FaultScore report
Owners have filed 254 complaints about the 1995 GMC Sonoma with NHTSA between 1995 and 2010. The largest single group is the brakes. Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 11 worst.
FaultScore 71/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the GMC Sonoma.
How this is worked out254
Complaints
35
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
13
Injuries reported
96,500 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
0%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Median failure at 98,000 miles
2 crashes, 0 fires
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 95,000 mi
Median failure at 148,000 miles
Median failure at 109,950 miles
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
WINDSHIELD WIPER
DURING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION, OVER 400 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS WERE FURNISHED BY GM.IN ADDITION GM REPORTED OVER 3000 WIPER SYSTEM WARRANTY REPAIRS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Brakes
Certain four wheel drive vehicles may experience increased stopping distances during ABS stops while in the two-wheel drive mode. A switch can erroneously signal the ABS system that the vehicle is in four-wheel drive when the vehicle is actually in two wheel drive. Correction: Dealers will replace the switch on affected vehicles.
Visual System
Certain 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. This could reduce driver visibility in inclement weather and result in a crash. Correction: Wiper motor circuit board and cover will be replaced.
Seats And Restraints
On 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. If a separation occurred and there were secondary crash events or rollover, there would be no restraint of the occupant and increased injuries could occur. Correction: A protector cover will be installed over the recliner mechanism.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING AT 68 MPH, CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS
NHTSA complaint #10001720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
MY HUSBAND FELL ASLEEP AT APPROXIMATELY 3:00 AM AND HIT A GUARDRAIL. THE DRIVERSIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND HE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL, SUSTAINED A BRUISED HEART AND NECK INJURY. WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL ER, TRANSFERRED TO ICU; HE IS OUT OF THE HOSPITAL NOW, BEING WATCHED CLOSELY FOR ANY FURTHER PROBLEMS. HAVE THERE BEEN OTHER ACCIDENTS WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL PICKUP WHERE THE AIRBAG DID NOT INFLATE? OR IS IT FAULTY EQUIPMENT ON JUST THIS VEHICLE?
NHTSA complaint #764354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 45-50 MPH ON A WET ROAD HAD TO APPLY BRAKES IN AN EMERGENCY STUATION WHICH CAUSED FRONT DRIVER'S TIRES TO BLOWOUT, AND VEHICLE HIT GUARDRAIL. VEHICLE WAS STRUCK AGAIN BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE, AND STILL BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #866458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 45-50 MPH ON A WET ROAD HAD TO APPLY BRAKES IN AN EMERGENCY STUATION WHICH CAUSED FRONT DRIVER'S TIRES TO BLOWOUT, AND VEHICLE HIT GUARDRAIL. VEHICLE WAS STRUCK AGAIN BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE, AND STILL BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #866458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 45-50 MPH ON A WET ROAD HAD TO APPLY BRAKES IN AN EMERGENCY STUATION WHICH CAUSED FRONT DRIVER'S TIRES TO BLOWOUT, AND VEHICLE HIT GUARDRAIL. VEHICLE WAS STRUCK AGAIN BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE, AND STILL BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #866458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NTO DEPLOY, CAUSING DRIVER TO HIT WINDSHIELD AND BREAK NOSE. PLEASE PROIVDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #861337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I WAS ACCELERATING ONTO INTERSTATE HIGHWAY I94 WHEN MY TRUCK SUDDENLY BOUNCED UP JUMPING AND COMING BACK DOWN ON THE ENTRANCE RAMP. AS I LOOKED IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR I SAW MY SPARE TIRE BOUNCING OFF INTO A NEARBY FIELD. THE SPARE WAS HELD UNDER THE TRUCK BED BY A STEEL CABLE WHICH LATER I FOUND BROKE. THE TIRE HAD JAMMED UNDER THE TRUCK BED RUPTURING THE STEEL GASOLINE FILLER TUBE. I EXPLORED THE RUPTURE CLOSED AND HAVE NOT YET REPLACED THE SPARE TIRE RETAINING ASSEMBLY UNDER THE TRUCK.
NHTSA complaint #10361499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
I WAS ACCELERATING ONTO INTERSTATE HIGHWAY I94 WHEN MY TRUCK SUDDENLY BOUNCED UP JUMPING AND COMING BACK DOWN ON THE ENTRANCE RAMP. AS I LOOKED IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR I SAW MY SPARE TIRE BOUNCING OFF INTO A NEARBY FIELD. THE SPARE WAS HELD UNDER THE TRUCK BED BY A STEEL CABLE WHICH LATER I FOUND BROKE. THE TIRE HAD JAMMED UNDER THE TRUCK BED RUPTURING THE STEEL GASOLINE FILLER TUBE. I EXPLORED THE RUPTURE CLOSED AND HAVE NOT YET REPLACED THE SPARE TIRE RETAINING ASSEMBLY UNDER THE TRUCK.
NHTSA complaint #10361499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 GMC SONOMA. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 45 MPH APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT THEN ABRUPTLY DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE REAR WHEELS CONTINUED SPINNING AND THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO IDLE AT EXTREMELY HIGH RPMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER; NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE TO DATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 169,210. UPDATED 5/12/10 *CN WHILE WAITING FOR THE LIGHT, AT TIMES THE ENGINE WOULD ABRUPTLY GO TO FULL THROTTLE. UPDATED 06/04/10.
NHTSA complaint #10321610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1995 GMC SONOMA DIES WHILE DRIVING, ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS FAIL. HAVE TO PUT IN NEUTRAL TO RESTART WHILE MOVING.
NHTSA complaint #10234602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY
I HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY 1995 GMC WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY,AND ONE DAY,ON MY FIRST DAY BACK TO WORK AS A TEACHER,IT RAINED HORRIBLY AND THE WIPERS WOULDN'T WORK. I PAID A LOT OF MONEY TO FIRESTONE TO GET THEM FIXED. NOW I READ THERE WAS A RECALL AND NEVER RECEIVED ANY INFO. AND HAVE LIVED AT THE SAME PLACE FOR 18YRS.. SEWELL MOTORS IN DALLAS,TX SOLD ME THE VEHICLE IN 1995.
NHTSA complaint #10230200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WHILE DRIVING, THE WIPERS CAN STOP CAUSING A SUDDEN LOSS OF VISIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10217786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL TANK LEAKING WHERE PLASTIC SHEILD COVERS TANK. DEFECTIVE DESIGN TRAPPED WATER AND ROAD DEBRIS AGAINST INADEQUATELY PROTECTED FUEL TANK, RESULTING IN FAILURE OF FUEL CONTAINMENT SYSTEM. CONCERN THAT LEAKING FUEL TANK COULD PROPOSE FIRE HAZZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10090435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
THE SPARE TIRE DETACHED FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CABLE LOOKED LIKE IT SNAPPED.
NHTSA complaint #10029622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH
THE MULTI-FUNCTION/COMBINATION SWITH THAT CONTROLS THE HIGH/LOW BEAMS, WIPERS, TURN SIGNALS FAILED. THIS CAUSED MY TAILLIGHTS TO STOP FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THEY DON'T WORK AT ALL WITH HEADLIGHTS ON, TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK, REVERSE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. I DRIVE A 1995 GMC SONOMA SHORT BED, STANDARD CAB, SL PACKAGE. 5 SPEED MT, NON-TILT, NO CRUISE, NO POWER ANYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #10028401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
WHILE DRIVING AND AND WITHOUT WARNING SIDE MIRROR WILL FALL OFF, CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10021838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
MECHANIC STATED THIS FAILURE VERY COMMON W/2.2L ENGINES, GMC REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE MATERIAL DEFECT. *AK DIMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS----------750776.
NHTSA complaint #10006482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN THE CONSUMER PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, IT STUCK OPEN, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *JB. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR AND IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE WHICH SEEMED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *TS
NHTSA complaint #10016064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING AT 68 MPH, CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS
NHTSA complaint #10001720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CONSUMERS STATES THE VEHICLE HAD A MAJOR FAILURE TO OCCUR WITH THE CYLINDER HEAD. GMC HAS DECLINED TO RESPOND TO CONSUMERS INQUIRIES. CONSUMER HAS ALL THE PARTS AND WOULD LIKE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE METAL FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #568061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
THE PLASTIC STONE SHIELD IN FRONT OF THE FUEL TANK, CONTAINED DEBRIS AND MOISTURE, WHICH CAUSED THE FUEL TANK TO RUST AND THEN LEAK. TS
NHTSA complaint #8022329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CYLENDER HEAD CRACKED, CAUSING LEAKING. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #8018501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, HOSE FLIPPED OFF THAT WAS CONECTED WITH ENGINE COMPARTMENT. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT BY THE TIME HE GOT THE VEHICLE STOPPED, ALL THE OIL HAD DRAINED OUT, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FREEZE UP. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #8015865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
MY HUSBAND FELL ASLEEP AT APPROXIMATELY 3:00 AM AND HIT A GUARDRAIL. THE DRIVERSIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND HE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL, SUSTAINED A BRUISED HEART AND NECK INJURY. WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL ER, TRANSFERRED TO ICU; HE IS OUT OF THE HOSPITAL NOW, BEING WATCHED CLOSELY FOR ANY FURTHER PROBLEMS. HAVE THERE BEEN OTHER ACCIDENTS WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL PICKUP WHERE THE AIRBAG DID NOT INFLATE? OR IS IT FAULTY EQUIPMENT ON JUST THIS VEHICLE?
NHTSA complaint #764354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE REMOTE OIL FILTER ADAPTER ON THIS VEHICLE IS MADE OF ALUMINUM AND THE MOUNTING BOLTS ARE STEEL. ANY KID THAT PASSES SCIENCE CLASS CAN TELL YOU THAT THESE TWO METALS TOGETHER WILL CAUSE A BI-METALLIC REACTION THAT WILL SEVERELY AND QUICKLY CORRODE THE ALUMINUM, WHICH IT HAS. THIS CORROSION HAS CAUSED THE MOUNTING HOLES ON THE ADAPTER TO FLAKE OFF AND NOW ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF THE MOUNTING BOLT/NUT IS HOLDING THE ASSEMBLY. EVENTUALLY, THE MOUNT WILL COMPLETELY FAIL AND THE ADAPTER MAY FALL INTO SOME MOVING ENGINE PART OR ONTO THE ROAD. THIS COULD SEVER THE OIL FILTER HOSES AND POSSIBLY SPRAY OIL ON THE HOT ENGINE WHICH IS A FIRE RISK. THIS OIL FILTER ADAPTER SHOULD BE MADE OUT OF MATERIALS THAT ARE COMPATIBLE AND WILL NOT CORRODE FROM BI-METALLIC REACTION.
NHTSA complaint #763587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT RECLINER LEVER DOES NOT OPERATE RECLINER. DUE TO IMPROPER (NONE) CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE THE DOOR (STORAGE POCKET) AND THE RECLINER LEVER, THE METAL THAT HOLDS THE LEVER IS BROKEN.
NHTSA complaint #763585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
CONSUMER COMPLAINS OF EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #564520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
WHEN BRINGING THE TRUCK IN FOR OTHER SERVICE THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING. THE VISIBLE PART OF THE TANK WAS INTACT HOWEVER, A PLASTIC SHIELD COVERS THE FRONT PORTION OF THE TANK. REMOVAL OF THE SHIELD REVEALED PACKED DEBRIS, THE TECHNICIAN POINTED OUT THE CAUSE OF THE CORROSION WAS THE FACT THE PLASTIC SHIELD ON THE FRONT OF THE TANK TRAPPED DEBRIS AGAINST THE TANK AND CAUSED CORROSION FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE TANK. THIS DESIGN INDUCES CORROSION AND NO REASONABLE INSPECTION WOULD FOREWARN OF THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE MANAGER, MR. JOE CHAPMAN OPINED THERE WAS NO RECOURSE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS 7 YEARS OLD. FOLLOWING THIS RATIONALE OWNERS SHOULD EXPECT TO REPLACE FUEL TANKS WITH GREATER FREQUENCY THAN EXHAUST SYSTEMS. MR. CHAPMAN DID PROVIDE THE CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER. THAT NUMBER WAS CALLED AND A LINDA ROBERTSON LISTENED AND STATED "DESIGNS ARE NEVER DEFECTIVE." AFTER MORE DISCUSSION SHE PHONE THE SERVICE MANAGER WHO ACKNOWLEDGED MY VISIT ADDING HE NEVER ADMITTED THE DESIGN WAS DEFECTIVE.( TRUE ONLY THE TECHNICIAN MADE SUCH A COMMENT. THIS SHOULD BE A MOOT POINT TO ANYONE LOOKING AT THE DESIGN OR THE PARTS AT ISSUE. I ASKED MS. ROBERTSON TO WHOM COULD I WRITE FOR FURTHER REVIEW. SHE SAID NO ONE. HER ONLY OFFER WAS THAT SHE CREATED A FILE OF MY COMPLAINT. THE NUMBER THEREOF BEING C06605340. THIS DESIGN AND CONSEQUENT LEAKAGE PRESENTS SIGNIFICANT FIRE HAZARD AS WELL AS AIR POLLUTION AND THE SEEPAGE OF MTBE INTO GROUND WATER. GMC TOUTS THE DURABILTY OF THEIR PRODUCTS. THE SERVICE MANAGER'S ATTITUDE CONTRADICTS THAT. IN FACT I AM SHOPPING FOR A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE IN A FEW MONTHS. THIS EXPERIENCE IS NOT ENCOURAGING. I HAVE TAKEN DIGITAL PHOTOS OF THE SHIELD AND WILL LIKELY TAKE PHOTOS OF THE TANK AFTER IT IS REMOVED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #759953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
CONSUMER COMPLAINS OF EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #564520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE SPARE TIRE CABLE SNAPPED, CAUSING THE SPARE TIRE TO PULL FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
NHTSA complaint #8005194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
CONSUMER SMELLED FUEL WHILE DRIVING, AND VEHICLE WAS RUNNING ROUGH. MECHANIC TOOK OFF PLASTIC COVER THAT PROTECTED FUEL TANK. IT WAS FILLED WITH MUD AND WATER WHICH HAD EATEN A HOLE IN FUEL TANK. *AK CONSUMER CAN NOT PAY COST FOR REPLACING FUEL TANK, THEREFORE, CONSUMER APPLIED EPOXY AS NEEDED, CONSUMER RECEIEVED LETTER THAT BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE, CONSUMER HAS CONCERNS WITH BRAKES ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #899088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.