1991 GMC Sonoma: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 29 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1991 gmc sonoma. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, an unusual noise emitted from of the vehicle. The contact then noticed hat the spare tire had become detached from under the vehicle as a result of a fractured support cable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. .... Updated 02-20-13 *bf updated 02/25/2013 *js”Owner report · Tires · Dec 2012
“1991 gmc sonoma. Tilt steering has become very loose has not caused any wrecks or damage afraid to drive. Have not taken for repairs. Mileage counter broke some years ago this truck has aprox. 200,000 miles on with no other complaints, did have manual trans replaced under warranty many years ago. *tr”Owner report · Steering · May 2008
“Tl* the contact owns a 1991 gm sonoma. While driving at speeds of 20 mph, the drivers door would open without warning. The door latch pin was found to be severely rusted. The dealer advised the warranty had expired and were not willing to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 98,000.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Mar 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“Engine would constantly overheat while driving at any speed. Vehicle had been taken to a dealer several times. Dealer replaced the engine thermostat, and problem recurred. Consumer took the vehicle to another dealer, and they informed him that the thermostat was defective. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2004
“Consumer received recall 99v193, however the dealer is stating that the consumer is not eligible for the recall because the serial number did not come up on his computer. *slc”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2000
“Steering wheel and tilt assembly came loose, making vehicle undriveable. Told by various gm mechanics that this is a common problem with many gm tilt columns on all models.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2000
“Driver's seatbelt malfunctioned due to seatbelt rubbing against the seatbelt housing and forming a grove in the housing which caused the seatbelt not to retract. This won't protect the occupant in event of a crash. Please provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 2000
“Vehicle caught on fire while driving. Consumer heard a whistling kind of noise before battery light came on, then, when she pulled off road she saw smoke coming from around the hood. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2000
“When the brakes were applied under normal conditions the pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance, and causing a minor collision. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 1999
“The cable holding the spare tire under truck bed broke, causing me to lose my spare tire. I was unable to locate the tire after I realized it was gone and I would like the manufacturer to replace it. This is a potential safety hazard to drivers following behind.”Owner report · Equipment · Jan 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1989 THROUGH AUGUST 1996. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THE SWITCH WHICH SIGNALS THE ABS SYSTEM WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS IN 2-WHEEL OR 4-WHEEL DRIVE CAN MALFUNCTION CAUSING INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING ABS STOPS WHILE IN THE TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE OR REPAIR THE 4-WHEEL/2-WHEEL DRIVE SWITCH.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sonoma by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 GMC Sonoma reliable?
NHTSA has 29 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 GMC Sonoma. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 1991 GMC Sonoma have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.