2001 GMC Sonoma Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 4%of 89 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,600miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 GMC Sonoma, 4% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,600 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.
“On 9/27/2006 around 8:45 pm (dark) just north of payson, az on az hwy 260, I stopped for an accident blocking a narrow part of the road and turned on the hazard flashers on my 2001 Gmc Sonoma. After a short period of time (2-3 min.) the hazard lights just quit flashing. I also lost my turn signals and brake lights. I visited a dealer in show low, az who diagnosed the problem & gave est. Of $400-$500 but could not repair (part not in stock). …”
NHTSA complaint #10169942, filed 2006-10, 100,600 miles“While driving passenger's side headlight fixture sheared off. This caused poor visibility for the driver. Consumer drove vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic advised consumer that the warranty expired, and consumer had to pay for the part.”
NHTSA complaint #10092859, filed 2004-09“Nearly been involved in numerous intersection accidents. Driving lights stay on all the time, except when turn signal enabled. The flash makes it appear to other drivers as if I were signaling them to take the right of way.”
NHTSA complaint #742881, filed 2001-03“To date, there have been only near incidents & near crashes, with no injuries. The problem on these vehicles, as well as the chevrolet copycats, is that when the turn signal is applied during the day, the headlights shut off until the turn signal is shut off itself. This creates a grave safety hazard that inadvertently signals other drivers around you when you are making a turn. I have brought this to the attention of the service dept. Of the dealership the vehicle was purchased from, on several occasions, only to be told each time that it is normal for the vehicle make. …”
NHTSA complaint #10080422, filed 2004-07Related service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10116890Feb 12, 2016This informational bulletin provides an out line on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage and what should be considered warranty replacement and not
- 10116874Feb 8, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on exterior lamp condinsation and replacement guidelines
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 GMC Sonoma
26 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsEngine
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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