1998 GMC Sonoma
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1991 | 29 |
| 1992 | 25 |
| 1993 | 58 |
| 1994 | 224 |
| 1995 | 213 |
| 1996 | 148 |
| 1997 | 111 |
| 1998 | 156 |
| 1999 | 57 |
| 2000 | 136 |
| 2001 | 89 |
| 2002 | 57 |
| 2003 | 39 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
15% of complaints: visibility — 23 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: visibility — 20 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: seats — 19 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER WAS PULLING VEHICLE INTO GARAGE ,WENT TO APPLY BRAKES,VEHICLE DID NOT STOP, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND RESULTING IN A CRASH. PUSHED PEDAL TO FLOOR , NO RESPONSE. DEALER CLAIMS NO DEFECT IN VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19980603
7% of complaints: seats — 11 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES. AN ENGINE ELECTRICAL WIRING-HARNESS CLIP CAN MELT AND DRIP ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
Remedy: DEALERS ARE CONTACTING OWNERS BY TELEPHONE TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLES TOWED TO THE DEALER AND ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED TO THEM UNTIL THE DEALER CAN REROUTE THE ELECTRICAL WIRING-HARNESS.
Campaign 97V208001 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. A FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE REAR AXLE RIGHT-HAND BRAKE PIPE CAN OCCUR CAUSING A SLOW BRAKE FLUID LEAK RESULTING IN A
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE.
Campaign 97V218000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED WIRING HARNESS THAT CHANGES THE DRL'S FROM HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM DRL'S, AND INSTALL NEW LONG-LIFE LOW BEAM BULBS.
Campaign 00V220000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNI
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 GMC Sonoma — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V208001 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V218000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V220000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 GMC Sonoma reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 GMC Sonoma is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 GMC Sonoma?
The most-reported component is visibility:windshield wiper/washer, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 GMC Sonoma have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.