Airbag complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Our GMC Sonoma was hit head on, both vehicles driving approximately 40-45 MPH. The Sonoma had extensive front end damage, broken glass, the roof buckled (not a roll over) drivers side floor protruded into vehicle, console exploded into vehicle,impact great enough to shatter side windows and broken windshield ,front axle broken, frame showed 4-6" gap between cab & bed .......no airbags deployed. How many other families feel secure with knowing their vehicle has airbags?
Hit a tree at 35 MPH, airbags deployed and then shorted out and burned vehicle to the ground. The consumer hit a patch of ice and the vehicle skidded and collided with a tree. As airbags deployed, sparks occured bursting into flames. The vehicle burned to the ground.
Our son was involved in a accident on 09/15/2013 where he was traveling north bound on soldiers home road in moraine ohio. His truck went of the right side of the road, when it did he accidentally hit the gas and not the brake. Truck then hit an electric pole as it picked up speed broke a tie rod in half. He then lost control as it flew across the street still increasing speed. At that time he hit 2 trees and a fire hydrant, then the truck spun and the rear wrapped around another tree. The airbags did not deploy either driver or passenger side. He was killed on impact and the passenger did survive.
Consumer was driving at approximately 40 MPH when another vehicle suddenly pulled out in front , consumer hit vehicle with front end , and dual airbags did not deploy, causing injuries. There was no indication or warning of defective airbags system. Vehicle had $3,000-$5000 worth of damages ,and it was mostly likely totaled.
Tl* the contact owned a 1999 GMC Sonoma. While driving 5 MPH on a flooded dirt road, the contact crashed into a ditch. After the crash, the vehicle came to a complete stop. The air bag deployment was delayed. The contact sustained a cracked pelvis, broken facial bones, optic nerve damage, and other severe injuries to the face. Medical attention was required. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The consumer stated back windshield exploded and frame was bent.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 GMC Sonoma. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated while driving over unleveled Land. The contact was unable to determine the origin of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
Driver was going approx. 40mph down the rural highway in heavy rain and the truck in front of her came to a stop. By the time the driver of the Sonoma saw the truck it was too late to stop and not hit the stopped vehicle. The driver of the Sonoma hit the stopped truck and totaled the Sonoma. At no point did the driver airbag deploy.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 GMC Sonoma. While driving 50 MPH, the air bags deployed without warning or impact. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 264,477.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Sonoma years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (13), 1998 (11), 1996 (10), 2000 (10) and 1997 (9) model years. Airbag complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for GMC Sonoma airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for any GMC Sonoma model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do GMC Sonoma airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 124,000 miles; 20% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frontal (44 mentions), followed by the side/window (3).
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.