2001 GMC Sonoma Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“I was driving my husbands 2001 Gmc Sonoma from ohio back to florida when the driveshaft snapped and punctured a hole in the fuel tank and muffler. This event LED to us having to replace the rear driveshaft, fuel tank, and he repaired the muffler. We researched Gmc driveshaft failures on line and discovered that there were many complaints about the driveshaft breaking.”

“My truck radiator started to smell as if it had a leak. I took it to a radiator shop. This shop happens to be very close to the GM plant in dayton, ohio. The man took one look at the truck. He explained to me that all the radiators for this truck from the 2001 years were sent to him prior to installing. He said they had been left outside for a period of time and all of them had to be cleaned out because of heavy rust. He stated mine must of been missed. The rust in the radiator was so thick it was like mud! …”

“Purchased truck in 2006. Mileage at 48,000. Trouble starting, fuel pump replaced. Oil cooling lines replaced. Subsequently, automatic transmission slips from 2 wd to 4 wd for no apparent reason. I have noticed that this problem occurs when accelerator is not depressed, and wheels are turned, to turn a corner or to turn into/out of a driveway. Usually there is a depression in path as well, I.e. Curb/dip at driveway entrance, pothole, etc. Engine is not always cold; sometimes shifts at end of trip, sometimes at beginning, no adverse weather conditions.”

“There had been a whining(like the old radial tires used to make) noise for about a week and I just figured it was the tires. It got loud on 8/24 and I stopped and put it in park, as I got out to look under the truck, it started rolling and rolled down into the woods, we have filed a police report and reported to the insurance company. We are trying to make arrangements to get the truck out. The drive shaft was lying where the truck was put in park.,,although the park did not hold. The drive shaft twisted and split,,,exploded by the looks of it. I have pictures of the drive shaft.”

“2001 4wd 4.3 Gmc Sonoma, 53k miles, no known events leading to failure, without warning transmission failure, loss of first gear and reverse, almost caused accident do to unexpected deceleration. I have replaced transfer case (where it was making much noise) but this did not correct problem. By far this truck is not professional grade as their advertising claims!”