1993 GMC Sonoma: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 58 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (47% of complaints); the 1991 and 1992 model years look more trouble-free.
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 58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The vehicle experienced the same problem with the transmission as stated in recall#94v09300, however the vehicle identification number was not included. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · May 2003
“While driving about 60 mph right rear tire had a tread separation. Had a blowup the first time. Then, pulled over and saw tread off the tire. Uniroyal p235/75 r15.*ak the customer states he lost control of the vehicle and got in the ditch when the tire blew up. *yh”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2000
“When vehicle was owned by other family member, vehicle experienced a "no park" condition. A crashed took place, $2700 in damage to other vehicle. At the time we were un aware of a recall that was out there for this condition. Wasn't we found this out, we contacted gmc. They said there was nothing that could be done about it. When this accident took place the vehicle had less than 100,000 miles. They would not even acknowledge that there was a recall. I wanted to contact the NHTSA to notify them of the condition of the transmission and speak to representitive. Thank you. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2000
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving hot water heater blew up inside of the cab, causing the cab to fill up with steam, and making it impossible to see out of windows. Mechanic said heater was corroded. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Feb 2000
“Basically what happened was what is described in the report for the NHTSA campaign number 94v-93000. The truck was in park idling and it surged forward hitting a wall in a parking garage. I have contacted gmc and they have issued me a file # of 99311914, but said that I must contact you in order to go any further with this issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 1999
“Engine oil cooler line hose broken causing oil leakage, due to design flaw, both brake line and cooler line are located together and the friction/chaffing resulted in broken line. Yh”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 1999
“When I took the truck to the dealer to be fixed the dealer made the comment "this is a common problem" with the steering columns. If you can send me a e-mail address I can send photos of the steering column and the cracks in the metal. There was only about 3/4 of an inch of metal holding the steering column together. I hate to think what the results would be if this failure had occured in a emergency situation. Joe gilardi. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Feb 1999
“While driving at 55 mph and applying the brakes, the brakes went straight to floorboard, and the ABS didn't work . Also, engine check light kept coming on. *ak”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 1999
“The consumer has been experiencing problems with automatic transmission. While the consumer was driving on an interstate, vehicle lost power and caught on fire. The consumer barely got out of the vehicle due to trouble with the locks. Consumer put the fire out. Fire department, as well as the police arrived at the scene. The consuemr suffered minor burns. The manufacturer has been contacted. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 1998
“Brake fluid is running out of vehicle while driving or parked. Dealer notified, and will not repair unless cost is paid by the consumer. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
CERTAIN R&B, INC. CENTRAL MULTIPORT FUEL INJECTION (CMFI) FUEL RETURN LINES, MODELS HELP 55163, NAPA BALKAMP 700-3270, AND THE CONNECTION 2560001, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL RETURN LINE HAS A MECHANICAL BLEED VALVE WHICH WAS NOT INSTALLED AT THE PROPER TORQUE.
Remedy: R&B, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AT THE CUSTOMERS REQUEST, EITHER REPLACE THE FUEL LINE OR OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT R&B, INC. AT 215-712-5330.
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).
SIGNIFICANT WEAR CAN DEVELOP ON THE LOW AND REVERSE CLUTCH PREVENTING THE PARK PAWL FROM ENGAGING. THIS CAN PREVENT A "NO PARK" CONDITION TO OCCUR WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, CAUSING UNINTENTIONAL MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT OPERATOR ACTION. (THE "NO PARK" CONDITION WILL NOT OCCUR WHILE THE ENGINE IS OFF.)
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID FOR CONTAMINATION WHICH WILL INDICATE IF THE LOW OR REVERSE CLUTCH IS WORN. IF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID SHOWS CONTAMINATION, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED.
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 1993 GMC Sonoma reliable?
NHTSA has 58 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 GMC Sonoma. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (47% of complaints).
Does the 1993 GMC Sonoma have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. 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.