1996 GMC Sonoma Recalls
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 1996 GMC Sonoma. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipCovers: GMC Sonoma 1991–1996, Chevrolet Blazer 1991–1996, GMC Jimmy 1991–1996 +1 more
Reported issue: 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 whether the vehicle is in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive can malfunction causing increased stopping distances during abs stops while in the two-wheel drive mode.
Possible consequence: If this occurred at a time when minimum stopping distance was required, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning.
Remedy: Dealers will replace or repair the 4-wheel/2-wheel drive switch.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washerCovers: GMC Sonoma 1995–1996, Chevrolet Suburban 1994–1996, GMC Suburban 1994–1996 +7 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
Possible consequence: This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: GMC Sonoma 1996–1997, Chevrolet S10 1996–1997
Reported issue: Vehicle 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 causing the brake line to wear to the point of brake fluid loss during brake application.
Possible consequence: Brake fluid loss can reduce braking effectiveness and increase stopping distances resulting in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the clearance between the oil pan and the brake line. If the clearance is 6mm or less, dealers will install an additional brake line clip and if there was contact between the oil pan and brake line, the front brake line will be replaced.
- Seat beltsCovers: GMC Sonoma 1994–1997, Chevrolet S10 1994–1997, Blazer 1996–1997 +1 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: extended cab pickup trucks equipped with 60/40 front bench seats and extended cab pickup trucks and 2-door utility vehicles equipped with manual locking recliner bucket seats. The outboard safety belt webbing on the driver's and/or passenger's seat can separate during a frontal impact.
Possible consequence: If a separation occurred and there were secondary crash events or vehicle rollover, there would be no belt restraint of the occupant and increased injuries could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover over the recliner mechanism.
- Visibility › WindshieldCovers: GMC Sonoma 1996, Chevrolet S10 1996
Reported issue: The top coat paint severely peels due to overbaking of the powder primer prior to the top coat application. Since the windshield primer and adhesive adhere to the top coat paint onthe windshield opening flange, the windshield does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, "windshield mounting."
Possible consequence: In the event of a vehicle crash, the windshield may not stay in place as required by fmvss no. 212.
Remedy: All vehicles have been repurchased. This campaign is 100%.
- Power train › Manual transmissionCovers: GMC Sonoma 1996, Chevrolet S10 1996, GMC S15 1996
Reported issue: Some of these trucks were built with transmissions containing parts which were not machined to gm's specifications.
Possible consequence: These transmissions could seize and lock the rear drive wheels while the truck is being driven causing a loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission main shaft output torque using a special tool. If the output torque does not meet specifications, the transmission will be replaced.
← All problems reported for the 1996 GMC Sonoma
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.