2001 GMC Sonoma
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Sonoma › 2001
These records cover every 2001 GMC Sonoma. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2001 GMC Sonoma. Newest first.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and MINI vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. the buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the vehicle's safety belt buckle assembly date codes and, if necessary, will replace any safety belt buckle assembly.
Owner complaints
89 complaints7 involved a crash1 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
Can not locate fuel lines for GMC. When I try to find the fuel lines it IS marked that they are un-available.lines have rusted out and leak.had new fuel pump installed when this was noticed.
- Electrical system
My ignition switch sometimes sticks. Able to take key out when running
- Power train · Service brakes
The foot operated parking brake broke under normal wear and tear. I had estimates that were well over $300 to fix, and have not yet had work done. I only park on level roads and hope transmission will hold in park. I feel this must be a defective part. *tr
- Service brakes
ABS light and brake light on the instrument panel comes on intermittently. *tr
- Service brakes
Driving in town ABS light & brake lights came on, no accident. Looking for recalls, technical service bulletins! lights come on every time I drive truck, sometimes immediately. *js
- Engine · Power train
My truck radiator started to smell as if it had a leak. I took it to a radiator shop. This shop happens to be very close to the gm plant in dayton, ohio. The man took one look at the truck. He explained to me that all the radiators for this truck from the 2001 years were sent to him prior to…
My truck radiator started to smell as if it had a leak. I took it to a radiator shop. This shop happens to be very close to the gm plant in dayton, ohio. The man took one look at the truck. He explained to me that all the radiators for this truck from the 2001 years were sent to him prior to installing. He said they had been left outside for a period of time and all of them had to be cleaned out because of heavy rust. He stated mine must of been missed. The rust in the radiator was so thick it was like mud! He replaced the radiator, hoses and even had to replace the radiator fluid reservoir because it literally had inches of rust in it. This IS something the company knew about and I should not of had to replace it. The next thing to happen IS to the drive train. The truck IS making a whining noise - sounds like some tires do. We have taken it to several places to repair and no one can figure out what IS causing the sound. We have replaced so many parts, many of them more than once in a short period of time. I have put over $3000 of work in the truck just over the last month and am not yet finished. The brackets holding the rear suspension in place are crumbling in my hand. The muffler IS leaking. It IS stalling for no apparent reason. And IS idling very fast even tho it has had regular tune ups and maintenance. The tailgate IS broken - you can just pull it off the truck. This IS not normal wear and tear. The whining continues whenever it IS being driven. Whatever happened to companies being responsible for the quality of the vehicle! God knows most of us cant buy a new one at $35,000+ to. *tr
- Suspension › Front · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint · Suspension › Front › Shock absorber
In the last 6 years I have had to replace the ball joints; both upper and lower and shocks all around for the second time. I do not go out 4-wheeling and basically drive my vehicle only in town driving. I do not think these parts should be wearing out so quickly on this vehicle. *kb
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
The tailgate cables both broke while a friend was sitting on the tailgate causing her to fall. She only weighs approximately 140 lbs. I had noticed that 1 of the cables looked weak prior to the accident, but the other seemed to be stable. Apparently neither of them were any good. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Fuel system, gasoline · Power train › Driveline
I was driving my husbands 2001 GMC sonoma from ohio back to florida when the driveshaft snapped and punctured a hole in the fuel tank and muffler. this event led to us having to replace the rear driveshaft, fuel tank, and he repaired the muffler. we researched GMC driveshaft failures on line and discovered that there were many complaints about the driveshaft breaking. *Tr
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 GMC sonoma. the steel cables that held the tail gate snapped while the contact was seated on the tail gate. the contact suffered scratches on his arms and elbows. the dealer did not offer an explanation for the failure. the contact felt that his vehicle should be…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 GMC sonoma. the steel cables that held the tail gate snapped while the contact was seated on the tail gate. the contact suffered scratches on his arms and elbows. the dealer did not offer an explanation for the failure. the contact felt that his vehicle should be included in nhtsa campaign ID number 06v066000 (structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments) for the 2000 GMC sierra. the failure mileage was 53,000 and current mileage was 54,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
ABS failure at slow speeds-abs tries to engage,brake IS slow at first with noise and then ABS light appears and engages dangerous braking resets after turning off goes through it all again nest time you drive. *tr
- Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
There had been a whining(like the old radial tires used to make) noise for about a week and I just figured it was the tires. it got loud on 8/24 and I stopped and put it in park, as I got out to look under the truck, it started rolling and rolled down into the woods, we have filed a police report…
There had been a whining(like the old radial tires used to make) noise for about a week and I just figured it was the tires. it got loud on 8/24 and I stopped and put it in park, as I got out to look under the truck, it started rolling and rolled down into the woods, we have filed a police report and reported to the insurance company. we are trying to make arrangements to get the truck out. the drive shaft was lying where the truck was put in park.,,although the park did not hold. the drive shaft twisted and split,,,exploded by the looks of it. I have pictures of the drive shaft. *Tr
- Tires
P235/ssr16 gdy bw eag g/a 96T 45K tire defect: tread separation from inner core. original equipment truck. defect occurred at less than 38,000 miles on vehicle/tire. noted thumping noise while driving and severe shaking of front end. took to dealer and they suggested contacting goodyear which has been done but no action to date.
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch · Exterior lighting › Hazard flashing warning lights › Switch · Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Switch
On 9/27/2006 around 8:45 pm (dark) just north of payson, az on az hwy 260, I stopped for an accident blocking a narrow part of the road and turned on the hazard flashers on my 2001 GMC sonoma. after a short period of time (2-3 min.) the hazard lights just quit flashing. I also lost my turn signals…
On 9/27/2006 around 8:45 pm (dark) just north of payson, az on az hwy 260, I stopped for an accident blocking a narrow part of the road and turned on the hazard flashers on my 2001 GMC sonoma. after a short period of time (2-3 min.) the hazard lights just quit flashing. I also lost my turn signals and brake lights. I visited a dealer in show low, az who diagnosed the problem & gave est. Of $400-$500 but could not repair (part not in stock). I spent $50 to purchase mag-mounted lights that I wired into the high center-mounted light at rear of the cab (this light worked, but it IS hidden by a shell over bed of truck) & used this to drive home to utah. I checked into recalls and found none one the sonoma but did see one issued on jimmy, blazer, trailblazer, envoy, and bravada (all similar to sonoma). This safety recall described exactly the failure I experienced (nhtsa # 01v364000, gm # 01073a). on tue, oct 3, 2006 I had my vehicle repaired at a dealer in american fork, ut, cost: $447.34. I called gm to see if they would cover it (ref # 1-435884993). Gm declined to cover it because the sonoma model was not included in the recall. Following up, I learned the following: - my vin IS in the range of vins specified in the recall as vehicles that may be affected. - my vehicle was manufactured at one of two plants involved in this (linden). - the results of the "inspection procedure" specified in the recall match exactly the situation with my vehicle, including replacing the "multifunction switch." - part # 26100837 specified in the recall IS the part #used on both the jimmy and the sonoma (my vehicle). my vehicle was not included in the safety recall but should have been. My family and I were at risk and could have been injured or killed. That IS why I am pursuing this. the dealer who did the repair disposed of the old part. the gm agent I spoke with agreed my vehicle should have been included in the recall, but gm policy prohibited her from approving to cover it. *nm
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Purchased truck in 2006. Mileage at 48,000. trouble starting, fuel pump replaced. oil cooling lines replaced. subsequently, automatic transmission slips from 2 wd to 4 wd for no apparent reason. I have noticed that this problem occurs when accelerator IS not depressed, and wheels are turned, to…
Purchased truck in 2006. Mileage at 48,000. trouble starting, fuel pump replaced. oil cooling lines replaced. subsequently, automatic transmission slips from 2 wd to 4 wd for no apparent reason. I have noticed that this problem occurs when accelerator IS not depressed, and wheels are turned, to turn a corner or to turn into/out of a driveway. usually there IS a depression in path as well, i.e. Curb/dip at driveway entrance, pothole, etc. engine IS not always cold; sometimes shifts at end of trip, sometimes at beginning, no adverse weather conditions.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
2001 GMC sonoma sls. started in may 2006 with 52,449 miles on vehicle: service engine soon light came on. dealer identified bad O2 sensor and replaced ($253). two weeks later at 53,131, ses light again. dealer installed new check valve ($116). 3-4 weeks later at 53,892, ses light again.…
2001 GMC sonoma sls. started in may 2006 with 52,449 miles on vehicle: service engine soon light came on. dealer identified bad O2 sensor and replaced ($253). two weeks later at 53,131, ses light again. dealer installed new check valve ($116). 3-4 weeks later at 53,892, ses light again. dealer said water in air pump, replaced air pump and hose ($357). now on 26 aug (54,084) ses light just came on again. in 60 days, the light has been cleared & reset 3 times with over $700 in repairs and now another trouble. *jb
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Owner sat on open pickup truck tailgate and both support cables failed simultaneously causing gate to fall downward until stopped by contact with the rear bumper. Replacement cables were supplied by the manufacturer, but installation labor was not funded. Failed parts are available for inspection. *jb
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Failure of tailgate cable. The second cable IS starting to bulge in middle, just a matter of time before that one goes. my wife and I were sitting on the tailgate when the right one snapped. *jb
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Failure of tailgate cable. the second cable IS starting to bulge in middle. *nm
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Tailgate support cable corroded and broke causing tailgate to drop onto bumper. normal non-commercial use of my 2001 GMC sonoma pickup. (i notice the gm has a recall if just this thing for 1999 and 2000 silverado and sierra but the same has happened on my sonoma...not recall has been established. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt*: the contact stated while the brakes were applied at speeds of less than 10 mph, the ABS engaged resulting in an increased stopping distance. the ABS light illuminated when the activation occurred. the brakes made a grinding noise and the vehicle pulled to the left. the vehicle was taken to…
Dt*: the contact stated while the brakes were applied at speeds of less than 10 mph, the ABS engaged resulting in an increased stopping distance. the ABS light illuminated when the activation occurred. the brakes made a grinding noise and the vehicle pulled to the left. the vehicle was taken to a service dealer who replaced the passenger side wheel speed sensor. there IS a nhtsa recall, #05v379000, regarding the anti-lock brakes. the vin was not included in the recall. updated 6/16/2006 - *nm
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Dt*: the contact stated the tailgate cables corroded and fractured. the dealer was spoken to verbally and determined the vehicle was not under recall for the tailgate corrosion. there IS a nhtsa recall, # 06v066000, concerning the tailgate cables. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it IS not included in the recall due to the vin. *ak
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Dt*: the contact stated while sitting on the tailgate, the cable attachment fractured without warning. there were no injuries. the cable, although encased in plastic, retained moisture and resulted in a rusting of the cable material. the dealer replaced the cable. there IS a nhtsa recall, #…
Dt*: the contact stated while sitting on the tailgate, the cable attachment fractured without warning. there were no injuries. the cable, although encased in plastic, retained moisture and resulted in a rusting of the cable material. the dealer replaced the cable. there IS a nhtsa recall, # 06v066000, regarding the structure. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it IS not included in the recall due to the vin.
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Tail gate cables rusted through and snapped on my GMC pick-up. *jb
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Loading, unloading, and sitting on the tailgate of a 2001 GMC sonoma lead to the failure of both of the tailgate cables. both tailgate cables broke as a result of corrosion to the cables. severe rust IS visible on the cables. the cables snapped simultaneously while sitting on the tailgate of…
Loading, unloading, and sitting on the tailgate of a 2001 GMC sonoma lead to the failure of both of the tailgate cables. both tailgate cables broke as a result of corrosion to the cables. severe rust IS visible on the cables. the cables snapped simultaneously while sitting on the tailgate of the vehicle, creating minor dents in the tailgate where it contacted the topside of the rear bumper. the tailgate cable and latch assembly are connected as one unit, with one unit on each side of the tailgate. both units were replaced with new cables/latch assemblies purchased from a GMC dealership shortly after the incident. both old cables/latch assemblies are still available. *Jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine stall due to fuel starvation
Odi opened pe02-066 to evaluate the scope and consequence of engine power-loss due to fuel starvation induced by in-tank modular fuel pump strainer restriction.the subject pumps use an external ?sock? Strainer to filter fuel flowing to the pump inlet.this filter can sometimes become clogged, resulting in a reduced…
Odi opened pe02-066 to evaluate the scope and consequence of engine power-loss due to fuel starvation induced by in-tank modular fuel pump strainer restriction.the subject pumps use an external ?sock? Strainer to filter fuel flowing to the pump inlet.this filter can sometimes become clogged, resulting in a reduced flow of fuel to the engine.gm has subsequently modified the strainers to reduce this restriction.analysis of the odi complaint database shows that despite these restrictions, the subject vehicles stall at a rate that IS comparable to those of many peer vehicles.additionally, none of the relevant warranty repair rates exceed 1% at 36 months of exposure.one related crash involves a stalled vehicle that was rear-ended on the roadway, while the remainder involved minor collisions or scrapes.the sole injury consisted of bruising from a low speed frontal crash. Given these circumstances, further expenditure of agency resources IS not justified in this matter.the preliminary evaluation IS therefore closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will take further action in the future if warranted.
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.
- 11009156This 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.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10240793This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 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.
- 10236164This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10235713This bulletin provides information on Warranty Administration Required Operating Procedures - 8 Points (U.S. Only).
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232811This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10230697This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components. That any of the listed DTC's may set with or without poor engine performance.
- 10228888This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
- 10227056This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
Every GMC Sonoma model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.