2001 GMC Sonoma

● Typical for this model

2001 GMC Sonoma
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:34:33.909Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2001: 89 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1984	1
1990	1
1991	29
1992	25
1993	58
1994	227
1995	214
1996	148
1997	111
1998	156
1999	57
2000	136
2001	89
2002	57
2003	39
2004	0
2005	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

STRUCTURE 29%

29% of complaints: structure — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hinge and attachments and frame and members.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE LOADING A PUSH MOWER INTO TRUCK BED , CABLES SNAPPED-RUSTED THRU, BLACK VINYL SHIELD HIDE DAMAGE. I SLIPPED OFF TAILGATE AND CUT MY LEG ON SIDE OF TAILGATE WHILE FALLING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20050614

TAILGATE CABLES BROKE ON MY 2001 GMC SONOMA. ONE PERSON WAS SITTING ON TAILGATE, WHEN SECOND PERSON SAT DOWN. BOTH CABLES BROKE AND DUMPED THEM ON THE GROUND. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20050425

SERVICE BRAKES 19%

19% of complaints: service brakes — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

DRIVING IN TOWN ABS LIGHT & BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON, NO ACCIDENT. LOOKING FOR RECALLS, TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS! LIGHTS COME ON EVERY TIME I DRIVE TRUCK, SOMETIMES IMMEDIATELY. *JS

NHTSA ODI report, 20140414

POWER TRAIN 11%

11% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing driveshaft and automatic transmission.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130709

Also filed under ENGINE

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

SEATS 7%

7% of complaints: seats — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20000824 — seat belts

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NO

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DATE CODES AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ANY SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.

Campaign 00V228003 — check if this car was fixed

I 20020906 — PE (closed 20031103)

ENGINE STALL DUE TO FUEL STARVATION

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2001 GMC Sonoma — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for structure issues (26 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for service brakes issues (17 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for power train issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 00V228003 (seat belts) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2003 ▲ 2002 ▲ 1999

WORST YEARS

■ 1994 ■ 1995 ◆ 1998

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2001 GMC Sonoma reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 GMC Sonoma is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2001 GMC Sonoma?

The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2001 GMC Sonoma have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.