1996 GMC Sonoma Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 5%of 148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 GMC Sonoma, 5% of the 148 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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 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 engine has a miss in it sometimes it will quit and you have to wait a half hour for it to start again we have put a new coil, fuel pump, fuel filter, and a module it did not fix it. What can I do to fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #10039329, filed 2003-09“There are numerous, substantial safety hazards to these vehicles which appear to be common knowledge to mechanics but denied by dealerships. The ball joints are apparently common failures according to massachusetts safety inspectors and are deemed to be an extreme safety hazard. They state that dealerships regularly deny any responsibility for this failure. My vehicle is extremely well cared for, not abused in any way, and has experienced defects, which in my opinion demonstrate gross negligence on the part of Gmc's engineering/production. …”
NHTSA complaint #718614, filed 2000-02“Consumer says from day one computer has caused vehicle to stall at will and sometimes to shutdown while driving in traffic. Dealer has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #836592, filed 1999-04“While driving at night experienced intermittent electrical system failure when lights on dash and headlights dimmed for no apparent reason, dlr can't reproduce condition.”
NHTSA complaint #800934, filed 1996-08Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 3% |
| 2002 | 8 | 14% |
| 2001 | 5 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 7% |
| 1998 | 9 | 6% |
| 1997 | 9 | 8% |
| 1996 | 8 | 5% |
| 1995 | 9 | 4% |
| 1994 | 8 | 4% |
| 1993 | 5 | 9% |
| 1992 | 1 | 4% |
| 1991 | 3 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Sonoma
52 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsAir bags
10 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 28, 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