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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

1994 GMC Sonoma Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
10about this part
Share
4%of 224 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1994 GMC Sonoma, 4% of the 224 complaints for this model year.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“We are currently having a pressure build-up in the transmission causing the fluid to push throught the dip-stick cap. We are in the process of getting the transmission re-built and are wanting to know if this is a common problem with this make and model or if there is possible a hidden warranty we should find out about.”

NHTSA complaint #725961, filed 2000-07

“Half the time this transmission will not, will not go into reverse ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! I had GM look at it tell it finally went out of warranty. I think GM stopped using this t-5 after '94'. Figures. Well, thanks for listening and that takes care of that ! !”

NHTSA complaint #709086, filed 1999-07

“Cosidering my long experience with the GM product line I am disappointed with the early failures of these components. I specificly contacted GM about the transmission failure received very little support or satisfaction from them.”

NHTSA complaint #703566, filed 1999-02

“Abs brakes; brakes fail intermittently on one occasion brakes locked.tt consumer states on four occasions he would hit the brakes hards and the right frot tire locked up, on dry pavement, consumer also states transmission seems to be slipping going forn 1st gear to 2nd when the vehicle is warming up.”

NHTSA complaint #974498, filed 1995-11

“When raining the ABS brakes lock up and will not stop the truck. Tt consumer states that after the truck sits in rain overnight or for a couple of hours, the ABS will lock, problem occurs with little pressure applied and clears up after first couple miles of the trip, dealer has made several attempts to correct problem, however has been unsuccessful. Alternator was replaced. There is a noise in the throw out bearing.”

NHTSA complaint #972952, filed 1995-10

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2003513%
200247%
20011011%
200086%
1999814%
1998117%
199798%
19961611%
199573%
1994104%
1993712%
1992312%
199127%

Other parts of the 1994 GMC Sonoma

Brakes
136 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
53 complaints
Engine cooling
12 complaints
Vehicle speed control
12 complaints
Electrical system
8 complaints
Fuel system
7 complaints
Suspension
7 complaints
Exterior lighting
4 complaints
Equipment
3 complaints
Seat belts
2 complaints
Steering
2 complaints
Tires
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1994 GMC Sonoma

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology