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 2000 GMC Sonoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I had a near death accidents (twice) due to catastrophic brake line failure from severely rusted brake lines the front left and the intermediate line from front to rear section on top of frame rail. First incident was at speed of 45 MPH on highway with hard stop required to avoid stopped traffic ahead. Second failure was more insidious with progressive brake line rust through/ leak spot to rear brake lines with fin through and failure. This is not complicated ... Simply substandard materials for one of the most critical components in a vehicle. It should not matter what conditions are (ie salt, cold, etc; design and materials should be mandated for brake lines not to rust through. There are materials which could be used to accomplish this, particularly for northern regions with salt on roads. …
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 35 MPH the contact depressed the brake pedal and it went to the floor. As an attempt to stop the vehicle the contact pumped the brakes., resulting contact in a rear end collision. This incident occurred on wet road conditions. The vehicle was towed to an independent towing service.
For the third time my brake line broke and lost all brakes in motion luck for me and my wife we were able to pull off the road going to have it towed to a shop for repair again what is going on with GMC quality and safety.
Maumee ohio accident report #004028. Brake failure. Extremely cold weather, ten degrees fahrenheit. Bumper-to-bumper traffic rolling downhill to a light. Both clutch and brake pedals were depressed with strong, steady foot pressure at 15-20 MPH. ABS pulsing activated. Vehicle gradually slowed to 10-15 MPH. But, other vehicles came to a complete stop in the same distance. So, a rear-end collision occurred at 10-15 MPH. It is reasonable to speculate that the road surface was frozen. But, no ice was observed by either driver or by law enforcement. And all of the other (heavy) traffic stopped without incident. This vehicle also exhibits degradation of braking performance on rough pavement; the ABS kicks in with light brake pedal pressure at 15 MPH even on dry pavement, so long as it is somewhat bumpy.
Shortly after I purchased my 2000 GMC Sonoma [redacted] I had a "low speed activation" of the ABS. Some time later the brake warning light was activated. I took the truck to a GMC dealer and was told I had no problems, but they did replace the brake shoes. Ever since then the low speed activation would happen periodically. Recently, the problem has evolved to every day. And I believe this root problem is behind a lot of other brake problems I've had with this vehicle. Updated 07/18/2012
My ABS light began to come on while driving. I could hear the ABS pump running but the module was not functioning. I pulled the fuse so it would stop running and I could get home. After taking it into auto service they determined it needs a electronic brake control module and has a kelsey & hayes anti-lock system. The work was quoted at over $700. They said it would be safe to drive but I have limited any driving with the truck since it valid.
Anti-lock brakes engage and pulsate to slow down but not stop when going over bumps on paved surfaces. Includes all speeds. On one occasion this caused me to proceed an extra estimated 15 feet into an intersection where an accident occurred. Dealership and manufacturer contacted and system checked. Was not satisfied with the inspection of the braking system. Since this incident, this has happened again, although with no resulting consequences.
ABS & emergency dash lights will turn on/off intermittenly; no pattern as to when/how often. Had GM dealer check it. My ebcm had a short, if lights were on, had no ABS, just hydraulic if lights were off. I have ABS. Cost of new module is $1100.00; plus labor!! Dealer suggested I live with it for cost of repair! I agreed, but worried that GM probably were ignoring lights & thinking they had good ABS!!
On 19 June 2013 I applied the brakes on a damp/wet road. Before coming to a complete stop I experienced a sort of hopping of the front end while going over a rough section of roadway. This sensation has occurred numerous times before and I was told it had something to do with the anti-locking brake system but nothing specific.
ABS system malfunction. Code c0265. Internet research indicates that this model year (2000) and other similar models and surrounding years have this failure. Grounding failure to ABS computer module resulting in the necessity to replace module.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes. Some of these vehicles have an antilock brake system (ABS) motor containing an out-of-specification spring clip. This clip could allow the motor bearing to become misaligned. If misalignment occurs, eventually the ABS would be non-functional.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake pressure module valve assembly.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Vehicle description: s -trucks equipped with 2 wheel drive. These vehicles May have had the right-hand antilock brake system (ABS) module feed pipe and/or brake crossover pipe tube nuts tightened without seating the pipe-flared-ends enough to withstand normal assembly and vehicle inputs without partially unseating.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake pipe union for signs of brake fluid, and if necessary, install a new brake pipe union.
Brake complaints in other Sonoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 GMC Sonoma?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 GMC Sonoma, 26% of the model year's 136 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 GMC Sonoma brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-055 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Feb 28, 2000); NHTSA recall 99V-220 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Aug 11, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 GMC Sonoma brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 0 fires and 3 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.