Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl contact owns a 2003 GMC Sonoma. In June of 2004, the differential was failing and the paint was deteriorating on the vehicle. The contact attempted to repair the vehicle himself, but the part was unavailable. The manufacturer advised him to have the vehicle diagnosed. The contact feels that the part should be available and is not willing to pay for a diagnostic. The failure mileage was 45,000 and current mileage was 65,000. Updated 5/14/09 updated 05/14/09.
It has been determined that water has contaminanted the oil in the rear differential causing a mechanical failure. I have been informed that my extended warranty does not cover this issue even though GMC is aware that problem with a vent tube location is one source for water infiltration. I have a GMC document with specific instructions for mechanics to check for the improper vent tube location if water is indeed found in the rear axle fluid.
I currently own a 2002 GMC Sonoma zr5 4wd pickup. Shortly after purchase the vent controls for the A/C unit started to malfunction. This did not seem to be a big deal until last week when I was told the problem had been traced to a vacuum module on the transfer case that controls switching in and out of 4wd. The dealer replaced to defective part and returned the vehicle to me. On Monday, I was driving home on the interstate, took my foot of the gas and started braking for the off ramp. As I was coming around the sharp curve on ramp, the transfer case tried to switch from 2wd to 4wd. As you May be aware, trucks do not handle the same in 4wd. My concern is the fact that had the roads been wet, it very possible that the jerk of switching to 4wd on a sharp curve would cause the truck to lose traction and spin out of control. …
Tl* - the contact was driving on the freeway at approximately 65 MPH when his clutch failed on his 2002 GMC Sonoma. The road conditions were wet. The clutch stopped engaging, the engine was revving but none of the gears would engage. The contact had the vehicle towed to his home. The tow driver said he could smell the clutch burning. The contact checked the clutch fluid the next morning and 3/4 of it was missing. The contact had the vehicle towed to a clutch repair shop. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was shown the flyheel that melted. The Ford dealer told the contact the clutch burned out due to normal wear and tear.
There had been a whining(like the old radial tires used to make) noise for about a week and I just figured it was the tires. It got loud on 8/24 and I stopped and put it in park, as I got out to look under the truck, it started rolling and rolled down into the woods, we have filed a police report and reported to the insurance company. We are trying to make arrangements to get the truck out. The drive shaft was lying where the truck was put in park.,,although the park did not hold. The drive shaft twisted and split,,,exploded by the looks of it. I have pictures of the drive shaft.
I have a 2001 GMC Sonoma which was bought new in 2002. The vehicle has 78K miles on it. At first the vehicle would have trouble starting. Then the transmission would slip when driven cold. After the service engine light came on, a code indicated that there were two shift solenoid malfunctions. Both shift solenoids were replaced. That two days ago. Today the truck started up, so the vehicle was assumed safe to drive. I was traveling down a busy road at about 40 MPH, with an 18 wheeler tractor trailer behind me, when the vehicle, without any indication of malfunction, shifted from overdrive to first gear (it is an automatic) thus resulting in an "engine braking" effect wihich slowed the vehicle down to about 25 MPH. This was very scary and luckily the vehicles behind me realized that there was a problem and had enough room to slow down. …
Passenger and driver seats in my 2000 GMC Sonoma have seat positioning controls and locking mechanisims that do not always lock properly and/or get jammed up and have broken. A friend was sitting in the passenger seat and it failed to lock into place to keep it from sliding forward. I adjusted the bolts that fasten the seat to the floor of the vehicle to help 'realign' the seat frame so that the mechanism that keeps the seat from siding front and back would keep the seat locked into position once the seating distance is set. Also, the reclining handle on the passenger side broke off, not allowing for seat back support angle adjustment on the passenger side. The driver's side seat back support adjustment lever often 'sticks' or 'locks' into position....not allowing for seat back rest adjustment. …
Consumer states oil cooler line went bad and engine has a rattle when it is cold, also the rocker arm makes a noise when it is hot. The rear differential pinion seal was bad. It was replaced, but there is still a bad growl coming from the rear end when the consumer accelerates. The left door rattled, the right upper door hinges bushings were bad, there was no grease on the front ball joints, the front actuator motor for the 4-wheel drive was replaced.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Manual transmission
Some of these trucks were built with transmissions containing parts which were not machined to GM's specifications.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission main shaft output torque using a special tool. If the output torque does not meet specifications, the transmission will be replaced.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Sonoma years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (16), 1998 (11), 2001 (10), 1997 (9) and 1999 (8) model years. Transmission complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for GMC Sonoma transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 96V-035 (manual transmission, Feb 22, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Sonoma transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles; 42% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (34 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (9).
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.