2002 GMC Sonoma Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 7%of 57 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 24,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 GMC Sonoma, 7% of the 57 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,000 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.
“- the contact was driving on the freeway at approximately 65 MPH when his clutch failed on his 2002 Gmc Sonoma. The road conditions were wet. The clutch stopped engaging, the engine was revving but none of the gears would engage. The contact had the vehicle towed to his home. The tow driver said he could smell the clutch burning. The contact checked the clutch fluid the next morning and 3/4 of it was missing. The contact had the vehicle towed to a clutch repair shop. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was shown the flyheel that melted. …”
NHTSA complaint #10177862, filed 2007-01, 30,000 miles“The transfer case leaked, which caused the actuator to short and leaked oil internally. Oil was seen in the lighter, ash tray and on the passenger side floor.”
NHTSA complaint #10015648, filed 2003-04Related service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10143757Jul 9, 2018This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician thatLight Duty Trucks equipped with automatic transmissions and 4 wheel drive may exhibit a condition of…
- 10096073Feb 17, 2016This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a…
- 10114916Oct 21, 2015This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 5 | 13% |
| 2002 | 4 | 7% |
| 2001 | 10 | 11% |
| 2000 | 8 | 6% |
| 1999 | 8 | 14% |
| 1998 | 11 | 7% |
| 1997 | 9 | 8% |
| 1996 | 16 | 11% |
| 1995 | 7 | 3% |
| 1994 | 10 | 4% |
| 1993 | 7 | 12% |
| 1992 | 3 | 12% |
| 1991 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2002 GMC Sonoma
16 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 GMC Sonoma
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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