1991 GMC Sonoma Problems
- Complaints
- 29filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 90,243miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 2.8L 6-cyl RWD · 17 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1991 GMC Sonoma (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 29 consumer complaints for the 1991 GMC Sonoma. The part named most often is brakes, with 14 complaints (48% of the total), followed by engine cooling (4) and electrical system (3). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 90,243 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes14 48%
- Engine cooling4 14%
- Electrical system3 10%
- Steering2 6.9%
- Body and structure2 6.9%
- Equipment1 3.5%
- Exterior lighting1 3.5%
- Seat belts1 3.5%
Also reported: Suspension (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Consumer had to replace the rear brake shoes and tail pipe. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for exhaust repair. The dealer suggested that eh consumer take the vehicle to the muffler shop for a header pipe patch. The consumer is interested in knowing if a header pipe patch is illegal with the present vehicle emissions standard.”
NHTSA complaint #10026731, filed 2003-07Engine cooling: “Problem with exhaust pipe on muffler. The consumer was referred to a muffler shop to have a patch put on the front header pipe and was not given any option to have it fixed correctly”
NHTSA complaint #10044094, filed 2003-10, 95,486 milesElectrical system: “While driving in snow electrical system would shut down. Consumer looked under hood, and notice clutch fan was seating on frame, and a hole was in radiator. Took vehicle to a technician, and was informed clutch fan needed replacement. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8003201, filed 2002-01Steering: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10231232, filed 2008-06Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 85,000 and 95,486 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1991 GMC Sonoma version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonoma 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 25 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Sonoma 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Sonoma 2WD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Sonoma 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Sonoma 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Sonoma 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Sonoma 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 99V193000Jul 19, 1999Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipCovers: GMC Sonoma 1991–1996, Chevrolet Blazer 1991–1996, GMC Jimmy 1991–1996 +1 more
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…
Recall details for the 1991 GMC Sonoma → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1991 GMC Sonoma.
Other model years of the GMC Sonoma
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 39 | 39,120 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 57 | 49,300 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 89 | 51,874 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 136 | 56,400 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 57 | 57,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 156 | 67,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 111 | 66,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 148 | 94,326 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 213 | 98,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 224 | 109,500 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 58 | — | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 25 | 30,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 29 | 90,243 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All GMC Sonoma model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1991 GMC Sonoma have?
NHTSA recorded 29 consumer complaints for the 1991 GMC Sonoma as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1991 GMC Sonoma is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 14 complaints (48% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 4.
Has the 1991 GMC Sonoma been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1991 GMC Sonoma get?
The EPA rates the 1991 GMC Sonoma (Sonoma 2WD, 2.8L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1991 GMC Sonoma reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 90,243 miles and the middle half falls between 85,000 and 95,486 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.