDSHIELD WIPERS THEY WILL QUIT WITHOUT A WARNING. *AK SOME TIMES WIPERS WILL NEVER OPERTE AT ALL. *YH..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

21 complaint records1 fire report
"VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WITH NO WARNING OR FAILS TO START AND THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME CHRONIC, CANNOT DIAGNOSE WHY THIS OCCURS...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
99V193000Service Brakes, HydraulicVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1989 THROUGH AUGUST 1996.Normally free
98V150001VisibilityVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.Normally free
97V146001Service Brakes, HydraulicVEHICLE 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...Normally free
97V096001Seat BeltsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 60/40 FRONT BENCH SEATS AND EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND 2-DOOR UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL LOCKING RECLINER BUCKET SEATS.Normally free
97V008001VisibilityTHE TOP COAT PAINT SEVERELY PEELS DUE TO OVERBAKING OF THE POWDER PRIMER PRIOR TO THE TOP COAT APPLICATION.Normally free
96V035000Power TrainSOME OF THESE TRUCKS WERE BUILT WITH TRANSMISSIONS CONTAINING PARTS WHICH WERE NOT MACHINED TO GM'S SPECIFICATIONS.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
1999135
1999-07-26
Brakes72,445Certain four wheel drive vehicles may experience increased stopping distances during ABS stops while in the two-wheel drive mode.
1998150
1998-07-22
Visual System71,500Certain vehicles may have windshield wiper motors with solder joints near the wiring harness connector that could crack. This could cause the windshield wiper to work intermittently and ultimately result in inoperative wipers.
1997154
1997-09-09
Brakes4,499On certain vehicles, the front brake pipe may contact the left-hand side of the engine oil pan. This contact could cause the brake pipe to wear through to the point of brake fluid loss during brake application.
1997152
1997-09-08
Seats And Restraints23,860On certain vehicles, the driver's and/or passenger's front outboard seat-belt webbing could separate during a frontal impact having at least the same dynamics as a 48 kph frontal barrier collision.
1996094
1996-06-20
Emissions2,020Certain vehicles may not comply with CMVSS 1105 - Evaporative Emissions. Fuel injectors may exhibit leakage of fuel vapour due to a stress of the plastic encapsulant.
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
1996040
1996-02-28
Powertrain808On certain vehicles, the transmissions may contain parts which are not machined to specification. These transmissions could seize and lock the rear wheels while the truck is being operated.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
17-NA-073
Feb 2023
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIP4723F
Jan 2022
Fuel SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIP4723D
Jan 2020
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIC4696E
Nov 2019
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
PIC4696D
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
Show 31 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIC4696C
May 2018
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
PIP4723C
Sep 2017
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIP4723B
Feb 2017
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIC4696B
Dec 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
PIC4696A
Oct 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
130089009
Sep 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingExpanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
PI0969
May 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingThis preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
020525006
Jan 2006
Service BrakesANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS. *TT
020730024A
Aug 2005
Power TrainDIAGNOSIS OF CRACKED OR BROKEN TRANSMISSION CASE. *TT 2006 AND PRIOR CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT
030601024A
Mar 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingRATTLE NOISE IN ENGINE. *TT
01225
Jan 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE COOLANT LEAK AT INTAKE GASKET. * MJ
3176A
Jan 2004
EquipmentHEAT COMING FROM VENTS WITH HVAC OFF. *TT
020525006A
Dec 2002
Service BrakesANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS ON VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 1995 AND 1996 ENVOY. *TT
990730016A
Oct 2002
Power TrainDIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT, SLIP, BUSY/CYCLING TCC OR NOISY COOLING FAN. *TT
020857004
Jun 2002
StructureSUBJECT REGARDING GENERAL WATERLEAK GUIDE. *TT
041002
Apr 2002
EquipmentINFORMATION ON OVER TORQUING OR A REVERSE BEDRAIL INSTALLATION. *TT
990602012D
Apr 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING RUST IN COOLING SYSTEM, HEATER INOPERATIVE, BLOWS COLD AIR, ENGINE OVERHEATS (FLUSH COOLING SYSTEM). NLM
020864007
Mar 2002
StructureSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE THIRD DOOR IS HARD TO OPEN AND/OR THE DOOR HANDLE MAY BE BROKEN FOR 1996-2002 CHEVROLET AND GMC S/T EXTENDED CAB PICKUP MODELS.. *SLC
250102
Jan 2002
StructureCONCERNS WITH EXCESSIVE EFFORT OR BREAKING OF THE THIRD DOOR HANDLE ON EXTENDED CAB PICK UPS. *TT
220801
Aug 2001
SeatsCUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE SEAT RECLINER HANDLE IS STRIPPED. *JG
990602012C
Jun 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE HEATER IS INOPERATIVE, BLOWS COLD AIR, ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN OVERHEAT CONDITION OR THE COOLANT RESERVOIR HAS RUST IN IT. *TT
00010
May 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE A FAILURE OF THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET LEADING TO EXTERNAL COOLANT LEAKS FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET TO ENGINE BLOCK JOINT. **MR
990602012B
Feb 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE HEATER IS INOPERATIVE, BLOWS COLD AIR, ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN OVERHEAT CONDITION OR THE COOLANT RESERVOIR HAS RUST IN IT. *TT
990602012A
Jan 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE HEATER IS INOPERATIVE, BLOWS COLD AIR, ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN OVERHEAT CONDITION OR THE COOLANT RESERVOIR HAS RUST IN IT. *TT
240699
Jul 1999
Service BrakesSUBJECT REGARDING ABS 3-SENSOR EBC4 - SPECIAL POLICY. *TT
990602012
Jun 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingCONDITIONS WITH HEATER INOPERATIVE, BLOWS COLD AIR, ENGINE OVERHEATS, AND RUST IN THE COOLANT SYSTEM. *TT
98043
Sep 1998
VisibilityPRODUCT RECALL CAMPAIGN INVOLVING WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT. *TT
776001
Jul 1997
Engine And Engine CoolingINFORMATION CONCERNING ENGINE KNOCK/RATTLE OR TAP NOISE BEFORE ENGINE HAS REACHED OPERATING TEMPERATURE OR UNDER LIGHT LOAD CONDITIONS AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE (REPLACE PISTON AND/OR ROD ASSEMBLIES). AK
776001
Mar 1997
Engine And Engine CoolingKNOCK, RATTLE OR TAP NOISE FROM THE ENGINE BEFORE THE ENGINE HAS REACHED OPERATING TEMPERATURE OR UNDER LIGHT LOAD CONDITIONS AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE KNOCK, RATTLE OR TAP NOISE FROM THE ENGINE BEFORE THE ENGINE HAS REACHED OPERATING TEMPERATURE OR UNDER LIGHT LOAD CONDITIONS AT...
3081
Engine And Engine CoolingSERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT AND P0300 WHEN TOWING, CRUISING UPHILL OR ON HARD ACCELERATION. *TT
3300
Power Train4WD MODELS WITH NOISE, VIBRATION ON DRY PAVEMENT. *EH

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  2. Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this GMC Sonoma →