1999 GMC Sonoma Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 11%of 57 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 140,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the air bags of the 1999 GMC Sonoma, 11% of the 57 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 140,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“While driving 65 MPH consumer hit a cow in the road, and the air bags did not deploy. Took vehicle to dealership, where the mechanic had not resolved the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10044857, filed 2003-10, 42,700 miles“The contact owns a 1999 Gmc Sonoma. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated while driving over unleveled land. The contact was unable to determine the origin of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10733308, filed 2015-07, 180,000 miles“The contact owned a 1999 Gmc Sonoma. While driving 5 MPH on a flooded dirt road, the contact crashed into a ditch. After the crash, the vehicle came to a complete stop. The air bag deployment was delayed. The contact sustained a cracked pelvis, broken facial bones, optic nerve damage, and other severe injuries to the face. Medical attention was required. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11057130, filed 2017-12, 140,000 miles“While driving at highway speed vehicle hydroplaned into a tree and neither air bag deployed. Dealer and manufacturer were not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8015797, filed 2002-08“While driving at 10 MPH consumer was hit head-on by another vehicle on driver's side. Upon impact, driver's side and passenger's side air bags didn't deploy. Driver sustaine d lower back injury. Is currently in physical therapy.”
NHTSA complaint #837641, filed 1999-06Air bags: other model years
Other parts of the 1999 GMC Sonoma
9 complaintsSeats
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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