1998 GMC Sonoma Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 6%of 156 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,480miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 GMC Sonoma, 6% of the 156 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,480 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“My windshield wipers on my truck will work for a while and then lock up, today I was driving on the interstate and it was raining and the wipers were working fine and then it began pouring suddenly the wipers stopped about halfway almost causing me to lose control.”
NHTSA complaint #10096063, filed 2004-10, 67,880 miles“Dt: the electric wiring from the main trunk that comes from the firewall and the motor system. Branched off from the main branch to the windshield wipers, who only worked 67% of the time.”
NHTSA complaint #10122125, filed 2005-05, 68,480 miles“Positive battery terminal on AC delco side post 72month battery popped out of battery, resulting in an acid spill. I returned to the dealership that last performed warranty work on the truck to inform them of my concerns. I feel the technician that worked on the vehicle over-tightened the bolt, causing the lead terminal to come loose. Because the GM warranty was expired, AC delco informed me that the 5 year warranty on the battery had also expired(at 3 years), so this wasn't their problem. I feel this is more than just a problem for me, this should be looked at as a problem for everyone. …”
NHTSA complaint #751994, filed 2001-09“Ignition coil has a pronounced white strip by the coil core that is obviously insulation that is decayed and opening up to expose the windings. Factory tells the dealer it is normal. It is obvious to the untrained eye that the windings are just under the surface of the insulation. It is a suspected problem that has caused erratic engine running characteristics.”
NHTSA complaint #728858, filed 2000-08“Recalls # 97v20800 & 97v208001 GM/wiring-harness clip. Owner did not receive recall letter until may 26, 1998. Owner is concerned because vehcle was purchased on jan 13, 1998, and the recall work was not performed at that time.”
NHTSA complaint #823636, filed 1998-06Related recalls
- 97V208001Nov 25, 1997Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose vehicles. An engine electrical wiring-harness clip can melt and drip onto the exhaust manifold.Covers: GMC Sonoma 1998, Chevrolet S10 1998
Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10018585Jan 6, 2006Fuel and temperature gauge inoperative, low fuel and battery light on, prndl inoperative.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 3% |
| 2002 | 8 | 14% |
| 2001 | 5 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 7% |
| 1998 | 9 | 6% |
| 1997 | 9 | 8% |
| 1996 | 8 | 5% |
| 1995 | 9 | 4% |
| 1994 | 8 | 4% |
| 1993 | 5 | 9% |
| 1992 | 1 | 4% |
| 1991 | 3 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1998 GMC Sonoma
55 complaintsSeats
29 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 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 28, 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