1996 GMC Sonoma Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 52about this part
- Share
- 35%of 148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,651miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 52 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 GMC Sonoma, 35% of the 148 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,651 miles. 16 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We have had numerous problems with this vehicle sine one month after purchase including the idle sticking/interior moulding cracking/transmission rebuilt/computer replaced due to failure engine check light indicator light does not turn off, and right side brake does not seem to wear properly.. My husband is able to recall more.”
NHTSA complaint #716153, filed 1999-12“The contact stated while driving 40 MPH under normal braking on wet roads, the ABS lights illuminated and the vehicle had an extended stopping distance. The dealer examined the vehicle and determined the three sensors had to be replaced, but were not certain that the replacement would correct the problem. The vehicle was currently at the dealer for further repairs. The contact encountered NHTSA recall # 99i006000 regarding the service brakes, hydraulic: antilock.”
NHTSA complaint #10173684, filed 2006-11, 98,651 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Gmc Sonoma. While applying the brakes at 55 MPH, the brake pedal extended all the way to the floor. The emergency brake was applied to stop the vehicle. The contact was a mechanic and he replaced the front brake line for the passenger side wheel. The failure was corrected temporarily. However, twenty miles later, the failure recurred while driving 30 MPH. The brake line for the front driver side was replaced. The road conditions were normal during both failures. …”
NHTSA complaint #10197545, filed 2007-07, 104,980 miles“In snowey or rainey weather, antilock brakes pulsate irradically at various speeds (including 5 MPH) when brakes are applied, even when no skid or hard breaking is occuring. Braking when this occurs, which is intermittently, is poor and uneven. Dealer and GM corp. Contacted, but all say no recalls have been initiated. This is a dangerous condition, and an accident (law suit) waiting to happen.”
NHTSA complaint #745256, filed 2001-05“Driving down the highway and the car in front of the truck made a sudden stop, applied pressure to the brake pedal and the truck didn't slow down. Had to press harder on the brake pedal, and the pedal was hard and went to the floor. Took truck to the dealer, and was told that the ABS motor had failed. The dealer replaced the motor.”
NHTSA complaint #827748, filed 1998-09Related recalls
- 99V193000Jul 19, 1999Vehicle description: certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with abs (antilock braking system) manufactured from september…Covers: GMC Sonoma 1991–1996, Chevrolet Blazer 1991–1996, GMC Jimmy 1991–1996 +1 more
- 97V146001Sep 11, 1997Vehicle description: light duty passenger pickup trucks equipped with 4.3l engines. The front brake line can contact the left-hand side of the engine oil pan…Covers: GMC Sonoma 1996–1997, Chevrolet S10 1996–1997
Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 7 | 18% |
| 2002 | 16 | 28% |
| 2001 | 17 | 19% |
| 2000 | 35 | 26% |
| 1999 | 9 | 16% |
| 1998 | 17 | 11% |
| 1997 | 36 | 32% |
| 1996 | 52 | 35% |
| 1995 | 84 | 39% |
| 1994 | 136 | 61% |
| 1993 | 32 | 55% |
| 1992 | 15 | 60% |
| 1991 | 14 | 48% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Sonoma
31 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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