The contact owns a 2000 GMC Sonoma pickup. When the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear spare tire mounting cable broke without warning due to corrosion. An independent mechanic stated that the failure was a common issue with his model vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000. The contact had significant concerns of a potential safety hazard. Updated10/28/10 updated 11/01/10

- Milford, MI, USA

: the contact stated while driving 30 mph on a country road with a boat trailer in tow, the spare tire mounting cable fractured which allowed the spare tire assembly to fall from under the vehicle and roll into the trailer without warning. The vehicle was pulled over without incident. The spare tire debris was collected and taken to the dealer for further inspection. The spare tire mounting was extremely corroded, but did not have a history of exposure to harsh winter weather or road salts. The dealer determined the corrosion caused the failure and a new mounting cable was needed. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 09/16/06.

- Dadeville, AL, USA

We own a 2000 GMC Sonoma and the 3rd door handle breaks about 1 a year. It has been repaired by GM under warranty 3 times but the vehicle is now out of warranty and the handle has broke again. Since this vehicle has a seat for children in the rear and we use it for that, I am concerned the handle will break in an emergency situation and we will have difficulty removing the child from the rear. I have spoken with other Sonoma owners and service personnel at GM dealerships and all agree this is part that always breaks. I have contacted gms customer service # and they have stated they have no intention of doing anything to improve the design of the door or recall the vehicle for a permanent fix. The problem could be very easily fixed by making the handle out of metal or increasing the web thickness of the plastic at the fracture point. I have retained the failed part for inspection.

- Montecito, CA, USA