1996 GMC Sonoma Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 11%of 148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 126,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 GMC Sonoma, 11% of the 148 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 126,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is 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“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“Transmission fails/locks/stalls due to spring that engages torque converter does not have enought tolerance for this transmission. Transmission shop repaired 4 transmissions with identical defect in the small town of lafayette just this past week. This defect must be quite widespread!”
NHTSA complaint #732811, filed 2000-09“Consumer notice while shifting vehicle into reverse vehicle was not gaining any power. Vehicle was service technician notice that transmission was over heat. Please provide further information. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8022483, filed 2002-11“While in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gears the vehicle will not decelerate and would accelerate which may cause an accident. Dealer had to replaced a component. Problem is reoccur . Service manager at dealer ship belives that the axle is to high. .et.”
NHTSA complaint #833038, filed 1999-01Related recalls
- 96V035000Feb 22, 1996Some of these trucks were built with transmissions containing parts which were not machined to gm's specifications.Covers: GMC Sonoma 1996, Chevrolet S10 1996, GMC S15 1996
Related service bulletins
- 10013572Apr 21, 20054wd models with noise, vibration on dry pavement.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 5 | 13% |
| 2002 | 4 | 7% |
| 2001 | 10 | 11% |
| 2000 | 8 | 6% |
| 1999 | 8 | 14% |
| 1998 | 11 | 7% |
| 1997 | 9 | 8% |
| 1996 | 16 | 11% |
| 1995 | 7 | 3% |
| 1994 | 10 | 4% |
| 1993 | 7 | 12% |
| 1992 | 3 | 12% |
| 1991 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Sonoma
52 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaintsEngine cooling
19 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