1998 GMC Sonoma Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 11%of 156 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 GMC Sonoma, 11% of the 156 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,500 miles. 3 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.
“In april 2006, a brake line on my 1998 Gmc Sonoma pickup broke when I applied the brakes at approx 50 MPH. I had to stop rather quickly due to traffic backing up on an interstate highway. When the brake line burst, my brake pedal went to the floor and I had no brakes. Prior to this happening, the brakes were working fine. Fortunately, I was able to swerve into another lane and downshift (std shift) to avoid an accident. My mechanic replaced the broken line (from hydraulic ABS to junction) and also the rear brake pads and rotors. The truck had 107,000 miles on it when this occurred. …”
NHTSA complaint #10180903, filed 2007-01, 107,030 miles“Started off with a sudden failure to accelerate on highway then corrected itself; on and off for a few weeks. Discovered that brake pedal was soft and was failing to return to starting position; replaced master cylinder to eliminate soft pedal but still sticking and not returning to starting position. Cannot find cause.”
NHTSA complaint #10010619, filed 2003-03, 57,000 miles“My 1998 Gmc Sonoma developed a braking problem - pulling hard right. The vehicle (under warranty - 15,000 miles) was taken to the dealership to correct the problem. The front rotors were turned, pads deglazed, wheel bearings repacked, rear drums turned and shoes adjusted to correct the problem. The cost to me was $217. I have never experienced brake problems at such low milage on any vehicle I have ever owned. I am convinced that a defect exists in the braking system that GM is attempting to blame on the consumer.”
NHTSA complaint #720273, filed 2000-03“Had taken vehicle to dealer to check the brakes. The rotors had worn out & were shot. Service manager informed manufacter of problem and was told to replace the rotors, but not the pads. Was charged for the rotors, even though under warranty. Had vehicle checked again & repairs were not done, but the rotors were turned.”
NHTSA complaint #842391, filed 1999-07“Abs brake problems: whny applying brakes during an emergency on wet pavement/icy or snowy roads, brakes locked up, causing extended stopping distance. This condition could cause a crash. Dealer could not duplicate this problem, and problem has not been corrected.”
NHTSA complaint #856827, filed 2000-02Related recalls
- 97V218000Nov 24, 1997Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. A fatigue fracture of the rear axle right-hand brake pipe can occur…Covers: GMC Sonoma 1998, Chevrolet S10 1998, Blazer 1998 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 7 | 18% |
| 2002 | 16 | 28% |
| 2001 | 17 | 19% |
| 2000 | 35 | 26% |
| 1999 | 9 | 16% |
| 1998 | 17 | 11% |
| 1997 | 36 | 32% |
| 1996 | 52 | 35% |
| 1995 | 84 | 39% |
| 1994 | 136 | 61% |
| 1993 | 32 | 55% |
| 1992 | 15 | 60% |
| 1991 | 14 | 48% |
Other parts of the 1998 GMC Sonoma
55 complaintsSeats
29 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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