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1991 GMC SonomaProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 29 owner complaints about the 1991 GMC Sonoma, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

73
CarFlaw IndexOne of the best years63% below the Sonoma median · #12 of 13 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints297 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem14Service brakes, hydraulic

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 2, 2013. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1991 GMC Sonoma has problems

29 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Service brakes, hydraulic143
Engine and engine cooling41
Electrical system32
Steering20
Structure20
Power train20
Tires10
Vehicle speed control10
Equipment10
4 other systems40

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1991 GMC Sonoma recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

Recall 99V-193 · Jul 19, 1999 · 1,125,749 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS OCCURRED AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.

Best & worst years

1991 vs. every other Sonoma year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sonoma median. How we score

'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1991 GMC Sonoma, and the recalls they led to.

  1. ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILSPE94046 · closed Oct 31, 1994
    No recall
In owners' words

What Sonoma owners report

Recent service brakes, hydraulic complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE SHOES AND TAIL PIPE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR EXHAUST REPAIR. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT EH CONSUMER TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE MUFFLER SHOP FOR A HEADER PIPE PATCH. THE CONSUMER IS INTERESTED IN KNOWING IF A HEADER PIPE PATCH IS ILLEGAL…
Complaint 10026731 · Jul 3, 2003
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, AND CAUSING A MINOR COLLISION. *AK
Complaint 844701 · Aug 9, 1999
ABS BRAKE PROBLEMS; SOMETIMES WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR. THIS HAPPENS WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, NO INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. STATED TO CONSUMER THAT THE MANUFACTURER IS LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM. *AK
Complaint 827472 · Sep 1, 1998

Own a 1991 Sonoma?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.