1996 GMC Sonoma Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 21%of 148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 GMC Sonoma, 21% of the 148 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“- the contact called concerning a service bulletin regarding windshield wiper washer motor. The bulletin has a product recall. The contact has been told by Gmc that the car was not a part of the recall\ due to the VIN. The contact stated that the windshield wipers work intermittently. The contact stated that the windshield wipers will either stay up in the air, won't work at all, or shut off by themselves. The last incident was on december 26, 2006. The contact stated that the problem with the windshield wipers began in july 2006. …”
NHTSA complaint #10177343, filed 2006-12, 85,000 miles“Consumer stated that while driving and with no warning the windshield wiper worked intermittently. Dealer notified. Ts possible electrical failure caused wipers to fail mostly during rainy weather.”
NHTSA complaint #8021948, filed 2002-10, 50,000 miles“Wipers will just stop working going down the road. The same problem as desrcibed in a Gmc recall on same models. My truck was made the next month after the recall was stopped. I think the recall should have gone on further than it did compared to the number of people having the same exact problem as the recalled trucks.”
NHTSA complaint #753323, filed 2001-10“I need to know what if any recalled defects have been corrected on my vehicle...a local dealer stated that the only thing they know about recalls deals with the windshield wipers.....and nothing else has been sent to them concerning any other recalls dealing with 1996 Gmc Sonoma sls 4 cyl, 5 spd.”
NHTSA complaint #711106, filed 2000-04“My windshield module went out and I was told that Gmc had problems with their modules, I went on line and found out that the recall was stopped the prior year to my vehicle being built. I took it to my mechanic and the told me that even though the recall ended Gmc still had severe problems with later model vehicle with the same wiper module defect. I called Gmc and they could supply no explanation as to why the recall stopped even though the problems continued. Thanks john miller.”
NHTSA complaint #739595, filed 2001-01Related recalls
- 98V150001Jul 1, 1998Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack…Covers: GMC Sonoma 1995–1996, Chevrolet Suburban 1994–1996, GMC Suburban 1994–1996 +7 more
- 97V008001Jan 27, 1997The 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…Covers: GMC Sonoma 1996, Chevrolet S10 1996
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 3 | 8% |
| 2002 | 1 | 2% |
| 2000 | 5 | 4% |
| 1999 | 1 | 2% |
| 1998 | 55 | 35% |
| 1997 | 30 | 27% |
| 1996 | 31 | 21% |
| 1995 | 52 | 24% |
| 1994 | 53 | 24% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Sonoma
52 complaintsEngine cooling
19 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 29, 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