10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
16 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
2,740 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1996 GMC Sonoma brakes problems

brakes problem

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1996 GMC Sonoma Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #36

Nov 142006

Sonoma 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,651 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

: the contact stated while driving 40 mph under normal braking on wet roads, the ABS lights illuminated and the vehicle had an extended stopping distance. The dealer examined the vehicle and determined the three sensors had to be replaced, but were not certain that the replacement would correct the problem. The vehicle was currently at the dealer for further repairs. The contact encountered NHTSA recall # 99I006000 regarding the service brakes, hydraulic: Antilock.

- Sidney, OH, USA

problem #35

Jan 151998

Sonoma

  • miles
In snowey or rainey weather, antilock brakes pulsate irradically at various speeds (including 5 mph) when brakes are applied, even when no skid or hard breaking is occuring. Braking when this occurs, which is intermittently, is poor and uneven. Dealer and GM Corp. Contacted, but all say no recalls have been initiated. This is a dangerous condition, and an accident (law suit) waiting to happen.

- Shelby Twp., MI, USA

problem #34

Jan 222001

Sonoma

  • miles
Previous owner stated ABS light has been on/off last 2 years.

- Markham, IL, USA

problem #33

Aug 152000

Sonoma

  • Manual transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

ABS brakes are causing vehicle two wheel drive to lock up when applying brakes in wet conditions. Dealer notified.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #32

Feb 171999

Sonoma

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Rustburg, VA, USA

problem #31

Aug 141999

Sonoma

  • miles
This is an update to a previously submitted report for ABS failure on this vehicle. The incident date on this report is approximate. The two wires to the right front ABS sensor were severed by interference with the upper control arm and the disk brake back plate/splash shield, to which the wiring is attached with riveted metal clips. It appears that the wires became trapped between the upper control arm stamping and the hub and/or disk brake back plate/splash shield, possibly during turns that cycled the front suspension. The wiring insulation is worn in several locations other than the break point, and the first metal clip has been torn off the pop rivet that holds it to the backplate/splash shield. This is the second time this wiring has failed due to this design or installation defect. The first failure was repaired under warranty. No repairs have been performed at this time as we have been waiting for recall information from GM, which arrived recently, but it addressed an ABS programming problem that affected braking on surfaces that transitioned from wet to dry and back.

- Augusta, GA, USA

problem #30

Dec 131999

Sonoma

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

We have had numerous problems with this vehicle sine one month after purchase including the idle sticking/interior moulding cracking/transmission rebuilt/computer replaced due to failure engine check light indicator light does not turn off, and right side brake does not seem to wear properly.. my husband is able to recall more.

- Lancaster, CA, USA

problem #29

Apr 051999

Sonoma

  • miles
Braking system malfunctioned, , causing extended stopping distance which resulted in a crash. Been to dealer several times, but dealer could not determine th cause of the problem.

- Okalhoma City, OK, USA

problem #28

Aug 231999

Sonoma 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Was driving vehicle & stopped quickly. Could feel it & hear it trying to kick in. Felt like vehcle was on ice. Did not stop right away. Went through an intersection & through a red light. Finally, got it to stop. Contacted dealer about ABS, recall campaign, but dealer could not offer anything.

- Elliott, ME, USA

problem #27

Sep 141999

(reported on)

Sonoma

  • miles
While vehicle was in reverse applied the ABS brakes andthe pedal went to the floor, causing vehicle to crash into the bathroom of the house.

- Burgettowns, PA, USA

problem #26

Jul 271999

(reported on)

Sonoma

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When applying the ABS brakes on dry pavement the pedal traveled to the floor, causing extended stopping distance which resulted in a collision.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #25

Jul 121999

Sonoma

  • miles
No summary listed for this vehicle.

- North Providence, RI, USA

problem #24

Jun 011999

(reported on)

Sonoma

  • miles
The brakes are warping every 6 months, causing a potential safety hazard.

- Prunedale, CA, USA

problem #23

Nov 201998

(reported on)

Sonoma

  • miles
Consumer was traveling at about 50 mph and went to apply brakes the pedal went to floor, giving no response. Consumer had to pump the pedal to get a late response. Dealer has been contacted.

- Bangor, ME, USA

problem #22

Sep 191998

Sonoma

  • miles
Consumer expperienced numerous problems with the vehicle brake system ; on three occasions consumer was in an accident due to brake failure to stop vehicle. Vehcle been in/out of dealer shop, and was informed that the problem can not be duplicated.

- Redondo, CA, USA

problem #21

Sep 031998

Sonoma

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Driving down the highway and the car in front of the truck made a sudden stop, applied pressure to the brake pedal and the truck didn't slow down. Had to press harder on the brake pedal, and the pedal was hard and went to the floor. Took truck to the dealer, and was told that the ABS motor had failed. The dealer replaced the motor.

- N Syracuse, NY, USA

problem #20

Nov 151997

Sonoma

  • miles
Traveling 65mph on interstate pressed on brakes to slow down, brake pedal went to floor. Pulled to side of road & waited. Took vehicle to dealer. Mechanic said brakes & rotors were worn & needed to be replaced. Problem reappeared & a lot worse. Back to dealer & told pads needed replacing.

- Bluford, IL, USA

problem #19

Oct 291997

Sonoma

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Anti lock brakes experienced extended stopping distance, causing a collision.

- Centralia, IL, USA

problem #18

Aug 151997

Sonoma

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
When traveling and upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle becomes very difficult to stop. Pedal gets very hard to depress, causing extended stopping distance due to the power assist booster which needed replacement. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced the brake booster pump.

- Sunapee, NH, USA

problem #17

Dec 051997

(reported on)

Sonoma

  • miles
When applying the brakes the ABS comes on, and the vehicle does not stop. Dealer says it is suppose to operate that way.

- Howe, IN, USA

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