1998 GMC Sonoma Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 7%of 156 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 101,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 GMC Sonoma, 7% of the 156 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,500 miles. 2 a fire, 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.
“I have not had any wrecks or anything like that, yet. My turn signals don't work properly one of my low been headlights keeps blowing and my taillights don't work. I have changed the bulbs just for them to blow when I test them. And no I do not touch the glass on the headlights. I seen there was a recall on the lighting system and on the wiring system, could this be my problem?”
NHTSA complaint #10283041, filed 2009-09, 179,500 miles“1998 Gmc Sonoma engine needed to be replaced.***no answer required*** a strange sound was coming from the engine. The consumer stated that the vehicle was regularly maintenanced. The consumer requested to compensated for a portion of the damages.”
NHTSA complaint #10134501, filed 2005-08, 46,637 miles“Dt: the caller said the liner of the exhaust pipe broke off and clogged the catalytic converter, causing air flow to be blocked and stalling while driving. It happened at any speed, but mostly when going at low speeds and taking off. She took the vehicle to dealer on july 24, 2005 for inspection, and dealer said there was no recall on this and they did not have the parts. They will have the parts in september. She could drive the vehicle until then. The caller was concerned about driving the vehicle because of stalling. She talked to the manufacturer on july 26, 2005. …”
NHTSA complaint #10132286, filed 2005-08, 101,500 miles“Consumer states during the last sixth months on several occasions the windshield wipers, when activated, work for a few seconds and then stop, causing a visibility problem, consumer has roated the wiper knob to high, turned it off, and slowed it down, neither of which relieve the problem, dealer stated motor needed replaced, however consumer feels that the motor was not the problem, so he is continuing to drive the vehicle as is. Serpentine belt failed and was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #893091, filed 2001-07“Every so often vehicle will cut off and will not start,and the security light continues to come on. This vehicle has been to the shop 4 times, and the problem has not been determined as of yet.”
NHTSA complaint #820227, filed 1998-01Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10139019May 3, 2013This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
- 10012703Feb 1, 2004Diagnostic information for intermittent vehicle no crank dead battery.
- 10011129Jan 1, 2004Service engine soon (ses) light illuminated, diagnostic trouble code p0420 set.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 3% |
| 2002 | 4 | 7% |
| 2001 | 7 | 8% |
| 2000 | 6 | 4% |
| 1999 | 4 | 7% |
| 1998 | 11 | 7% |
| 1997 | 8 | 7% |
| 1996 | 19 | 13% |
| 1995 | 26 | 12% |
| 1994 | 12 | 5% |
| 1993 | 7 | 12% |
| 1992 | 2 | 8% |
| 1991 | 4 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1998 GMC Sonoma
55 complaintsSeats
29 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsAir bags
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 27, 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