1999 GMC Sonoma: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 57 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (13% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“During a panic stop the brake system light came on and the brakes felt soft but still worked. During the drive the brakes became very weak. When I checked the brake fluid it was empty. I refilled it and started checking for leaks. I found that both the front and rear brake lines we fractured because of the pressure during the panic stop causing the rusted lines to burst. This seems to be a known ( but not reported) problem for this truck in the northern area..”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 gmc sonoma. While driving 72 mph on the highway, the vehicle lost all power and the power steering failed. After the vehicle stalled, all the lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 gmc sonoma. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated while driving over unleveled land. The contact was unable to determine the origin of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“While stepping off of tailgate, both cables snapped and the tailgate fell off of pickup. No broken bones, but bumps and scrapes. Cables are sealed, except for the ends, where water must have gotten into them and corroded the cable from the inside. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2009
“Not sure if belt broke first or fan blade the blade broke off and flew inside of truck causing damage to parts under the hood it was 1000.00 to fix all the parts broken by this. I have all the old parts. The belt was ok but something caused the blade to brake off and there are noticeable cracks in the blade around the nut. Because of this failure I had to replace a lot of components under the hood. *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated the steel tailgate support cables fractured upon opening the tailgate without warning. Although the problem persisted, the vehicle was not seen by a dealer. There is a NHTSA recall, # 04v129000, regarding the tailgate hinge and attachments. The VIN was not included in the recall. Updated 05/31/06. *tt”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated when the tailgate was opened the hinges broke. The tailgate came to rest on the bumper of the vehicle. The vehicle has not been inspected. There is a NHTSA recall, # 06v066000, regarding the tailgate: hinge and attachments. The vehicle has the same problem as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the model and year. The manufacturer has been contacted. The contact wrote to gmc inquiring why they were only recalling 1999-2000 models. What about other models of gmc trucks that have the same problem like the 19999-2000 sonoma's. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated the passenger side cable broke while attempting to open the tailgate. There is a NHTSA recall, # 06v066000, regarding the tailgate: hinge and attachments. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. No repairs have been made. Updated 03/28/06. *jb”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2006
“Dt: while the vehicle owner was driving the rear view mirror fell off the windshield. The mirror has not yet been repaired. The owner has filed a complaint with gm 7344810803 is file number given for this report. *jb the technician claimed that the failure was due to the heat. *nm”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2005
“1999 gmc sonoma experienced problems with transmission, cd player, tires and heating coil.*mr consumer concerned that dealer did not tell them that there was a recall on this vehicle. The transmission was replaced, exchanged rebuilt torque converter with trances filler 12 month or 12,000 mile warranty. *bf *nm”Owner report · Equipment · Feb 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
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 1999 GMC Sonoma reliable?
NHTSA has 57 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1999 GMC Sonoma. The most complained-about area is structure (13% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 GMC Sonoma problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 57,000 miles or less.
Does the 1999 GMC Sonoma have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:pressure relief devices. 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.