1998 GMC Sonoma Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 19%of 156 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the seats of the 1998 GMC Sonoma, 19% of the 156 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The handles that recline both the driver and passenger seats broke off with very little force. My passenger seat is always slightly reclined now and my driver's seat is straight up and down. The dealership refuses to replace them because there is not a recall and according to them its normal wear and tear. My warranty is up but I feel this goes beyond warranty and is a defect from the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #10013577, filed 2003-03, 63,500 miles“On our 1998 Gmc Sonoma we have replaced the windshield wiper motor and board. The wipers still have a ghost in them and delay does not work most of the time and high speed when on low speed, erratic behavior on wipers. Won't turn on or off on occasion. Was there a recall on also on the passenger seat? The lever broke right off the first time we used it. Cheaply built handles. Please send me a list of recalls on this vehicle please for our own safety as this vehicle is driven daily on open highways.”
NHTSA complaint #10163903, filed 2006-07, 116,000 miles“Passenger seat does not lock into place. Passengers seat slide forward and backward , and air bag light stayed on , left turn signal light and brake don't come on.”
NHTSA complaint #10514690, filed 2013-06, 178,000 miles“The driver's seat recliner handle broke off inside the joint; had to drive in a very uncomfortable position until it was replaced! Very expensive to replace; $300.00 at the dealership. The metal seemed to be soft and fairly easy to break; I do not change the seat position often. 8jb”
NHTSA complaint #10039132, filed 2003-09, 67,000 miles“Passenger seat does not lock into place. Passengers slide forward and backward with almost every press of the gas and brake. Along with the broken recliner lever(both sides) which has left the seat in a semi-reclined position, my passengers are in for a not so pleasant ride.”
NHTSA complaint #10013582, filed 2003-03, 30,000 milesSeats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 3 | 8% |
| 2002 | 1 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 6% |
| 2000 | 11 | 8% |
| 1999 | 8 | 14% |
| 1998 | 29 | 19% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 6 | 4% |
| 1995 | 6 | 3% |
| 1994 | 1 | 0% |
| 1993 | 3 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1998 GMC Sonoma
55 complaintsBrakes
17 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 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