Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Check engine light on was told air injector valve oper/solenoid replace. Drove 800 miles, took emissions test failed. Showed no codes. Was told by tech to try driving 100 miles. Or take to dealer, took to dealership charged diagnostic fee. Was told by them to drive 100 miles. Drove 150 returned next day. Still the codes are not showing. Want me to drive another 150 miles. Two codes are not showing. Took back to emissions provider, they showed me it was the 02 sensor and last test on the OBD computer. I don't remember the name. Also please note my radio froze again playing on 1 station and showing another. Showed it to tech today. And also my brakes still giving same problem. ABS brakes still pulling vehicle. Bought new tires to help with the traction. But problem still same. Fuel was about 12 miles per gal. …
In dec. Of 2003 the check engine light came on, so we took it in only to find we had oil in our radiator. At a cost of $800.00 we had it repaired. Well in sept. Of 2004 we saw something leaking from the vehicle, and again we have oil in our radiator.
2001 GMC Sonoma sls. Started in May 2006 with 52,449 miles on vehicle: service engine soon light came on. Dealer identified bad o2 sensor and replaced ($253). Two weeks later at 53,131, ses light again. Dealer installed new check valve ($116). 3-4 weeks later at 53,892, ses light again. Dealer said water in air pump, replaced air pump and hose ($357). Now on 26 aug (54,084) ses light just came on again. In 60 days, the light has been cleared & reset 3 times with over $700 in repairs and now another trouble.
I was driving my husbands 2001 GMC Sonoma from ohio back to florida when the driveshaft snapped and punctured a hole in the fuel tank and muffler. This event LED to us having to replace the rear driveshaft, fuel tank, and he repaired the muffler. We researched GMC driveshaft failures on line and discovered that there were many complaints about the driveshaft breaking.
The trucks been handling fine and all of the sudden the oil pan blows out on the truck and I think it threw a rod. Which is not my fault a piece came apart or came out of the engine causing all that pressure to build up and mess it up. The vehicle was in motion not going over 60
Oil return lines fail prematurely causing oil to leak at the crimp sites on the hoses. Ld return lines were replaced with new lines on 18 September 2004 with new lines general motors part numbers 15194578 and 15194579 purchased on 16 and 17 September 2004.
1) boyfriend driving, pulled up to intersection, truck stalled, restarted, died, noticed smoke, opened hood, fire near battery and antifreeze container, put out with snow, vehicle towed to dealership, contacted GM, told a rep would contact me within 24-48 hours, that was a week ago, no call, vehicle just sits!! 2) ABS light on, told by dealership to make appointment, not a big deal. When light was on that was true, but light didn't always come on and it was like a brick was behind the brake. Had to slam on it! Not good on these winter roads. Dealership did replace left wheel speed sensor harness. 3) noticed oil leaking slightly, dealer replaced engine oil cooler lines 4) stuck in 4x4. Dealer replaced trasnfer case encoder. Said common problem in cold weather. However, only had one cold snap, vehicle is brand new, thought this was unusual. 5) third door handle broke when opening. …
Not sure if belt broke first or fan blade the blade broke off and flew inside of truck causing damage to parts under the hood it was 1000.00 to fix all the parts broken by this. I have all the old parts. The belt was OK but something caused the blade to brake off and there are noticeable cracks in the blade around the nut. Because of this failure I had to replace a lot of components under the hood.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Sonoma years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (26), 1996 (19), 1998 (11), 1997 (9) and 2001 (8) model years. Engine complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for GMC Sonoma engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles; 52% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (28 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (24).
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.