Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 GMC Sonoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1996 GMC Sonoma. While applying the brakes at 55 MPH, the brake pedal extended all the way to the floor. The emergency brake was applied to stop the vehicle. The contact was a mechanic and he replaced the front brake line for the passenger side wheel. The failure was corrected temporarily. However, twenty miles later, the failure recurred while driving 30 MPH. The brake line for the front driver side was replaced. The road conditions were normal during both failures. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA recall number 97V146001 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). The current mileage was 105,000 and failure mileage was 104,980.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 MPH under normal braking on wet roads, the ABS lights illuminated and the vehicle had an extended stopping distance. The dealer examined the vehicle and determined the three sensors had to be replaced, but were not certain that the replacement would correct the problem. The vehicle was currently at the dealer for further repairs. The contact encountered NHTSA recall # 99i006000 regarding the service brakes, hydraulic: antilock.
ABS problems; when traveling about (35-45) MPH and applying the brakes, the pedal did not go down at all, and truck ran into the back of another truck. This happened on normal road conditions. Mechanic stated that the master cylinder and the power booster stopped working. GMC refuses to fix vehicle because of crash. Truck still under warranty.
ABS anti-brake system has failed. Light continuously stays on. Analysis has determined that three of the four sensors are bad. Vehicle has only 40,000 miles on it. Also analysis has determined that the catalictic converter is defective, causing the service engine soon "light" to be on continuously.
While applying the brakes slowly, there was no giving or catching of brakes. Pedal went to floor. ABS braking intermittent, can occur at various speeds. Took to dealer & informed can not do anything. Consumer has hit 2 vehicles due to faulty brakes, only causing minor damage.
Consumer expperienced numerous problems with the vehicle brake system ; on three occasions consumer was in an accident due to brake failure to stop vehicle. Vehcle been in/out of dealer shop, and was informed that the problem can not be duplicated.
Braking system malfunctioned,, causing extended stopping distance which resulted in a crash. Been to dealer several times, but dealer could not determine th cause of the problem. Please provide further information.
This is an update to a previously submitted report for ABS failure on this vehicle. The incident date on this report is approximate. The two wires to the right front ABS sensor were severed by interference with the upper control arm and the disk brake back plate/splash shield, to which the wiring is attached with riveted metal clips. It appears that the wires became trapped between the upper control arm stamping and the hub and/or disk brake back plate/splash shield, possibly during turns that cycled the front suspension. The wiring insulation is worn in several locations other than the break point, and the first metal clip has been torn off the pop rivet that holds it to the backplate/splash shield. This is the second time this wiring has failed due to this design or installation defect. The first failure was repaired under warranty. …
In snowey or rainey weather, antilock brakes pulsate irradically at various speeds (including 5 MPH) when brakes are applied, even when no skid or hard breaking is occuring. Braking when this occurs, which is intermittently, is poor and uneven. Dealer and GM corp. Contacted, but all say no recalls have been initiated. This is a dangerous condition, and an accident (law suit) waiting to happen.
Driving down the highway and the car in front of the truck made a sudden stop, applied pressure to the brake pedal and the truck didn't slow down. Had to press harder on the brake pedal, and the pedal was hard and went to the floor. Took truck to the dealer, and was told that the ABS motor had failed. The dealer replaced the motor.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Vehicle description: certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with ABS (antilock braking system) manufactured from September 1989 through August 1996. Under certain driving conditions the switch which signals the ABS system whether the vehicle is in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive can malfunction causing…
Remedy: Dealers will replace or repair the 4-wheel/2-wheel drive switch.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: light duty passenger pickup trucks equipped with 4.3l engines. The front brake line can contact the left-hand side of the engine oil pan causing the brake line to wear to the point of brake fluid loss during brake application.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the clearance between the oil pan and the brake line. If the clearance is 6mm or less, dealers will install an additional brake line clip and if there was contact between the oil pan and brake line,…
Brake complaints in other Sonoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 GMC Sonoma?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 GMC Sonoma, 35% of the model year's 148 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (36 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 GMC Sonoma brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-193 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Jul 19, 1999); NHTSA recall 97V146001 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Sep 11, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 GMC Sonoma brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 16 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.