GMC SONOMA · model year

2001 GMC SONOMA

108 NHTSA complaints, 9 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2001GMCSONOMA carries 108 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 9 crashes, 1 fire, 6 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2001 SONOMA is structure:body:tailgate:hinge and attachments with 23 filings, followed by service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (7) and seats:front assembly:recliner (5). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2001 SONOMA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

108
Complaints
9
Crashes
1
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

108 filings

Crashes Reported

9 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS23
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP7
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP3
SERVICE BRAKES3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD2
SEATS2
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH2

Recalls (1)

00V22800307/08/2000

SEAT BELTS

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 VEHI

Recent Complaints

20160311FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

CAN NOT LOCATE FUEL LINES FOR GMC. WHEN I TRY TO FIND THE FUEL LINES IT IS MARKED THAT THEY ARE UN-AVAILABLE.LINES HAVE RUSTED OUT AND LEAK.HAD NEW FUEL PUMP INSTALLED WHEN THIS WAS NOTICED.

Mileage: 190,000

20150707ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY IGNITION SWITCH SOMETIMES STICKS. ABLE TO TAKE KEY OUT WHEN RUNNING

Mileage: 200,000

20141019SERVICE BRAKES

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. *TR

Mileage: 55,000

20141019POWER TRAIN

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. *TR

Mileage: 55,000

20140926SERVICE BRAKES

ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. *TR

Mileage: 95,424

20140414SERVICE BRAKES

DRIVING IN TOWN ABS LIGHT & BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON, NO ACCIDENT. LOOKING FOR RECALLS, TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS! LIGHTS COME ON EVERY TIME I DRIVE TRUCK, SOMETIMES IMMEDIATELY. *JS

Mileage: 69,010

20130709POWER TRAIN

MY TRUCK RADIATOR STARTED TO SMELL AS IF IT HAD A LEAK. I TOOK IT TO A RADIATOR SHOP. THIS SHOP HAPPENS TO BE VERY CLOSE TO THE GM PLANT IN DAYTON, OHIO. THE MAN TOOK ONE LOOK AT THE TRUCK. HE EXPLAINED TO ME THAT ALL THE RADIATORS FOR THIS TRUCK FROM THE 2001 YEARS WERE SENT TO HIM PRIOR TO INSTALLING. HE SAID THEY HAD BEEN LEFT OUTSIDE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME AND ALL OF THEM HAD TO BE CLEANED OUT BECAUSE OF HEAVY RUST. HE STATED MINE MUST OF BEEN MISSED. THE RUST IN THE RADIATOR WAS SO THICK IT WAS LIKE MUD! HE REPLACED THE RADIATOR, HOSES AND EVEN HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR FLUID RESERVOIR BECAUSE IT LITERALLY HAD INCHES OF RUST IN IT. THIS IS SOMETHING THE COMPANY KNEW ABOUT AND I SHOULD NOT OF HAD TO REPLACE IT. THE NEXT THING TO HAPPEN IS TO THE DRIVE TRAIN. THE TRUCK IS MAKING A WHINING NOISE - SOUNDS LIKE SOME TIRES DO. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO SEVERAL PLACES TO REPAIR AND NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING THE SOUND. WE HAVE REPLACED SO MANY PARTS, MANY OF THEM MORE THAN ONCE IN A

Mileage: 78,000

20130709ENGINE

MY TRUCK RADIATOR STARTED TO SMELL AS IF IT HAD A LEAK. I TOOK IT TO A RADIATOR SHOP. THIS SHOP HAPPENS TO BE VERY CLOSE TO THE GM PLANT IN DAYTON, OHIO. THE MAN TOOK ONE LOOK AT THE TRUCK. HE EXPLAINED TO ME THAT ALL THE RADIATORS FOR THIS TRUCK FROM THE 2001 YEARS WERE SENT TO HIM PRIOR TO INSTALLING. HE SAID THEY HAD BEEN LEFT OUTSIDE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME AND ALL OF THEM HAD TO BE CLEANED OUT BECAUSE OF HEAVY RUST. HE STATED MINE MUST OF BEEN MISSED. THE RUST IN THE RADIATOR WAS SO THICK IT WAS LIKE MUD! HE REPLACED THE RADIATOR, HOSES AND EVEN HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR FLUID RESERVOIR BECAUSE IT LITERALLY HAD INCHES OF RUST IN IT. THIS IS SOMETHING THE COMPANY KNEW ABOUT AND I SHOULD NOT OF HAD TO REPLACE IT. THE NEXT THING TO HAPPEN IS TO THE DRIVE TRAIN. THE TRUCK IS MAKING A WHINING NOISE - SOUNDS LIKE SOME TIRES DO. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO SEVERAL PLACES TO REPAIR AND NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING THE SOUND. WE HAVE REPLACED SO MANY PARTS, MANY OF THEM MORE THAN ONCE IN A

Mileage: 78,000

20110803SUSPENSION:FRONT

IN THE LAST 6 YEARS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS; BOTH UPPER AND LOWER AND SHOCKS ALL AROUND FOR THE SECOND TIME. I DO NOT GO OUT 4-WHEELING AND BASICALLY DRIVE MY VEHICLE ONLY IN TOWN DRIVING. I DO NOT THINK THESE PARTS SHOULD BE WEARING OUT SO QUICKLY ON THIS VEHICLE. *KB

20110803SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

IN THE LAST 6 YEARS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS; BOTH UPPER AND LOWER AND SHOCKS ALL AROUND FOR THE SECOND TIME. I DO NOT GO OUT 4-WHEELING AND BASICALLY DRIVE MY VEHICLE ONLY IN TOWN DRIVING. I DO NOT THINK THESE PARTS SHOULD BE WEARING OUT SO QUICKLY ON THIS VEHICLE. *KB

20110803SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

IN THE LAST 6 YEARS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS; BOTH UPPER AND LOWER AND SHOCKS ALL AROUND FOR THE SECOND TIME. I DO NOT GO OUT 4-WHEELING AND BASICALLY DRIVE MY VEHICLE ONLY IN TOWN DRIVING. I DO NOT THINK THESE PARTS SHOULD BE WEARING OUT SO QUICKLY ON THIS VEHICLE. *KB

20110803SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER

IN THE LAST 6 YEARS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS; BOTH UPPER AND LOWER AND SHOCKS ALL AROUND FOR THE SECOND TIME. I DO NOT GO OUT 4-WHEELING AND BASICALLY DRIVE MY VEHICLE ONLY IN TOWN DRIVING. I DO NOT THINK THESE PARTS SHOULD BE WEARING OUT SO QUICKLY ON THIS VEHICLE. *KB

20100123STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

THE TAILGATE CABLES BOTH BROKE WHILE A FRIEND WAS SITTING ON THE TAILGATE CAUSING HER TO FALL. SHE ONLY WEIGHS APPROXIMATELY 140 LBS. I HAD NOTICED THAT 1 OF THE CABLES LOOKED WEAK PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, BUT THE OTHER SEEMED TO BE STABLE. APPARENTLY NEITHER OF THEM WERE ANY GOOD. *TR

Mileage: 43,000

20091105FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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. *TR

Mileage: 114,000

20091105ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

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. *TR

Mileage: 114,000

20091105POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE

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. *TR

Mileage: 114,000

20071023STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

TL*THE 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 NUMBER 06V066000 (STRUCTURE: BODY: TAILGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS) FOR THE 2000 GMC SIERRA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000.

Mileage: 53,000

20070912SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

ABS FAILURE AT SLOW SPEEDS-ABS TRIES TO ENGAGE,BRAKE IS SLOW AT FIRST WITH NOISE AND THEN ABS LIGHT APPEARS AND ENGAGES DANGEROUS BRAKING RESETS AFTER TURNING OFF GOES THROUGH IT ALL AGAIN NEST TIME YOU DRIVE. *TR

20070825CrashPOWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

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. *TR

Mileage: 99,285

20070316TIRES

P235/SSR16 GDY BW EAG G/A 96T 45K TIRE DEFECT: TREAD SEPARATION FROM INNER CORE. ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TRUCK. DEFECT OCCURRED AT LESS THAN 38,000 MILES ON VEHICLE/TIRE. NOTED THUMPING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND SEVERE SHAKING OF FRONT END. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY SUGGESTED CONTACTING GOODYEAR WHICH HAS BEEN DONE BUT NO ACTION TO DATE.

Mileage: 38,000

Compare 2001GMCSONOMA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2001 GMC SONOMA have?
The 2001 GMC SONOMA has 108 NHTSA complaints, 9 crashes, 1 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2001 GMC SONOMA?
Yes, the 2001 GMC SONOMA has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEAT BELTS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 GMC SONOMA?
The most-complained component for the 2001 GMC SONOMA is STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS with 23 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP and SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER.
Is the 2001 GMC SONOMA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.