1999 GMC Sonoma Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 16%of 57 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 GMC Sonoma, 16% of the 57 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 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.
“During a panic stop the brake system light came on and the brakes felt soft but still worked. During the drive the brakes became very weak. When I checked the brake fluid it was empty. I refilled it and started checking for leaks. I found that both the front and rear brake lines we fractured because of the pressure during the panic stop causing the rusted lines to burst. This seems to be a known ( but not reported) problem for this truck in the northern area..”
NHTSA complaint #11054621, filed 2017-12, 100,000 miles“Rear brake rotors disintegrated after 22,000 miles. Had to be turned and pads replaced. Front rotors replaced at 32,000 miles same condition. Master cylinder failed and needed to be replaced at 32,800 miles. Pedal went to the floor and nearly went in front of a semi. Pedal can be pumped up but gradually goes to floor.”
NHTSA complaint #10016939, filed 2003-05, 32,900 miles“The accident that happened in october wasn't reported because it was a single vehicle accident and the pavement was wet. I figured it was my fault and not the brakes. At the second accident, the pavement was dry and the collision was was a result of the brakes failing. I can only conclude that brakes during the first time were a compelling factor to the accident. I went to the dealership to complain about problems I had been experienceing with the brakes before both accidents. They only told me that there was nothing wrong with the truck.( DOT number: tire size: 235 )”
NHTSA complaint #715677, filed 1999-12“Front brakes locked up while traveling less than 30 MPH and applying 'gentle' brake pressure. Dealership examined vehicle and could not determine a cause. After leaving dealership and driving only a few miles, problem occurred again. Consumer's wife mentioned that this problem occurred to her three months prior to the recent incident in same vehicle. Please provide any additional information/attachments.”
NHTSA complaint #894496, filed 2001-08“Left front brake caliper failed closed and caused excessive wear requiring replacement of calipers and rotors on both sides as ABS system compensated for failure this disguising the problem. Dt”
NHTSA complaint #769846, filed 2002-11Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 7 | 18% |
| 2002 | 16 | 28% |
| 2001 | 17 | 19% |
| 2000 | 35 | 26% |
| 1999 | 9 | 16% |
| 1998 | 17 | 11% |
| 1997 | 36 | 32% |
| 1996 | 52 | 35% |
| 1995 | 84 | 39% |
| 1994 | 136 | 61% |
| 1993 | 32 | 55% |
| 1992 | 15 | 60% |
| 1991 | 14 | 48% |
Other parts of the 1999 GMC Sonoma
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsAir bags
6 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