1996 GMC Sonoma
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Sonoma › 1996
These records cover every 1996 GMC Sonoma. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
9 recalls name the 1996 GMC Sonoma. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. the recall began on october 18, 2006. owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: certain light duty pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, or minivans equipped with 3-sensor ABS (antilock braking system) EBC4 units.
Risk and remedy
Risk
These vehicles can experience extended stopping distances during ABS stops on certain multiple surfaces, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will modify the computer program which operates the ABS unit on some vehicles, or replace the computer on others to improve the performance of the ABS on these surfaces.
Vehicle description: certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with ABS (antilock braking system) manufactured from september 1989 through august 1996. under certain driving conditions the switch which signals the ABS system whether the vehicle IS in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive can malfunction causing increased stopping…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this occurred at a time when minimum stopping distance was required, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will replace or repair the 4-wheel/2-wheel drive switch.
Vehicle 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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
Vehicle 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 loss during brake application.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Brake fluid loss can reduce braking effectiveness and increase stopping distances resulting in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the clearance between the oil pan and the brake line. if the clearance IS 6MM or less, dealers will install an additional brake line clip and if there was contact between the oil pan and brake line, the front brake line will be replaced.
Vehicle 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. the outboard safety belt webbing on the driver's and/or passenger's seat can separate during a frontal impact.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If a separation occurred and there were secondary crash events or vehicle rollover, there would be no belt restraint of the occupant and increased injuries could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will install a protective cover over the recliner mechanism.
The top coat paint severely peels due to overbaking of the powder primer prior to the top coat application. since the windshield primer and adhesive adhere to the top coat paint onthe windshield opening flange, the windshield does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, "windshield mounting."
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the windshield may not stay in place as required by fmvss no. 212.
Remedy
All vehicles have been repurchased. this campaign IS 100%.
Some of these trucks were built with transmissions containing parts which were not machined to gm's specifications.
Risk and remedy
Risk
These transmissions could seize and lock the rear drive wheels while the truck IS being driven causing a loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the transmission main shaft output torque using a special tool. If the output torque does not meet specifications, the transmission will be replaced.
Owner complaints
148 complaints26 involved a crash1 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
The air bag light stays on. it turns off sometimes for about 5 minutes or fewer minutes. No repair shop can determine how to repair this issue. When the air bag light IS on the air bag would not operate that's what I have read. IS there a recall on the air bag light? Or IS there a fix for this issue? *tr
- Interior lighting
Fuse blows to interior lights, but more importantly horn. *Tr
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 GMC sonoma. the contact stated that the straps that support the tailgate failed. the dealer was unable to determine the cause of failure. no repairs were made. the dealer information was unknown. the current mileage was 152,000 and failure mileage was 150,000. updated 12/12/2007 *bf updated 12/12/07 *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 GMC sonoma. while applying the brakes at 55 mph, the brake pedal extended all the way to the floor. the emergency brake was applied to stop the vehicle. the contact was a mechanic and he replaced the front brake line for the passenger side wheel. the failure was…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 GMC sonoma. while applying the brakes at 55 mph, the brake pedal extended all the way to the floor. the emergency brake was applied to stop the vehicle. the contact was a mechanic and he replaced the front brake line for the passenger side wheel. the failure was corrected temporarily. however, twenty miles later, the failure recurred while driving 30 mph. the brake line for the front driver side was replaced. the road conditions were normal during both failures. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa recall number 97v146001 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). the current mileage was 105,000 and failure mileage was 104,980.
- Fuel system, other › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Fuel line leaking . *ak
- Visibility › Rear window wiper/washer › Motor
TL* - the contact called concerning a service bulletin regarding windshield wiper washer motor. the bulletin has a product recall. the contact has been told by GMC that the car was not a part of the recall\ due to the vin. the contact stated that the windshield wipers work intermittently.…
TL* - the contact called concerning a service bulletin regarding windshield wiper washer motor. the bulletin has a product recall. the contact has been told by GMC that the car was not a part of the recall\ due to the vin. the contact stated that the windshield wipers work intermittently. the contact stated that the windshield wipers will either stay up in the air, won't work at all, or shut off by themselves. the last incident was on december 26, 2006. the contact stated that the problem with the windshield wipers began in july 2006. the contact called the dealer, and they gave her a service request no. 71-463971283, and then the dealer denied it. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 mph under normal braking on wet roads, the ABS lights illuminated and the vehicle had an extended stopping distance. the dealer examined the vehicle and determined the three sensors had to be replaced, but were not certain that the replacement would…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 mph under normal braking on wet roads, the ABS lights illuminated and the vehicle had an extended stopping distance. the dealer examined the vehicle and determined the three sensors had to be replaced, but were not certain that the replacement would correct the problem. the vehicle was currently at the dealer for further repairs. the contact encountered nhtsa recall # 99i006000 regarding the service brakes, hydraulic: antilock.
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
1996 gmac sonoma air bag sensor rivet failure. Found drivers side sensor hanging from electrical lead, when I inspected the mounting area I found that the two rivets that secure the sensor were sheared off. I inspected the other sensor mounting and found that one of the two rivets was also sheared off. No front end impact had occurred and no indications were noted. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
My engine has been surging, slow start, rattling, rough idle, hard shifting, and I have had the trasmission replaced 3 times. my dealer told me after an inspection that there was nothing wrong, but it was under warranty at the time. go figure! I have proof of the new trasmissions. now the…
My engine has been surging, slow start, rattling, rough idle, hard shifting, and I have had the trasmission replaced 3 times. my dealer told me after an inspection that there was nothing wrong, but it was under warranty at the time. go figure! I have proof of the new trasmissions. now the compressor IS cracked, and it will not hold coolant, and I can hardly get the truck going after sitting all night. these repairs are costing alot of money, and I am still paying for this truck. it IS not worth the cost of repairs.
- Service brakes, air › Antilock › Abs warning light
ABS anti-brake system has failed. light continuously stays on. analysis has determined that three of the four sensors are bad. vehicle has only 40,000 miles on it. also analysis has determined that the catalictic converter IS defective, causing the service engine soon "light" to be on continuously.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
My timing tensioner keeps wearing out after about 15,000 miles, it started when I bought my truck in 96 around 25,000 miles I notice a ticking sound coming from the engine,i took the truck IS to the service dept. They told me I was using the wrong oil filter,ha ha. They did something to the truck…
My timing tensioner keeps wearing out after about 15,000 miles, it started when I bought my truck in 96 around 25,000 miles I notice a ticking sound coming from the engine,i took the truck IS to the service dept. They told me I was using the wrong oil filter,ha ha. They did something to the truck but the ticking stop until 36,000 miles and then my warranty was gone. I have replaced the timing chain tensioner 7 times since I bought the truck. I have had nothing but problem with this truck ever since my warranty had expired,the tensioner broke one time when I was on the highway,bent two valves,and a head job later still having problems. To me it looks like I may have bought a lemon. this may not be on all trucks but it sure has happen to mine. Its like the timing system does not line up. To wear the tensioner in such a short time. I have replaced with gm parts. *la
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Electrical system › Ignition › Module · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
The engine has a miss in it sometimes it will quit and you have to wait a half hour for it to start again we have put a new coil, fuel pump, fuel filter, and a module it did not fix it. What can I do to fix it.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wiper comes on and off intermittently while traveling in inclement weather. *Ak
- Unknown or other
The cable that held the spare tire broke while driving which caused the tire to bounce down the road. *nlm
- Exterior lighting › Hazard flashing warning lights › Switch
1996 GMC sonoma - intermittent brake lights and four-way flashers. defective multi-function switch in steering column. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The brake system leaked fluid which caused extended stopping distance, the master cylinder was replaced, however the problem recurred.*jb
- Power train › Manual transmission
The vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in recall # 96v035000, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. *Jb
- Air bags › Frontal
Consumer loss control of the vehicle and hit a tree, and the airbags failed to deploy.*jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Wipers have been intermidently failing over a several year period but now has become more frequent and last longer. dt
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Consumer notice while shifting vehicle into reverse vehicle was not gaining any power. Vehicle was service technician notice that transmission was over heat. Please provide further information. ts
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Consumer stated that while driving and with no warning the windshield wiper worked intermittently. Dealer notified. ts possible electrical failure caused wipers to fail mostly during rainy weather. *tt
- Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle involved in frontal collision, none of the air bags deployed. *mrconsumer called gm and they informed consumer that from the description of the accident the air bags would not have deplyed because it wasn't a frontal collision. *jg
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
While driving noticed smoke coming from vehicle., and vehicle caught on fire. vehicled checked by dealer, who determined that coolant was leaking from cylinder onto head gasket.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision of 50 mph impact and neither air bag deployed. Dealer was notified. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Consumer stated vehicle IS experiencing the same problem with the windshield wipers as indicated in recall 98-v-15-001; but this vehicle not included in recall due to vin. *Ak *yh
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027This 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 website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This 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 website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This 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. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10165876This 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. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This 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 website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10141381This 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. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10139019This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
- 10114947This 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. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This 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. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This 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 website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 100135724WD models with noise, vibration on dry pavement.
- 10010375Service engine soon light and p0300 when towing, cruising uphill or on hard acceleration.
- 10010270Heat coming from vents with hvac off.
- 10007838Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan.
- 10007717Engine coolant leak at intake gasket. * mj
- 10004301Rattle noise in engine.
- 10000749Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds on various models including the 1995 and 1996 envoy.
- 10000062Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds.
- 636523Information on over torquing or a reverse bedrail installation.
- 634999Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case. 2006 and prior cars and light duty trucks.
- 634506Subject regarding general waterleak guide.
- 634218Subject regarding rust in cooling system, heater inoperative, blows cold air, engine overheats (flush cooling system). Nlm
- 631292Some 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
- 629723Concerns with excessive effort or breaking of the third door handle on extended cab pick ups.
- 625141Customers may comment that the seat recliner handle IS stripped.
- 623086Some 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.
- 615106Product recall campaign involving windshield wiper motor replacement.
- 613584Some 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
- 611277Some 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.
- 609717Some 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.
- 608382Subject regarding ABS 3-sensor EBC4 - special policy.
- 606523Conditions with heater inoperative, blows cold air, engine overheats, and rust in the coolant system.
- 52935Information 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
- 51302Knock, 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 rature (replace piston and/or rod assemblies).
Every GMC Sonoma model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.