MYRModel Year Report

2002 GMC Sonoma

▲ Better than typical
2002 GMC Sonoma
RENDERED 2026-09-16T05:29:06.682Z

This year had at least 30% fewer 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, GMC Sonoma Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2002 highlighted. 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1990: 1 complaints 1991: 29 complaints 1992: 25 complaints 1992 1993: 58 complaints 1994: 227 complaints 1995: 214 complaints 1995 1996: 148 complaints 1997: 111 complaints 1998: 156 complaints 1998 1999: 57 complaints 2000: 136 complaints 2001: 89 complaints 2001 2002: 57 complaints 2002 2003: 39 complaints 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2005: 1 complaints 2005
2002: 57 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19901
199129
199225
199358
1994227
1995214
1996148
1997111
1998156
199957
2000136
200189
200257
200339
20040
20051

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

SERVICE BRAKES 30%

30% of complaints: service brakes — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH
STRUCTURE 23%

23% of complaints: structure — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hinge and attachments and door.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THE 3RD DOOR ON EXT CAB. THE DOOR DOES NOT OPEN. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THIS IS MAJOR COMPLAINTS FOR THESE 3RD MODELS. HAVE TO REPLACE PINS OR SOMETHING, BUT IT KEEPS HAPPENING. THIS A A LIFE & DEATH HAZARD & DEFECT. WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN RECALLED?

NHTSA ODI report, 20151014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and alternator/generator/regulator.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ON FLAT SURFACE AND WITH NO WARNING ALTERNATOR OVERHEATED, CAUSING ENGINE TO CATCH ON FIRE. CONSUMER WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020904

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 9%

9% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing latch.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

(1) LOADING PARCELS INTO BED OF TRUCK.

NHTSA ODI report, 20041022

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 9%

9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and headlights.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 GMC Sonoma — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2003 ▲ 1999 ▲ 1993

WORST YEARS

■ 1994 ■ 1995 ◆ 1998

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2002 GMC Sonoma reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 GMC Sonoma is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2002 GMC Sonoma?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 GMC Sonoma have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.