2001 GMC Sonoma Problems

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Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

STRUCTURE

26 complaints

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

Jan 23, 2010

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.

Oct 23, 2007

Injuries: 1

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

Aug 26, 2006

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

Aug 23, 2006

FAILURE OF TAILGATE CABLE. THE SECOND CABLE IS STARTING TO BULGE IN MIDDLE. *NM

Jul 03, 2006

+ 21 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

8 complaints

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

Sep 12, 2007

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

May 25, 2006

WHEN COMING TO A SUDDEN STOP AND WHEN CONSUMER STEPS OFF THE BRAKES VEHICLE WILL STEER IMMEDIATELY TO THE RIGHT. *AK

Nov 17, 2003

CONSUMEER STATED THAT VEHICLE LOCKS UP WHEN ABS WAS APPLIED AND SKID INTO UNCONTROLLABLE STOP. ALSO, REAR END FISHTAILS WHEN ACCELERATING. *YH

Nov 05, 2002

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, THERE WAS AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK *YH

Jun 04, 2002

+ 3 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

6 complaints

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

Aug 25, 2007

Crash: 1

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.

Sep 15, 2006

2001 4WD 4.3 GMC SONOMA, 53K MILES, NO KNOWN EVENTS LEADING TO FAILURE, WITHOUT WARNING TRANSMISSION FAILURE, LOSS OF FIRST GEAR AND REVERSE, ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENT DO TO UNEXPECTED DECELERATION. I HAVE REPLACED TRANSFER CASE (WHERE IT WAS MAKING MUCH NOISE) BUT THIS DID NOT CORRECT PROBLEM. BY FAR THIS TRUCK IS NOT "PROFESSIONAL GRADE" AS THEIR ADVERTISING CLAIMS!

May 21, 2005

I HAVE A 2001 GMC SONOMA WHICH WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 2002. THE VEHICLE HAS 78K MILES ON IT. AT FIRST THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TROUBLE STARTING. THEN THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP WHEN DRIVEN COLD. AFTER THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, A CODE INDICATED THAT THERE WERE TWO SHIFT SOLENOID MALFUNCTIONS. BOTH SHIFT SOLENOIDS WERE REPLACED. THAT TWO DAYS AGO. TODAY THE TRUCK STARTED UP, SO THE VEHICLE WAS ASSUMED SAFE TO DRIVE. I WAS TRAVELING DOWN A BUSY ROAD AT ABOUT 40 MPH, WITH AN 18 WHEELER TRACTOR TRAILER BEHIND ME, WHEN THE VEHICLE, WITHOUT ANY INDICATION OF MALFUNCTION, SHIFTED FROM OVERDRIVE TO FIRST GEAR (IT IS AN AUTOMATIC) THUS RESULTING IN AN "ENGINE BRAKING" EFFECT WIHICH SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN TO ABOUT 25 MPH. THIS WAS VERY SCARY AND LUCKILY THE VEHICLES BEHIND ME REALIZED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND HAD ENOUGH ROOM TO SLOW DOWN. THOUGH THE PROBLEM IS NOT YET KNOWN, IT SEEMS LIKE THERE ARE ALOT "SERVICE BULLETINS" FOR THIS VEHICLE AND ITS CORPORATE COUSIN, THE CHEVY S-10. HOPEFULLY, THIS PROBLEM IS SOLVED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED FROM THE FAILURE. I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED ON WHAT PARTS WERE REPLACED/REPAIRED FROM THE DEALER.

May 04, 2005

WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP SIGN DRIVESHAFT SHOOK VIOLENTLY. *AK

Apr 15, 2004

+ 1 more complaint for this component

SEATS

6 complaints

THE PASSENGER SEAT WILL NOT LOCK IN AND SLIDES BACK AND FORTH WHEN STOPPING AND ACCELERATIING. DT

Oct 22, 2002

SEAT ADJUSTER ON PASSENEGER'S SIDE HAD STOPPED WORKING, CAUSING SEAT TO GO FORWARD AND BACKWARDS. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER REPLACED ADJUSTER. SOON AFTERWARDS CONSUMER HAD TO TAKE IT BACK TO DEALER.*AK

Sep 16, 2002

THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT DOES NOT LATCH INTO LOCKED POSITION, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ABRUPT MOTION AGGRIVATES A PREVIOUS BACK PROBLEM. *YH

Feb 20, 2002

THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT DOES NOT LATCH INTO LOCKED POSITION, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ABRUPT MOTION AGGRIVATES A PREVIOUS BACK PROBLEM. *YH

Feb 20, 2002

PASSENGERS SEAT WILL NOT LOCK IN POSITION, IT SLIDES BACK AND FORTH. DEALER REPAIRED ONCE, THEN REPLACED PASSENGERS SEAT. AT THIS TIME SEAT IS BROKEN AGAIN.*AK THE SEAT REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE MECHANIC SAID TO THE OWNER, SLAM THE SEAT BACK TO ACHIEVE A LOCKED POSITION. *YH

Jul 16, 2001

+ 1 more complaint for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 complaints

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

Aug 27, 2006

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DEALER SAID AIR PUMP TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE. APPROX $700.00 TO REPLACE. NOT COVERED BY MANUFACTURER. *JB

Mar 05, 2004

CONSUMER WAS MERGING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC,WHEN THE VEHICLE DIED OUT. THIS HAS HAPPENED 10 TIMES, BUT DEALERSHIP IS UNABLE TO FIX PROBLEM. TS

Jan 14, 2003

WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE STALLED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Mar 25, 2002

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH ON HIGHWAY AND VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. *AK

Dec 13, 2000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

MY IGNITION SWITCH SOMETIMES STICKS. ABLE TO TAKE KEY OUT WHEN RUNNING

Jul 07, 2015

VEHICLE WILL NOT START UP WHEN IT IS IN PARK POSITION THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, BUT IT ALREADY HAS HAPPENED TWICE. CONTACTED DEALER ,AND THE DEALER WAS NOT W ILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK

Apr 22, 2002

A BURNING SMELL WAS COMING FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE. ALSO, SMELL CAME ON INSIDE OF VEHICLE WHICH SMELLED LIKE RUBBER BURNING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. *AK

Sep 24, 2001

TRUCK HAD NO POWER TO ANY SYSTEM....TOW TRUCK DRIVER FOUND FAULTY WIRE AND TEMPORARILY FIXED BY APPLYING TENSION WITH A PLASTIC WIRE TIE IN ORDER TO GET VEHICLE HOME

May 23, 2001

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 complaints

MY GMC TRUCK HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL AND EMISSIONS SYSTEM BUT NOW THE TRUCK HESITATES AND STALLS ON A REGULAR BASIS. THE TRUCK WILL STALL WHILE DRIVING IT CAUSING A VERY UNSAFE ATMOSPHERE. WHILE ACCELERATING THE TRUCK WILL SOMETIMES HESITATE WHICH SLOWS DOWN ACCELERATION. MANY OTHER CHEVY/GMC S-10 OWNERS HAVE TOLD ME ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEMS.

Jul 05, 2005

SPARE TIRE FELL OFF. *NM

Apr 05, 2004

I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON ALL 2001 GMC SONOMAS. EVERYONE I TALK TO HAVE HAD TO HAVE THERE BREAKS REPLACED WITHIN 5000 MILES. I JUST PUT BREAKS ON MY TRUCK IN SEPTEMBER. THEY NEED THE ROTORS TURNED AGAIN AND I NEED BREAKS I HAVE TALKED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THEM MAYBE YOU CAN

Jan 14, 2003

WHEN FUEL TANK HAS 1/4 TANK REMAINING OF FUEL THE GAGE WILL READ AS EMPTY OR BELOW EMPTY. HAVE CHECKED TWICE WITH THE DEALER AND THEY CLAIM THAT THERE IS NO KNOWN REMEDY FROM THE MANUFACTURER. DT

Nov 13, 2002

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 complaints

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

Oct 04, 2006

WHILE DRIVING PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT FIXTURE SHEARED OFF. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY FOR THE DRIVER. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC ADVISED CONSUMER THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR THE PART. *AK

Sep 20, 2004

NEARLY BEEN INVOLVED IN NUMEROUS INTERSECTION ACCIDENTS. DRIVING LIGHTS STAY ON ALL THE TIME, EXCEPT WHEN TURN SIGNAL ENABLED. THE FLASH MAKES IT APPEAR TO OTHER DRIVERS AS IF I WERE SIGNALING THEM TO TAKE THE RIGHT OF WAY.*AK

Mar 22, 2001

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 complaints

DT: THE CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED. HE WAS UNABLE TO DEACTIVATE IT. THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THE TOW TRUCK TO ARRIVE AND TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. *AK

Dec 23, 2005

WHEN DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK *NM

Jun 22, 2004

ENGINE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN AT TIMES WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF THE CLUTCH IS DISENGAGED DURING THE FAILURE, THE ENGINE WLL RUN AROUND 3000 RPM FOR APPROX. 15 SECONDS BEFORE IT RETURNS TO NORMAL IDLE. DEALER CLAIMS NO CODES AND ENGINE IS OPERATING TO SPECIFICATIONS. THEY TEST DROVE AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEIR STATEMENT TO ME WAS " WE CAN NOT FIX IT IF WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO FIX". I ASKED THEM IF THEY HAD CALLED GMC TO TROUBLE SHOOT THE PROBLEM AND THEIR REPLY WAS YES AND THEY DID NOT KNOW AND HAD NO OTHER REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM. I PICKED THE TRUCK UP FROM THE DEALER ON 9/21 AND DROVE IT ON 9/22 AROUND TOWN WITH NO PROBLEM. THEN ON 9/23 AFTER A 3 STOP SHOPPING TRIP, THE TRUCK INCURED THE SAME PROBLEM AS BEFORE. MY DEALER HAS OFFERED TO KEEP THE TRUCK FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS OF TEST DRIVING BUT I AM AFFRAID THAT THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM SINCE THEY DROVE IT 60 MILES THE FIRST TIME THEY HAD IT.*AK

Sep 24, 2001

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 complaints

I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH BALKING, STALLING OF MY VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL REPAIRS/REPLACEMENT OF PARTS. THE PROBLEM IS STILL WITH MY VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD THE COMPUTER REPLACED, THE FUEL RELAY PUMP, WIRES REPLACED, FUEL FILTER, BUT I AM STILL HAVING THIS PROBLEM. IT IS INTERMITTENT, WHICH MAKES IT MORE SCARY. *JB

Oct 10, 2005

FUEL PUMP, REPAIRS COSTING OVER $2000.00 IN THE PAST 2 YEARS. STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. SEE THAT THERE IS A HISTORY WITH THIS VEHICLE PART SO WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A SOLUTION FOR ALL OF US OUT HERE. THIS IS RIDICULOUOS. IT'S ALWAYS THE FUEL PUMP WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES ON. VERY FUSTRATING FOR SUCH LOW MILES.*AK

Jan 26, 2005

2001 GMC SONOMA EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL PUMP.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE FIRST TIME THE PUMP WAS REPLACED AT 35000 MILE AND NOW IT'S BEING REPLACED AGAIN AT 60000 MILES. *NM

Jan 26, 2005

AIR BAGS

3 complaints

OUR GMC SONOMA WAS HIT HEAD ON, BOTH VEHICLES DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MPH. THE SONOMA HAD EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE, BROKEN GLASS, THE ROOF BUCKLED (NOT A ROLL OVER) DRIVERS SIDE FLOOR PROTRUDED INTO VEHICLE, CONSOLE EXPLODED INTO VEHICLE,IMPACT GREAT ENOUGH TO SHATTER SIDE WINDOWS AND BROKEN WINDSHIELD ,FRONT AXLE BROKEN, FRAME SHOWED 4-6" GAP BETWEEN CAB & BED .......NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. HOW MANY OTHER FAMILIES FEEL SECURE WITH KNOWING THEIR VEHICLE HAS AIRBAGS?*JB

Sep 10, 2005

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH CONSUMER REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DIDNOT DEPLOY. PLEASE ADD VIN. *AK

Jan 11, 2002

Crash: 1

HIT A TREE AT 35 MPH, AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THEN SHORTED OUT AND BURNED VEHICLE TO THE GROUND. *AK THE CONSUMER HIT A PATCH OF ICE AND THE VEHICLE SKIDDED AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE. AS AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, SPARKS OCCURED BURSTING INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE BURNED TO THE GROUND. *YH

Jan 02, 2001

Crash: 1

Fire: 1

Injuries: 1

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

3 complaints

WAS UNLOADING MY MOTORCYCLE OUT OF THE BACK OF MY 2001 GMC SONOMA WHEN ONE OF THE TAILGATE STRAPS BROKE. FORTUNATLEY I WAS ABLE TO GET THE BIKE UNDER CONTROL AND GET MY FOOTING PRIOR TO IT GOING DOWN, SO NO INJURY OR DAMAGE WAS DONE. NOTHING HAS BEEN REPLACED AT THIS TIME. STILL HAVE THE OLD PART ON THE VEHICLE. THE OTHER STRAP IS ON IT'S WAY TO BREAKING AS WELL, YOU CAN SEE BY THE WAY THE PLASTIC COATING IS ENLARGED THAT IT IS RUSTING. GM IS RECALLING THE FULL SIZE VEHICLE TAILGATE STRAPS WHICH APPEAR TO BE OF THE SAME CONCEPT AS THESE ON THE SONOMA. *AK

Jul 26, 2004

BOTH CABLES RUSTED THROUGH ON TAILGATE. NO INJURIES ORIGINALLY REPORTED TO GMC IN SEPT. 2003. NOW A RECALL IS PENDING AND IS SUPPOSED TO BE ISSUED 3RD QUARTER OF 2004.I CANNOT USE THE TRUCK BED UNTIL THESE ARE FIXED. 3 YRS IS WAY TO LONG FOR THIS RECALL TO TAKE PLACE.*AK

May 01, 2004

DEFECTIVE DOOR LATCH HANDLES. (NAR) *PH DEALER NOTIFIED. *CB

Mar 26, 2004

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. *TR

Sep 26, 2014

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

Apr 14, 2014

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

JUST PULLED INTO THE MAIN STREET, DROVE A WAY DOWN THE ROAD, AND BECAUSE BRAKES DID NOT CATCH, REAR ENDED ANOTHER AUTOMOBILE. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. ALSO, WHILE BRAKING THE ENGINE WAS RACING, WHICH MADE IT HARDER FOR AUTO TO SLOW DOWN.*AK

Dec 19, 2001

Crash: 1

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON, VEHICLE WENT FROM 70 MPH TO 40MPH. ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND BRAKES LOCKED UP. DEALER REPLACED ABS MODULE. *AK

May 15, 2001

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Mar 11, 2016

POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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

Oct 19, 2014

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

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

Jul 09, 2013

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

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

Aug 03, 2011

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

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

Nov 05, 2009

TIRES

1 complaint

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.

Mar 16, 2007

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

I BOUGH 2001-GMC-TRUCK-SONOMA. AS A LEFT OVER. ON JANUARY 11, 2002,IS THE DATE I RECEIVED IT ,THAT IS WHEN I BOUGH IT. ON APRIL 10, 2002 @\AT 1160 MILES,THEY REPLACED BOTH OF THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS. ON AUGUST 14, 2003 AT 7745 MILES THEY REPLACED BOTH OF THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS, AND TURNED FRONT ROTORS. NOW AS OF JAN212006,THERE IS ONLY 17,868 MILES ON THE TRUCK, IT'S ALWAYS BE GARAGE KEEPED.AND WELL CARED FOR.IT'S STILL HAS THE NEW SMALL INSIDE, NOW ALL 4 OF THE ROTORS AND BRAKES HAVES TO BE REPLACD. I CANNOT UNDER STAND WHY ITS SHOULDBE UP TO ME TO REPLACE WITH ONLY THEN MILES-PER ABOVE.*AK

Jan 23, 2006

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER 14,000 MILES. THE BRAKES BEGAN MAKING A SCRAPING NOISE. THE SERVICE DEALER SAID THE FRONT BRAKES WERE HEAVILY CORRODED, THEY WERE REPLACED. *AK THE RADIATOR CAP WAS LEAKING. *SC *JB

Jun 20, 2005

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

TO DATE, THERE HAVE BEEN ONLY NEAR INCIDENTS & NEAR CRASHES, WITH NO INJURIES. THE PROBLEM ON THESE VEHICLES, AS WELL AS THE CHEVROLET COPYCATS, IS THAT WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL IS APPLIED DURING THE DAY, THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF UNTIL THE TURN SIGNAL IS SHUT OFF ITSELF. THIS CREATES A GRAVE SAFETY HAZARD THAT INADVERTENTLY SIGNALS OTHER DRIVERS AROUND YOU WHEN YOU ARE MAKING A TURN. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE SERVICE DEPT. OF THE DEALERSHIP THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, ONLY TO BE TOLD EACH TIME THAT IT IS "NORMAL" FOR THE VEHICLE MAKE. I WOULD LIKE THE MANUFACTURER THEMSELVES TO BE AWARE OF THIS SITUATION, AS IF I AM EVER IN AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED SITUATION, I WILL NOT ONLY SUE THE MANUFACTURER & DEALER, BUT THE NHTSA ALSO, FOR FAILING TO ISSUE A RECALL. IT SHOULD NOT TAKE AN INJURY OR FATALITY TO CORRECT A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SITUATION AS THIS MOST DEFINITELY IS. *NM

Jul 06, 2004

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

NARY 05/28/2003 *MR THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, AND THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE WAS FIXED. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT AND NONCOMFORMITY THAT LEAVES THEM AN AS WELL AS OTHER MOTORIST AT RISK OF A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *CB

May 28, 2003

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

WHILE PULLING OUT OF PARKING LOT AND GOING A WAYS DOWN THE ROAD AND UPON APPROACHING VEHICLES, CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN REAR END COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

Dec 19, 2001

Crash: 1

PARKING BRAKE

1 complaint

VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY WHILE PARKED, WITH EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE FULLY ENGAGED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER.*AK

Jun 13, 2001

Crash: 1

4.2/5.0

77 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2001 GMC Sonoma have?

The 2001 GMC Sonoma currently has 90 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2001 GMC Sonoma?

The most common problems reported for the 2001 GMC Sonoma are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2001 GMC Sonoma problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2001 GMC Sonoma comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.