1998 GMC Sonoma
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Sonoma › 1998
These records cover every 1998 GMC Sonoma. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1998 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.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the daytime running lights built with a candela value greater than 3,000 cannot be mounted higher than 864mm above the road surface.
Risk and remedy
Risk
These vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 108.
Remedy
Dealers will install a revised wiring harness that changes the drl's from high beam to low beam drl's, and install new long-life low beam bulbs.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose vehicles. an engine electrical wiring-harness clip can melt and drip onto the exhaust manifold.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The clip material on the exhaust manifold can ignite and subsequently ignite other combustible components resulting in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers are contacting owners by telephone to have their vehicles towed to the dealer and alternate transportation provided to them until the dealer can reroute the electrical wiring-harness.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. a fatigue fracture of the rear axle right-hand brake pipe can occur causing a slow brake fluid leak resulting in a soft brake pedal. if the brake pipe breaks, the driver would experience a sudden drop in the brake pedal, the instrument panel brake light would illuminate…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Partial loss of braking at a time when minimum stopping distance was required could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pipe.
Owner complaints
156 complaints9 involved a crash2 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
While driving all electrical shuts down engine , everything!!!!!!!!!
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1998 GMC sonoma. While driving 50 mph, the air bags deployed without warning or impact. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 264,477.
- Air bags · Exterior lighting · Seats
Passenger seat does not lock into place. Passengers seat slide forward and backward , and air bag light stayed on , left turn signal light and brake don't come on. *tr
- Tires
I was driving home on the hwy, driving between 35-60 mph because of icy, snowy, slushy, 35 mph windy conditions. my steering wheel started vibrating crazily and my truck kept wanting to pull itself to the left. I felt bumping every time the front left wheel made a revolution. with 1 1/2 hours…
I was driving home on the hwy, driving between 35-60 mph because of icy, snowy, slushy, 35 mph windy conditions. my steering wheel started vibrating crazily and my truck kept wanting to pull itself to the left. I felt bumping every time the front left wheel made a revolution. with 1 1/2 hours of driving time left I kept hoping I would make it home safely, which I did. I took my truck in the next day only for them to tell me all four tires of mine were shot - cords in two tires snapped, and bubbling and thread/treadwear in the other two. granted, I had the tires for 7 years. however, they were 70,000 miles tires that lasted 31,000 miles. premature treadwear was evident after driving the first 10,000 miles and became progressively worse. I maintained regular tire rotation schedule throughout. not one time did my mechanic mention any problems, even when asked. kumho 205/75 tires are crap, they are going to kill somebody and the company knows it. do minimal research and you'll discover this yourself. Tire places who don't know this haven't done enough research or don't care. IS that who you want to take your recommendations from? not one, not two, but all four tires of mine needed replacing at the same time. when I complained to the ones who highly recommended these tires, they blamed me - 7 years IS too long, didn't rotate tires enough, didn't inspect them myself every time I hopped in my truck, my truck sat too long without be driven, alignments not done every year, nobody has ever complained about kumho tires (big fat lie!), they were not aware of any recalls (bigger, fattest lie), blah blah blah! sounds like a conspiracy to me. get kumho tires off the shelves before someone gets killed! *tr
- Air bags · Steering · Structure › Body · Suspension
Driver was going approx. 40Mph down the rural highway in heavy rain and the truck in front of her came to a stop. By the time the driver of the sonoma saw the truck it was too late to stop and not hit the stopped vehicle. The driver of the sonoma hit the stopped truck and totaled the sonoma. At no point did the driver airbag deploy. *tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
TL* the contact owns a 1998 GMC sonoma. The contact stated that the windshield wipers would stop working sporadically. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 GMC sonoma. The contact stated that the windshield wipers would stop working sporadically. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 60,000. ..updated 09/15/11 *bf the windshield wipers periodically stopped working in the rain. updated 09/28/11*jb
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1998 GMC sonoma. The contact stated that there was rusting underneath the vehicle, causing the frame to separate into two pieces. The dealer and manufacturer were notified, but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 100,000...updated 09/15/11 *bf updated 10/05/11
- Tires
I lost the tread on one of my toyo tires as I was driving down the freeway. it completely separated from the tire! it was the passenger front tire. thankfully, I was able to steer to the emergency lane and call for help. I've already had it replaced but the dealer I went to (discount tires) where I purchased the defective one told me they are good tires and convinced me to buy another toyo. now I'm worried. *tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
The windshield wipers have only worked intermittently whenever they are run. in the heaviest rain you cannot count on them and sometimes they won't come on at all. this IS very dangerous problem when they quit working in the middle of the road in the middle of a rain. they have not made it a…
The windshield wipers have only worked intermittently whenever they are run. in the heaviest rain you cannot count on them and sometimes they won't come on at all. this IS very dangerous problem when they quit working in the middle of the road in the middle of a rain. they have not made it a whole trip in the rain and stayed working- always only intermittent. sometimes you just have to pull over until they decide to come on again. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Exterior lighting
I have not had any wrecks or anything like that, yet. My turn signals don't work properly one of my low been headlights keeps blowing and my taillights don't work. I have changed the bulbs just for them to blow when I test them. And no I do not touch the glass on the headlights. I seen there was a recall on the lighting system and on the wiring system, could this be my problem? *Tr
- Visibility
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 GMC sonoma. in march of 1998, the windshield wipers began working intermittently. in november of 2008, while driving approximately 60 mph in the rain, the windshield wipers stopped working completely. the vehicle was driven to the dealer and they stated that the wiper…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 GMC sonoma. in march of 1998, the windshield wipers began working intermittently. in november of 2008, while driving approximately 60 mph in the rain, the windshield wipers stopped working completely. the vehicle was driven to the dealer and they stated that the wiper module and wiper motor needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was too old for them to be liable for the repairs. the current mileage was 137,000 and failure mileage was 10,000.
- Visibility
My truck has 70,000 miles and it has problems with the windshield wipers. this has been going on for a couple of years. you can hit on the inside of the motor and it will start working. I can be driving and all of a sudden they will quit. I have noticed that a lot of people have this problem. *Tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 GMC sonoma. the contact stated that the windshield wipers stopped working. the dealer initially stated that they would approve the repair; however, they are currently refusing to pay for the repair. nhtsa campaign ID number 03v159000 (visibility:windshield…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 GMC sonoma. the contact stated that the windshield wipers stopped working. the dealer initially stated that they would approve the repair; however, they are currently refusing to pay for the repair. nhtsa campaign ID number 03v159000 (visibility:windshield, wiper/washer) was referenced. the current mileage was 50,000 and failure mileage was 42,000. Updated 09/13/08. *lj the windshield wipers failed twice. The dealer replaced the wiper motor board. Updated 09/17/08. *Jb
- Visibility
Windshield wipers will stop working without notice. *tr
- Structure › Body › Tailgate
Tailgate cables rusted, and broke. several other GMC pick ups have the same problem, and was under recall. I have the same problem, why not a recall item. this IS potential safety issue when hauling items with tailgate down. *tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wiper intermittent. can cause severe visibility problems during bad weather conditions, almost resulting into a crash when trying to exit roadway. *tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Windshield wipers fail to operate on occasion during inclement weather. Recall issued for other gm vehicles citing problem circuit control boards to wiper motors. Very hazardous condition when driving in heavy rain conditions and wipers fail to operate. *Jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Windshield wipers fail to operate on occasion during inclement weather. recall issued for other gm vehicles citing problem circuit control boards to wiper motors. Very hazardous condition when driving in heavy rain conditions and wipers fail to operate. *Jb
- Equipment · Seats › Front assembly › Recliner · Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
Driver and passenger seat reclining levers broken. third door handle broken. third door handle has been replaced twice. seat levers have been replaced but didn't last. can't something be done to correct these problems permanently? *tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Had a problem with windshield wipers not working or working intermittently. I found problem to be the electrical plug on wiper motor circuit board to have fractured soldier connections. resoldier connections cure problem. *Tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
At first instance of failure windshield wipers would intermitently stop working. it has now progressed to total failure. got under hood and traced to wiring plug in at wiper motor. if plug IS jiggled the wipers will work for a short period of time. vehicle cannot be driven during possible rain conditions due to safety issues. we are in the process of getting an estimate for repairs from a dealer.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I am the original owner of a 1998 GMC sonoma purchased new in february of 1999. Vehicle properly maintained driven as a commuter vehicle approximately 7,400 miles per year. It IS equipped with the 4l60e transmission, which IS clearly defective. 59,000 miles begins to surge and slip. Acceleration IS…
I am the original owner of a 1998 GMC sonoma purchased new in february of 1999. Vehicle properly maintained driven as a commuter vehicle approximately 7,400 miles per year. It IS equipped with the 4l60e transmission, which IS clearly defective. 59,000 miles begins to surge and slip. Acceleration IS greatly reduced with harsh shifting. Greatly compromising my safety. Entire transmission needs to be replaced at a cost of $3100.00 GMC will not reimburse repairs to my vehicle. My claims were "denied" by the district representative. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
In april 2006, a brake line on my 1998 GMC sonoma pickup broke when I applied the brakes at approx 50 mph. I had to stop rather quickly due to traffic backing up on an interstate highway. when the brake line burst, my brake pedal went to the floor and I had no brakes. prior to this happening…
In april 2006, a brake line on my 1998 GMC sonoma pickup broke when I applied the brakes at approx 50 mph. I had to stop rather quickly due to traffic backing up on an interstate highway. when the brake line burst, my brake pedal went to the floor and I had no brakes. prior to this happening, the brakes were working fine. fortunately, I was able to swerve into another lane and downshift (std shift) to avoid an accident. my mechanic replaced the broken line (from hydraulic ABS to junction) and also the rear brake pads and rotors. the truck had 107,000 miles on it when this occurred. I decided to report this because I am concerned that it might happen to others, resulting in a serious accident.*jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 70 mph on a rain day, the wipers suddenly stopped working at high speed. also, when the vehicle slowed down, the windshield wipers worked intermittently, and sometimes did not work at all. There were no warning signals prior to the incident and the vehicle had not been seen by a dealership.
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
On our 1998 GMC sonoma we have replaced the windshield wiper motor and board. The wipers still have a ghost in them and delay does not work most of the time and high speed when on low speed, erratic behavior on wipers. Won't turn on or off on occasion. Was there a recall on also on the passenger…
On our 1998 GMC sonoma we have replaced the windshield wiper motor and board. The wipers still have a ghost in them and delay does not work most of the time and high speed when on low speed, erratic behavior on wipers. Won't turn on or off on occasion. Was there a recall on also on the passenger seat? The lever broke right off the first time we used it. Cheaply built handles. Please send me a list of recalls on this vehicle please for our own safety as this vehicle IS driven daily on open highways. *jb
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.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10237648This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10211764This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
- 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.
- 10193430This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
- 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.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 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.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10154601This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
- 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.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 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.
- 10114916This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a harsh 1-2 upshift and the Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon indicator is illuminated. If you have duplicated the customer?s concern and found Diagnostic Trouble Code P0894 or P1870 set in the Transmission Control Module please contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center.
- 10114913This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
- 10114448This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
- 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.
- 10113406This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
- 10112864This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
- 10112034This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
- 10096073This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a harsh 1-2 upshift and the check engine light or service engine soon indicator IS illuminated. If you have duplicated the customers concern and found diagnostic trouble code p0894 or p1870 set in the transmission control module please contact general motors technical assistance center.
- 10020462Clunk noise felt through the floor pan.
- 10018585Fuel and temperature gauge inoperative, low fuel and battery light on, prndl inoperative.
- 10016473Water leak in front floor carpet area. Gm tech link.
- 100135724WD models with noise, vibration on dry pavement.
- 10012703Diagnostic information for intermittent vehicle no crank dead battery.
- 10011755Tailgate cable slack. This includes 1998-2006 chevrolet and GMC full and mid size trucks. Updated.
- 10011129Service engine soon (ses) light illuminated, diagnostic trouble code p0420 set.
- 10010375Service engine soon light and p0300 when towing, cruising uphill or on hard acceleration.
- 10010270Heat coming from vents with hvac off.
- 10010053Instrument cluster prndl inoperative and or battery light on.
- 10009647Driver information center (dic) stays in bulb check.
- 10009382Fuel gauge fluctuation in park or neutral.
Every GMC Sonoma model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.