2000 GMC Sonoma Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often write about the tailgate support cables snapping on small pickups, usually after the cable has rusted through under its plastic covering, and about anti-lock brake problems in which the ABS light comes on and the system stops working. Complaints for both tend to appear between roughly 30,000 and 90,000 miles and are frequently tied to older trucks, rust and normal wear rather than to a single usage pattern.

1. 1
   Body and structure

   Tailgate support cables break (rust inside sheath)

   • 41 complaints (30%)
   • median 58,200 mi at 5.6 yrs old (30 state mileage)
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2004–2007

   Complaints describe one or both tailgate support cables breaking, often suddenly, while someone is sitting, standing or unloading onto the tailgate. In many reports the cable looked intact outside but the plastic covering had chafed where the cable bends, letting water in and the inner wire rust through. Owners describe the gate dropping onto the rear bumper, denting the gate and causing falls, and several note the dealer declined repair because the truck was not covered by the recall that applied to larger trucks. Reported from about 28,000 to 90,000 miles, most commonly in the 30,000-75,000 mile range on trucks several years old.

   10 related service bulletins

   What to check: Open the tailgate and inspect both cables where they flex near the hinge, sliding back the plastic sleeve to look for rust or fraying. Ask whether either cable has been replaced, since a service bulletin describes cable slack in these trucks.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “While cleaning the bed of my 2000 Sonoma out the left side tailgate strap failed midway on the cable. Upon inspection of the right hand side I found apparent corrosion in the same location and the potential for failure. If both had failed it could have caused injury, or damage or loss of the tailgate. Appears this is similar to failures and recalls of larger GM pickups recently.”

   NHTSA complaint #10139543, filed 2005-10, 28,500 miles

   “I was sitting with my son on the tailgate of my Gmc Sonoma and both tailgate cables broke causing us to fall to the ground. I bruised my back but did not seek medical attention. After several calls to Gmc, I was told that there was a recall but they have never contacted me since the date of the incident.”

   NHTSA complaint #10100919, filed 2004-12, 75,000 miles
2. 2
   Brakes

   ABS light on and anti-lock system stops working

   • 19 complaints (14%)
   • median 45,500 mi at 7.5 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
   • 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2000–2013

   Owners describe the ABS warning light coming on intermittently or staying on, sometimes with the pump running while the system no longer functions. Complaints mention low-speed activation, a pedal that felt different or went toward the floor, and shop diagnoses pointing to the electronic brake control module, a grounding fault or a failed pump motor. Several note quoted repair costs of several hundred dollars or more, and some report the dealer suggesting they live with the light on. Mostly reported above 40,000 miles, with many between roughly 60,000 and 90,000 miles.

   Recall 00V055000Recall 99V220000

   What to check: Switch on the ignition and confirm the ABS light goes out after the self-test, then test braking on a wet, empty surface. Ask for any record of ABS module, wheel hub or brake line work, and whether the ABS recalls were completed for this vehicle.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “On 19 june 2013 I applied the brakes on a damp/wet road. Before coming to a complete stop I experienced a sort of hopping of the front end while going over a rough section of roadway. This sensation has occurred numerous times before and I was told it had something to do with the anti-locking brake system but nothing specific.”

   NHTSA complaint #10521311, filed 2013-06, 28,000 miles

   “Abs & emergency dash lights will turn on/off intermittenly; no pattern as to when/how often. Had GM dealer check it. My ebcm had a short, if lights were on, had no ABS, just hydraulic if lights were off. I have ABS. Cost of new module is $1100.00; plus labor!! Dealer suggested I live with it for cost of repair! I agreed, but worried that GM probably were ignoring lights & thinking they had good ABS!!”

   NHTSA complaint #10187402, filed 2007-04, 45,500 miles
3. 3
   Latches, locks and linkages

   Third door handle breaks, door hard to open

   • 7 complaints (5%)
   • median 30,000 mi at 4.9 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2004–2007

   Owners of the extended-cab version describe the third door handle breaking repeatedly, sometimes once a year, leaving the door stuck shut because it is the only handle for that door. Complaints mention replacements under warranty followed by breakage again once the warranty ended, difficulty opening the door even before it broke, and owners worrying about getting passengers out of the rear seat. Reported on low-mileage trucks, with several under about 30,000 miles and one within a month of purchase.

   What to check: Open and close the third door several times and check the handle for play or a loose feel. Ask whether the handle assembly has been replaced and keep in mind it is the only release for that door.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “2000 Gmc Sonoma, third door and handle. Since I purchased the vehicle (used) and warranty expired I've noticed that the third door has always been difficult to open, not being familiar with it I assumed it was normal until the handle broke and you could not open the door since there is only one handle for it. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10075109, filed 2004-06, 45,100 miles

   “We own a 2000 Gmc Sonoma and the 3rd door handle breaks about 1 a year. It has been repaired by GM under warranty 3 times but the vehicle is now out of warranty and the handle has broke again. Since this vehicle has a seat for children in the rear and we use it for that, I am concerned the handle will break in an emergency situation and we will have difficulty removing the child from the rear. I have spoken with other Sonoma owners and service personnel at GM dealerships and all agree this is part that always breaks. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10091071, filed 2004-09, 12,000 miles

Buying note. On a truck of this age, condition matters more than the model's reputation: check the tailgate cables, brake lines and ABS operation closely, and ask for service records covering those items. A rusty frame or brake system on a neglected example is a bigger concern than the common small failures listed here.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.