1993 GMC Sonoma Problems
- Complaints
- 58filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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 1993 GMC Sonoma (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems, especially a brake pedal that sinks to the floor or braking that does not stop the vehicle as expected. ABS is named in many of the brake complaints, including wheels locking on wet pavement. Less often, owners report an automatic transmission that can move with the engine running in Park, a condition that a related recall describes.
- Brakes
Brake pedal sinks to the floor
- 10 complaints (17%)
- typically at 5.4 yrs old
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1997–2000
Owners describe pressing the brake pedal and having it travel to the floor, with the vehicle not stopping or stopping later than expected. Some complaints describe this at speeds from roughly 35 to 55 mph, including a slide into a wall. A complaint says brake fluid was leaking and the fluid was gone, with no brake fluid warning light coming on. According to complaints, the dealer could not duplicate or identify the problem in some cases, and in another the braking system was replaced without resolving it. Reported during ordinary and emergency braking, at roughly 35 to 55 mph in the sample text, with no clear mileage pattern.
What to check: Ask whether the brake system has been checked for leaks and whether the fluid level is maintained, and check whether the pedal sinks during a test drive. Ask for records of brake work and whether the problem was diagnosed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When braking on wet pavement, brake pedal goes to pedal stop and vehicle is not stopping. The dealer has put on brake booster, ABS dump valve master cylinder bled and adjusted brakes. Gmc was involved with diagnosis. This was done one year ago truck still does this. I realize recall under way involving 4wd vehicles but not two wheel drive. From what I have read sounds like the same problem. How should I go about getting this resolved? So far about $1800.00 has been put into this problem. I do not know where to go get a resolution to this.”
NHTSA complaint #713457, filed 1999-10“While applying the brakes (ABS), can fell the brake pedal going to the floor. This would cause the vehicle to have an extended stopping distance. It's intermittent problem. Sometimes there is a grinding noise when the brakes are applied. Dealer cannot locate problem.”
NHTSA complaint #819771, filed 1997-11 - Brakes
ABS brakes fail, lock up, or lengthen stops
- 16 complaints (28%)
- typically at 5.0 yrs old
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–1999
Owners describe ABS-equipped trucks where the brakes did not stop the vehicle, the wheels locked on wet pavement, or stopping distances were longer or unpredictable. Some owners say the ABS failed several times even after repairs, and another describes the ABS not working during a stop at highway speed. According to complaints, the dealer could not identify the cause in some reports, and braking system replacement did not stop the problem in another. Reported at varying speeds, including on wet pavement and at about 55 mph, and the sample gives no mileage for these complaints.
What to check: Ask whether the four-wheel-drive ABS switch recall was performed on this truck, since that recall describes longer stopping distances during ABS stops. Test the brakes at low speed on a safe, dry surface, and ask for any documented ABS repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When appyling the ABS brakes the pedal will travel to the floor, causing extended stopping distance which nearly caused a collision. Dealer cannot identify the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #821182, filed 1998-04“When appyling the ABS brakes on wet pavement the front or rear wheels lock up, cause unknown. Dealers cannot identify any problem. Please give any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #822612, filed 1998-04 - Transmission and drivetrain
Automatic transmission problems, including No Park
- 6 complaints (10%)
- typically at 6.5 yrs old
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2003
Owners describe a no-park condition, where the vehicle can move with the engine running even when the shifter is in Park. A complaint describes a truck surging forward while idling in Park and hitting a wall in a parking garage. Another describes automatic transmission trouble with loss of power while driving on a highway, and the vehicle caught fire. A complaint says the owner was unaware of a no-park recall at the time of a crash, and the manufacturer would not acknowledge it. Reported while parked or idling and while driving, and a complaint states the vehicle had less than 100,000 miles when a crash occurred.
What to check: Ask whether the no-park recall was performed on this vehicle, and ask a mechanic to confirm that the park pawl engages properly. Ask for any transmission repair records before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #740335, filed 2001-02“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.”
NHTSA complaint #830138, filed 1998-11
Buying note. Brake complaints dominate this sample, so ask for records of brake repairs and have a mechanic inspect the brake system and ABS before buying. Confirm that the ABS-related and no-park recalls were performed on the specific vehicle.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 33 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 58 consumer complaints for the 1993 GMC Sonoma. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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.
- Brakes32 55%
- Engine cooling7 12%
- Electrical system5 8.6%
- Vehicle speed control4 6.9%
- Seats3 5.2%
- Steering2 3.5%
- Suspension2 3.5%
Also reported: Other or unknown (1), Seat belts (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Dealer failed, GM called but steve, said it was all in my head. Took vehicle to derry brothers in burlinton, iowa , but still having problems, had to pin the brake caliper pins and put set screw to hold them in, replaced water pump 3 times brakes 24 times, calipers 3 times, front rottors 3 times,and rear drums 3 times, electical componets every 6mo to year, now radiator is going go through 4 tires every 4 to 6 mo,and other problems with dealer!!!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #737242, filed 2000-12Engine cooling: “The EGR valve gets full of carbon and, about every 1000 miles, cause the truck to quit and the brakes to stop operating, putting our safety at risk. I bought the truck used from my father-in-law and he did not encounter this problem. I have taken the truck to the same mechanic that he did and he has cleaned out the carbon twice now. But I took it to the original dealer and they found the same problem and said they have found that around the high 90,000 and 100,000 mileage mark, this EGR valve is a problem in this truck engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #725815, filed 2000-07Transmission and drivetrain: “The vehicle experienced the same problem with the transmission as stated in recall#94v09300, however the vehicle identification number was not included.”
NHTSA complaint #10020041, filed 2003-05Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1993 GMC Sonoma. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonoma · coupe | not rated | 3 / 2 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1993 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 | 20 | 25 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Sonoma 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Sonoma 2WD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Sonoma 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Sonoma 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
| Sonoma 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Sonoma 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 16 | $5,150 |
| Sonoma 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Sonoma 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 20 | 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…
- 94V093000May 16, 1994Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: GMC Sonoma 1993, Chevrolet Blazer 1993, GMC Jimmy 1993 +1 more
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…
Recall details for the 1993 GMC Sonoma → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1993 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
What are the most common problems with the 1993 GMC Sonoma?
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems, especially a brake pedal that sinks to the floor or braking that does not stop the vehicle as expected. The issues reported most often: Brake pedal sinks to the floor; ABS brakes fail, lock up, or lengthen stops; Automatic transmission problems, including No Park.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1993 GMC Sonoma have?
NHTSA recorded 58 consumer complaints for the 1993 GMC Sonoma as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1993 GMC Sonoma is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 32 complaints (55% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 7.
Has the 1993 GMC Sonoma been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1993 GMC Sonoma get?
The EPA rates the 1993 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.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.