VehicleVerdict

1991 GMC Sonoma problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1991 GMC Sonoma sits mid-pack among Sonoma years: 35 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 74, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 40% of all reports (14 of 35), far ahead of engine at 4.

35

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Sonoma years?

Sonoma NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted297 complaints1984: 1 complaints1990: 1 complaints1991: 35 complaints1992: 33 complaints1993: 72 complaints1994: 297 complaints1995: 254 complaints1996: 190 complaints1997: 160 complaints1998: 202 complaints1999: 78 complaints2000: 180 complaints2001: 108 complaints2002: 74 complaints2003: 53 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 1 complaints
Sonoma NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sonoma years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 GMC Sonoma problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1440%
Engine411%
Transmission39%
Electrical System39%
Body & Structure26%
Steering26%
Seat Belts13%
Speed Control13%
Suspension13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Lighting13%
Latches & Locks13%
Other13%

Does the 1991 GMC Sonoma have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

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 CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

99V193000BrakesJuly 19, 1999 · 1,125,749 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1989 THROUGH AUGUST 1996. 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.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURRED AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE OR REPAIR THE 4-WHEEL/2-WHEEL DRIVE SWITCH.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING ON WET PAVEMENT AT APPROX. 50MPH EXPERIENCED ABS FAILURE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN, VEHICLE'S FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP, LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CAPABILITY, VEHICLE SKIDDED STRAIGHT AHEAD INTO A DITCH, WAS TOTALLED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE SHOES AND TAIL PIPE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR EXHAUST REPAIR. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT EH CONSUMER TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE MUFFLER SHOP FOR A HEADER PIPE PATCH. THE CONSUMER IS INTERESTED IN KNOWING IF A HEADER PIPE PATCH IS ILLEGAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER HEARD A WHISTLING KIND OF NOISE BEFORE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON, THEN, WHEN SHE PULLED OFF ROAD SHE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM AROUND THE HOOD. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 9, 2000 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING IN SNOW ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD SHUT DOWN. CONSUMER LOOKED UNDER HOOD, AND NOTICE CLUTCH FAN WAS SEATING ON FRAME, AND A HOLE WAS IN RADIATOR. TOOK VEHICLE TO A TECHNICIAN, AND WAS INFORMED CLUTCH FAN NEEDED REPLACEMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“1991 GMC SONOMA. TILT STEERING HAS BECOME VERY LOOSE HAS NOT CAUSED ANY WRECKS OR DAMAGE AFRAID TO DRIVE. HAVE NOT TAKEN FOR REPAIRS. MILEAGE COUNTER BROKE SOME YEARS AGO THIS TRUCK HAS APROX. 200,000 MILES ON WITH NO OTHER COMPLAINTS, DID HAVE MANUAL TRANS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY MANY YEARS AGO.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 1, 2008

1991 GMC Sonoma — common questions

Is the 1991 GMC Sonoma reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 35 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sonoma year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1991 Sonoma problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (14 complaints), engine (4 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 1991 GMC Sonoma have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 GMC Sonoma. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 GMC Sonoma under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which GMC Sonoma years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonoma years to avoid are 1994, 1995, 1998, 1996, 2000, 1997. The cleanest record among Sonoma years belongs to 2004.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.