1996 GMC Sonoma Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%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 6 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 GMC Sonoma, 4% 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.
“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“A dealership diagnosed that right/ front upper ball joint has failed and must be replaced. Also, dealership informed consumer that this vehicle was not affected by any recall. Consumer must cover all expenses for replacement of the ball joints. Please provide any additional information / documentation.”
NHTSA complaint #8000971, filed 2001-12Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 5% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 8 | 6% |
| 1999 | 2 | 4% |
| 1998 | 7 | 4% |
| 1997 | 3 | 3% |
| 1996 | 6 | 4% |
| 1994 | 7 | 3% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1992 | 1 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Sonoma
52 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSeats
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