1998 GMC Sonoma: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 GMC Sonoma: 3 recalls, 156 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #97V218000 · 1997 · 19,716 vehicles
What's wrong: A fatigue fracture of the rear axle right-hand brake pipe can occur causing a slow brake fluid leak resulting in a soft brake pedal. If the brake pipe breaks, the driver would experience a sudden drop in the brake pedal, the instrument panel brake light would illuminate, and there would be a loss of rear brake performance.
Why it matters: Partial loss of braking at a time when minimum stopping distance was required could result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pipe.
Electrical Vehicle recall #97V208001 · 1997 · 33,973 vehicles
What's wrong: An engine electrical wiring-harness clip can melt and drip onto the exhaust manifold.
Why it matters: The clip material on the exhaust manifold can ignite and subsequently ignite other combustible components resulting in a vehicle fire.
The fix: Dealers are contacting owners by telephone to have their vehicles towed to the dealer and alternate transportation provided to them until the dealer can reroute the electrical wiring-harness.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #00V220000 · 2000 · 14,279 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the daytime running lights built with a candela value greater than 3,000 cannot be mounted higher than 864mm above the road surface.
Why it matters: These vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 108.
The fix: Dealers will install a revised wiring harness that changes the drl's from high beam to low beam drl's, and install new long-life low beam bulbs.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
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. 2 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (55): the most common themes are electrical failure (6).
- Seats (29): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (15): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (7).
- Body & structure (14): the most common themes are door / lock issues (6), rust / corrosion (3).
The 1998 GMC Sonoma has 156 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 16 Sonoma model years for complaints (1.9× the average Sonoma year). Complaints peaked in 2003 (26 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 67,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (111 complaints, 2 recalls), 1999 (57 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | 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 1998 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 1998 GMC Sonoma have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1998 GMC Sonoma, plus 1 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 1998 GMC Sonoma problems?
Owners have filed 156 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (55), seats (29), brakes (hydraulic) (15).
What gas mileage does the 1998 GMC Sonoma get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 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.