1996 GMC Sonoma Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 13%of 148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 GMC Sonoma, 13% of the 148 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My timing tensioner keeps wearing out after about 15,000 miles, it started when I bought my truck in 96 around 25,000 miles I notice a ticking sound coming from the engine,I took the truck is to the service dept. They told me I was using the wrong oil filter,ha ha. They did something to the truck but the ticking stop until 36,000 miles and then my warranty was gone. I have replaced the timing chain tensioner 7 times since I bought the truck. …”
NHTSA complaint #10054782, filed 2004-01, 89,000 miles“Noticed smell for long time. Started to try and fix 7 months ago, 11/17. Filling leaking coolant, noticing fluxuations in engine temp. Changed thermostat. Received notification letter(specifically stating not recall campaign) from Gmc postmarked 5/30/00 of this problem. Dealer conflict on fixing this for me. Concerned about combustion and my family's safety.”
NHTSA complaint #723803, filed 2000-06“My engine has been surging, slow start, rattling, rough idle, hard shifting, and I have had the trasmission replaced 3 times. My dealer told me after an inspection that there was nothing wrong, but it was under warranty at the time. Go figure! I have proof of the new trasmissions. Now the compressor is cracked, and it will not hold coolant, and I can hardly get the truck going after sitting all night. These repairs are costing alot of money, and I am still paying for this truck. It is not worth the cost of repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10072453, filed 2004-05“When driving at 50 MPH and applying the brakes, brakes went straight to the floorboard. Also, pulley came off, causing the consumer to pull over. Vehicle accelerated, and the consumer had to pull over and shut the igintion switch off.”
NHTSA complaint #835619, filed 1999-03“While driving noticed smoke coming from vehicle., and vehicle caught on fire. Vehicled checked by dealer, who determined that coolant was leaking from cylinder onto head gasket.”
NHTSA complaint #8015898, filed 2002-08Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10139019May 3, 2013This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 3% |
| 2002 | 4 | 7% |
| 2001 | 7 | 8% |
| 2000 | 6 | 4% |
| 1999 | 4 | 7% |
| 1998 | 11 | 7% |
| 1997 | 8 | 7% |
| 1996 | 19 | 13% |
| 1995 | 26 | 12% |
| 1994 | 12 | 5% |
| 1993 | 7 | 12% |
| 1992 | 2 | 8% |
| 1991 | 4 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Sonoma
52 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 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 27, 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