KnownCarProblems2001 GMC Sonoma Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 89 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 GMC Sonoma, most often about the body and structure (29% of complaints, typically around 52,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Sonoma model year since 2000 and has 1 recall.
Most common 2001 GMC Sonoma problems
Body and structure
26 complaints · 29%Half of these problems showed up before 52,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
Failure of tailgate cable. The second cable is starting to bulge in middle, just a matter of time before that one goes. My wife and I were sitting on the tailgate when the right one snapped.
Tl contact owns a 2001 GMC Sonoma. The steel cables that held the tail gate snapped while the contact was seated on the tail gate. The contact suffered scratches on his arms and elbows. The dealer did not offer an explanation for the failure. The contact felt that his vehicle should be included in NHTSA campaign id…
Brakes
17 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 54,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components, conventional.
: the contact stated while the brakes were applied at speeds of less than 10 MPH, the ABS engaged resulting in an increased stopping distance. The ABS light illuminated when the activation occurred. The brakes made a grinding noise and the vehicle pulled to the left. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer who…
The foot operated parking brake broke under normal wear and tear. I had estimates that were well over $300 to fix, and have not yet had work done. I only park on level roads and hope transmission will hold in park. I feel this must be a defective part.
Transmission
10 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles. Parts named most often: driveline, automatic transmission, clutch assembly, transfer case (4-wheel drive).
The foot operated parking brake broke under normal wear and tear. I had estimates that were well over $300 to fix, and have not yet had work done. I only park on level roads and hope transmission will hold in park. I feel this must be a defective part.
2001 4WD 4.3 GMC Sonoma, 53k miles, no known events leading to failure, without warning transmission failure, loss of first gear and reverse, almost caused accident do to unexpected deceleration. I have replaced transfer case (where it was making much noise) but this did not correct problem. By far this truck is not…
Engine
8 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 48,500 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, engine, cooling system.
Check engine light came on. Dealer said air pump to catalytic converter failure. Approx $700.00 to replace. Not covered by manufacturer.
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…
Fuel system
6 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: delivery.
Nary 05/28/2003 the vehicle stalled out on four different occasions, fuel pump was replaced, and the power train control module was fixed. The consumer feels that the vehicle is a serious safety defect and noncomformity that leaves them an as well as other motorist at risk of a serious accident.
I have been dealing with balking, stalling of my vehicle. I have had several repairs/replacement of parts. The problem is still with my vehicle. I have had the computer replaced, the fuel relay pump, wires replaced, fuel filter, but I am still having this problem. It is intermittent, which makes it more scary.
Speed control
5 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: cruise control.
Electrical
5 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: wiring, ignition.
Seats
5 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: front assembly.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2001 GMC Sonoma recalls
Seat belts
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicle's safety belt buckle assembly date codes and, if necessary, will replace any safety belt buckle assembly.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and mini vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Engine stall due to fuel starvation
Summary
Odi opened pe02-066 to evaluate the scope and consequence of engine power-loss due to fuel starvation induced by in-tank modular fuel pump strainer restriction.the subject pumps use an external ?sock? Strainer to filter fuel flowing to the pump inlet.this filter can sometimes become clogged, resulting in a reduced flow of fuel to the engine.gm has subsequently modified the strainers to reduce this restriction.analysis of the odi complaint database shows that despite these restrictions, the subject vehicles stall at a rate that is comparable to those of many peer vehicles.additionally, none of the relevant warranty repair rates exceed 1% at 36 months of exposure.one related crash involves a s
Questions about the 2001 GMC Sonoma
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 GMC Sonoma?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (26 complaints, typically around 52,000 miles); brakes (17 complaints, typically around 54,000 miles); transmission (10 complaints, typically around 55,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2001 GMC Sonoma have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from August 7, 2000 (seat belts). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2001 a bad year for the GMC Sonoma?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Sonoma model year since 2000, with 89 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.