1998 GMC Sonoma Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 7%of 156 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 GMC Sonoma, 7% of the 156 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,000 miles.
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.
“While driving, the consumer heard a winding noise coming from the front of the vehicle. While shifting the transmission hesitated, then down shifted on its own. The consumer drove it to a transmission shop. The mechanic informed the driver that the transmission needed to be replaced. Please fill in additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10097310, filed 2004-10“Transmission is slipping out of gear and drops into neutral for 1-2 seconds, and then goes back into gear, causing a revving in engine. Consumer contacted dealer in july 2000, but could not determine cause. Currently, consumer is having problems with transmission sticking in gear. Same dealer claims transmission needs to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #890519, filed 2001-06“Tansmission problem...whinning, not able to shift into gear/ transmission replaced twice/pilot bearing bushing replaced/crank shaft replaced twice/ now refuses to perform maintenance on truck. Have pregnant daughter driving vehicle cannot shift again. This is the seventh time I have taken in for said repairs. Worried about safety of pregnant daughter.”
NHTSA complaint #731382, filed 2000-09“Automatic transmission failed, shutting down completely with no power. Dealership stated that a pump for transmission wasn't functioning, transmission burned up internally. Please describe details.”
NHTSA complaint #8018665, filed 2002-09“Transmission was noisy at any speed, dealer determined a bearing needed to be replaced in transmission. Mileage at repair was 30000. At this time bearing neeed to be replaced again.”
NHTSA complaint #8011776, filed 2002-06Related service bulletins
- 10096073Feb 17, 2016This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a…
- 10114916Oct 21, 2015This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a…
- 10013572Apr 21, 20054wd models with noise, vibration on dry pavement.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 5 | 13% |
| 2002 | 4 | 7% |
| 2001 | 10 | 11% |
| 2000 | 8 | 6% |
| 1999 | 8 | 14% |
| 1998 | 11 | 7% |
| 1997 | 9 | 8% |
| 1996 | 16 | 11% |
| 1995 | 7 | 3% |
| 1994 | 10 | 4% |
| 1993 | 7 | 12% |
| 1992 | 3 | 12% |
| 1991 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1998 GMC Sonoma
55 complaintsSeats
29 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsEngine cooling
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 30, 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