2002 GMC Sonoma
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Sonoma › 2002
These records cover every 2002 GMC Sonoma. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
57 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
During an oil change I noticed unusual wear on the front passenger side tire. Upon investigation my mechanic found that the chassis was cracked which pushed the tire causing it to rub. Very concerned this could have caused a very bad accident.
- Structure › Body
The 3RD door on ext cab. The door does not open. was told by dealer this IS major complaints for these 3RD models. Have to replace pins or something, but it keeps happening. this a a life & death hazard & defect. Why hasn't this been recalled? In an accident, (rear ended) the door could not be opened.
- Structure · Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
TL* the contact owns a 2002 GMC sonoma. While driving at approximately 25 mph, the spare tire wire cable hoist assembly fray snapped and the spare tire fell onto the road. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 GMC sonoma. The contact stated that the ignition key disengaged from the ignition switch when in the on position. In addition, the contact stated that when the key was in the off position, the vehicle remained powered on. As a result, the battery became inoperable. The…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 GMC sonoma. The contact stated that the ignition key disengaged from the ignition switch when in the on position. In addition, the contact stated that when the key was in the off position, the vehicle remained powered on. As a result, the battery became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000. updated 03/30/15*lj updated 6/22/2015*js
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2002 GMC sonoma. The contact stated that the driver's side interior extended cab door handle became fractured while the contact was attempting to exit the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the defect was remedied. The contact stated the same door handle fractured a second time. The failure was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 92,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
While braking for a yield intersection on 3/30/2012, approx. 10AM, in dry and clear conditions, brakes on 2002 GMC sonoma failed. Vehicle would not stop despite hard pressure on the brake pedal and ran through intersection almost colliding with another vehicle. When managed to get vehicle stopped…
While braking for a yield intersection on 3/30/2012, approx. 10AM, in dry and clear conditions, brakes on 2002 GMC sonoma failed. Vehicle would not stop despite hard pressure on the brake pedal and ran through intersection almost colliding with another vehicle. When managed to get vehicle stopped and pulled to side of road, both the ABS and brake failure warning lights were illuminated on the dash. Upon turning the ignition off and restarting, both the ABS and brake failure warning lights cleared and were no longer illuminated. Check engine light never illuminated. Took vehicle to both independent mechanic and gm dealership mechanic and both confirmed an odb II trouble code of c0265 had been generated. this code, I was told, indicates failure of the ebcm (electronic brake control module) of the ABS system. apparently, this problem IS well-known to gm and it has issued several technical service bulletins on the problem, but no recalls. independent mechanic could not replace the ebcm as lacked the proprietary gm software needed to program it. gm dealership mechanic--while confirming generation of the c0265 trouble code--refused to replace the ebcm instead saying I should "just drive it around and see if the problem happens again." this seemed a very dismissive approach by gm to a known problem on certain of their ABS vehicles as the first brake failure on 3/20/2012 almost caused a wreck. not anxious to find out what the second failure the gm dealer wants me to "wait for" would result in. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
TL* the contact owns a 2002 GMC sonoma. The contact noticed that the brake lines were corroded while inspecting the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The contact had not experienced brake failure, but was concerned it could suddenly occur. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
- Latches/locks/linkages · Structure
2002 GMC sonoma ZR-2 extended cab door entry handle has failed 5 times over past 6 years. Part has been replaced. Old part IS available. *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
Door latch for my extended cab door has broken for the 2ND time since I've owned it, which IS 2004 and the lasy one lasted only 2 years. *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body › Door
I have owned this vehicle since 2002, bought it brand new. the third door handle has been replaced 4 times, today it broke again. if someone were in the back of the cab and had to get out, they could not. this handle IS plastic and breaks continuously. the chevy house informed me that they have…
I have owned this vehicle since 2002, bought it brand new. the third door handle has been replaced 4 times, today it broke again. if someone were in the back of the cab and had to get out, they could not. this handle IS plastic and breaks continuously. the chevy house informed me that they have this part in stock all the time because it happens quite often. they replaced it 4 times while it was under warranty. it IS not under warranty now, so I will have to pay for it. this item should be corrected and made into a heavier material and made a recall. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 GMC sonoma. while driving approximately 15 mph and approaching a stop light, the vehicle did not stop when the brake pedal was depressed. the brake pedal extended to the floor and the contact rear ended another vehicle. there were no injuries. the contact's son…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 GMC sonoma. while driving approximately 15 mph and approaching a stop light, the vehicle did not stop when the brake pedal was depressed. the brake pedal extended to the floor and the contact rear ended another vehicle. there were no injuries. the contact's son diagnosed the vehicle as having brake line failure. the air bags did not deploy at the time of impact. the current and failure mileages were 30,000.
- Steering › Column
On 1/25/06 I took my 2002 GMC sonoma pickup truck to allen GMC in laguna niguel, ca to have them check out a clicking noise I was hearing in the steering system. in addition, the steering wheel had excessive play in it. the dealership called me and informed me that the intermediate steering shaft…
On 1/25/06 I took my 2002 GMC sonoma pickup truck to allen GMC in laguna niguel, ca to have them check out a clicking noise I was hearing in the steering system. in addition, the steering wheel had excessive play in it. the dealership called me and informed me that the intermediate steering shaft (GMC p/n 26056116) needed to be replaced at a cost of 244.90 plus 188.00 for labor. I had the repair done and the problem was resolved for a while but in december 2007 I noticed that the same symptoms (clicking noise as well as excessive play in the steering wheel) were back. I took the truck to allen GMC with a copy of the invoice (inv # gccs358357)for the original repair. the service writer acknowledged that the problem had returned but said that the repair and parts were out of the 12 month warranty period. I told him I was dissatisfied with their inability to fix the problem at their cost and was given the phone number to their national customer satisfaction line (800 gmc-truc). I called this number on 2/15/08 and told the customer service rep (terri at ext 21714) about the problem that I had fixed and that it had returned less than 2 years later. she gave me a file number of 71-607365535 and told me I would hear back from her in a few days. on 2/18/08, terri called back to inform me that due to the age of the vehicle and the amount of time that elapsed since the repair that there was nothing that GMC would do for me. I explained to her that it IS unreasonable to expect a customer to pay numerous times for a GMC part that clearly was poorly designed. I told her that I found several incidences on the internet of other people having this same problem with the same part and that GMC needs to acknowledge that they have a defective part they need to fix at their expense. since this defective part IS an integral part of the steering system, I think it IS IS imperative that GMC fix it and not cause the consumer to pay for their poor design. *tr
- Structure › Body › Door
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 GMC sonoma. the handle on the third door failed after being replaced seven times. the handle IS plastic and the door will not open once it fails. the dealer could not determine the cause of the failure. the failure mileage was 23,000 and current mileage was 44,000. updated 01-11-08. *kb updated 12/12/07 *tr
- Power train › Clutch assembly
TL* - the contact was driving on the freeway at approximately 65 mph when his clutch failed on his 2002 GMC sonoma. the road conditions were wet. the clutch stopped engaging, the engine was revving but none of the gears would engage. the contact had the vehicle towed to his home. the tow…
TL* - the contact was driving on the freeway at approximately 65 mph when his clutch failed on his 2002 GMC sonoma. the road conditions were wet. the clutch stopped engaging, the engine was revving but none of the gears would engage. the contact had the vehicle towed to his home. the tow driver said he could smell the clutch burning. the contact checked the clutch fluid the next morning and 3/4 of it was missing. the contact had the vehicle towed to a clutch repair shop. the vehicle was repaired. the contact was shown the flyheel that melted. the ford dealer told the contact the clutch burned out due to normal wear and tear. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Tonight, a rainy night in texas I had to brakes suddenly. finally my ABS brakes worked properly .there was no heavy pull to the left swerving into the next lane, as it did from 2003-2005. There was pulsation from the braking mechanism that I never felt before like I told it should work. I…
Tonight, a rainy night in texas I had to brakes suddenly. finally my ABS brakes worked properly .there was no heavy pull to the left swerving into the next lane, as it did from 2003-2005. There was pulsation from the braking mechanism that I never felt before like I told it should work. I didn't have to fight with the wheel to keep control. It never swerved like numerous times before out of the over 100 times my ABS brakes malfunctioned , this time finally it worked the way ABS should work during a wet bumpy road. last year after many phone calls about my many issues,gm corp and the dealer finally was willing to check out my vehicle again with ABS brakes and other issues. I drove my vehicle at my cost from texas to georgia. The dealer reported my vehicle's issues were repaired. the drl issue (turns off while using the turn signal, stupid defect that they have in the manual. As if it normal. I still don't know any other car that does this ) the problem IS still there but the electrical issue IS gone. When I had the electrical problem it affected the entire vehicle over the time I had the truck. I even had my radio replaced over nine times. My last issue was the system not recognizing the check engine light being on and driving from ga to tx and back before it would go out. I drove 2000 miles. ....ABS brakes." what ever the dealer did to my car to repair the swerving issues. They need to do a recall for those people who have malfunctioning ABS brakes on the sonoma vehicle. there IS a defect and it should be acknowledged. mine was fixed after 3 years. these brakes were defective and dangerous until repaired. I have avoided many accidents by being very careful ; offensive and defensive driving. have gm fix those faulty ABS brakes. please note you can find my many complaints under GMC sonoma 2002. *Jb
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
I own a 2002 GMC sonoma pick-up. I had the cables on the tailgate break when climbing into the back of the truck. I have found articles on this subject on the internet from news agencies that say GMC would be sending out a letter to owners of the GMC sonoma's and S10 that would warn of the problem…
I own a 2002 GMC sonoma pick-up. I had the cables on the tailgate break when climbing into the back of the truck. I have found articles on this subject on the internet from news agencies that say GMC would be sending out a letter to owners of the GMC sonoma's and S10 that would warn of the problem and offer an inspection of the cables and replacement of the cables. I never received the letter and the dealerships seem to know nothing about it. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
On my 2002 GMC sonoma truck the front driver side brake pad was worn off and the rotor severely scored and ruined by 14,000 miles, to the extent that the GMC dealer declared it unsafe to drive. Mean while the passenger side front brake pad was largely intact and the rotor perfect. Also the ABS system failed to stop truck promptly or smoothly on several occasions. *jb
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Tailgate support cables broken. *jb
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Dt*: the contact stated that the brake lights remained illuminated when the vehicle was parked and turned off. the battery had to be disconnected. the vehicle has not been inspected by a mechanic. there IS a nhtsa recall, #06v139000, regarding the brake light switch; however the consumer's vehicle IS not included in the recall due to the vin. updated 6/23/2006 - *nm
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Dt*: the contact stated while standing on the tailgate, both cables fractured. there IS a nhtsa recall, # 06v066000, regarding the tailgate cable; however, it IS not included in the recall due to the vin.
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
On 30 oct. 05, I was preparing to load a motorcycle on the back of my GMC sonoma. after opening-up the tailgate on my GMC sonoma, I proceeded to step on the tailgate. Both tailgate cables snapped causing the tailgate to slam down on the bumper causing me to fall to the ground. I was not injured…
On 30 oct. 05, I was preparing to load a motorcycle on the back of my GMC sonoma. after opening-up the tailgate on my GMC sonoma, I proceeded to step on the tailgate. Both tailgate cables snapped causing the tailgate to slam down on the bumper causing me to fall to the ground. I was not injured, but was thankful that it broke before and not during the loading of the truck. both cables snapped exactly in the same spot. cables showed signs of corrosion inside the cable. *jb
- Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire · Unknown or other
My spare tire on my 2002 GMC sonoma pickup fell out of its carrier. It rolled across two lanes of traffic, luckily traffic was light and no one was struck by the run away wheel. I appears the cable that secures the spare on the truck parted. this IS the first time the spare has been off the truck. *jb
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Third door latch broke. Contacted dealer and GMC customer service. Told no recalls on latch. I would have to pay dealer to determine what caused latch to break if part defective GMC would pay for fix but not for dealers labor for diagnosing problem. Dealer said it would take 30 minutes minimum to 1…
Third door latch broke. Contacted dealer and GMC customer service. Told no recalls on latch. I would have to pay dealer to determine what caused latch to break if part defective GMC would pay for fix but not for dealers labor for diagnosing problem. Dealer said it would take 30 minutes minimum to 1 hour and half at 75 dollars a hour. Talked to another dealer service manager,told "repair them all the time".took vehicle to local body shop who also said"repair them all the time".read on internet auto bulletin boards that other people having same problems. *Jb
- Electrical system · Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Switch · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Please see my numerous entries- took vehicle in again to service department. Picked up 11/17/05. ABS brakes. Supposedly they have finally diagnosed them.!replaced bad wheel sensor. H0161.9. I was told they didn't check them previously. I have documented the number of times this has been an issue…
Please see my numerous entries- took vehicle in again to service department. Picked up 11/17/05. ABS brakes. Supposedly they have finally diagnosed them.!replaced bad wheel sensor. H0161.9. I was told they didn't check them previously. I have documented the number of times this has been an issue and I have brought them in. . Their records only show twice. radio-replaced 8 times already duplicated freezing, playing 1 station and showing another at oth dealer and doc, they didn't replace this time however they installed updated software. "why wasn't this done before" and they advised a cd was stuff in the player. it was not, my dau was playing a janis joplin cd and took it with her when we left the vehicle. when turn signal used daytime running light goes out. they say this happens on some cars but not all. They cannot tell you which cars it happens to. Once when I brought it in, they fixed it. Then it started going out again. this time they showed me a piece of paper that said "some vehicles" has this but they do not designate which vehicles, I still do not know if it IS a design flaw, electrical issue or both. emissions, I've driven over 2500 miles and it finally passed the readiness test. I took this in 4 times before driving 1000, they on the fifth time I took it in it passed why did I have to drive so many miles in order for my vehicle to pass the emissions. my lemon tainted 2002 sonoma truck gm rep sys his record sys I was never towed. As you know I was towed twice. Once when engine just stopped and second when my battery just died. general manager at dealer sys my complaint shows only twice. they still tell me I do not have any electrical issues. I say I do. are my brakes fixed? I will need to drive it and will let you know! *nm
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Exterior lighting
Check engine light on was told air injector valve oper/solenoid replace. Drove 800 miles, took emissions test failed. Showed no codes. Was told by tech to try driving 100 miles. Or take to dealer, took to dealership charged diagnostic fee. Was told by them to drive 100 miles. Drove 150 returned…
Check engine light on was told air injector valve oper/solenoid replace. Drove 800 miles, took emissions test failed. Showed no codes. Was told by tech to try driving 100 miles. Or take to dealer, took to dealership charged diagnostic fee. Was told by them to drive 100 miles. Drove 150 returned next day. Still the codes are not showing. Want me to drive another 150 miles. Two codes are not showing. Took back to emissions provider, they showed me it was the 02 sensor and last test on the obd computer. I don't remember the name. Also please note my radio froze again playing on 1 station and showing another. Showed it to tech today. And also my brakes still giving same problem. ABS brakes still pulling vehicle. Bought new tires to help with the traction. But problem still same. Fuel was about 12 miles per gal. how many miles do I have to drive in order for the computer on the vehicle to respond. I've driven over 1000 (one thousand) since friday 10-21-05. What a lemon! I will be returning back to the dealership (chev) tomorrow after driving 150 miles. My daytime light still goes out when using turn signals. *nm
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.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 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
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 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).
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 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.
Every GMC Sonoma model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.