1996 GMC Sonoma: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 GMC Sonoma: 6 recalls, 148 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #96V035000 · 1996 · 24,906 vehicles
What's wrong: Some of these trucks were built with transmissions containing parts which were not machined to gm's specifications.
Why it matters: These transmissions could seize and lock the rear drive wheels while the truck is being driven causing a loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The fix: 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.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #97V008001 · 1997 · 55 vehicles
What's wrong: The top coat paint severely peels due to overbaking of the powder primer prior to the top coat application. Since the windshield primer and adhesive adhere to the top coat paint onthe windshield opening flange, the windshield does not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 212, "windshield mounting."
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, the windshield May not stay in place as required by fmvss no. 212.
The fix: All vehicles have been repurchased. This campaign is 100%.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #97V096001 · 1997 · 586,058 vehicles
What's wrong: The outboard safety belt webbing on the driver's and/or passenger's seat can separate during a frontal impact.
Why it matters: If a separation occurred and there were secondary crash events or vehicle rollover, there would be no belt restraint of the occupant and increased injuries could occur.
The fix: Dealers will install a protective cover over the recliner mechanism.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #97V146001 · 1997 · 146,167 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Brake fluid loss can reduce braking effectiveness and increase stopping distances resulting in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
The fix: 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, the front brake line will be replaced.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #98V150001 · 1998 · 1,557,585 vehicles
What's wrong: Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
Why it matters: This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #99V193000 · 1999 · 1,125,749 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 increased stopping distances during ABS stops while in the two-wheel drive mode.
Why it matters: If this occurred at a time when minimum stopping distance was required, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning.
The fix: Dealers will replace or repair the 4-wheel/2-wheel drive switch.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Recall #99I006000 · 1999 · 2,400,000 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: certain light duty pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, or minivans equipped with 3-sensor ABS (antilock braking system) ebc4 units.
Why it matters: These vehicles can experience extended stopping distances during ABS stops on certain multiple surfaces, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will modify the computer program which operates the ABS unit on some vehicles, or replace the computer on others to improve the performance of the ABS on these surfaces.
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E043000 · 2006 · 88,303 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from October 18, 2005, through March 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The…
Why it matters: This condition May cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006.
Fuel system (other) Equipment recall #07E021000 · 2007 · 742 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after January 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. The universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Why it matters: Fuel May leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix: Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (49): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (19), leaks (2).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (31): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Engine & cooling (19): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5), leaks (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (16): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3), hard / delayed shifting (3).
The 1996 GMC Sonoma has 148 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 16 Sonoma model years for complaints (1.8× the average Sonoma year). Complaints peaked in 1997 (27 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 94,325 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (213 complaints, 3 recalls), 1997 (111 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 GMC Sonoma.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 GMC Sonoma have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 1996 GMC Sonoma, plus 3 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 GMC Sonoma problems?
Owners have filed 148 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (49), visibility (wipers, glass) (31), engine & cooling (19).
What gas mileage does the 1996 GMC Sonoma get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 GMC Sonoma repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.