VehicleVerdict

1992 GMC Sonoma problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 1992 GMC Sonoma is among the quieter years of the Sonoma on NHTSA's books: 33 complaints (55% below the model's median year), 3 recalls, and no open investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 55% of all reports (18 of 33), far ahead of transmission at 3.

33

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Sonoma years?

Sonoma NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 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, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sonoma years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 GMC Sonoma problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1855%
Transmission39%
Fuel System26%
Other26%
Engine26%
Airbags13%
Speed Control13%
Body & Structure13%
Suspension13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Electrical System13%

Does the 1992 GMC Sonoma have recalls?

3 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).

06E041000Fuel SystemMay 18, 2006 · 7,800 units

Defect

CERTAIN R&B, INC. CENTRAL MULTIPORT FUEL INJECTION (CMFI) FUEL RETURN LINES, MODELS HELP 55163, NAPA BALKAMP 700-3270, AND THE CONNECTION 2560001, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL RETURN LINE HAS A MECHANICAL BLEED VALVE WHICH WAS NOT INSTALLED AT THE PROPER TORQUE.

Consequence

A FUEL LEAK CAN OCCUR AT THE VALVE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

R&B, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AT THE CUSTOMERS REQUEST, EITHER REPLACE THE FUEL LINE OR OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT R&B, INC. AT 215-712-5330.

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 VEHICLE UNDER 10 MPH, ONE DAY COMING OUT OF HIS HOME DRIVEWAY COULDN'T STOP VEHICLE, THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME. BUT THE SECOND TIME ANOTHER DRIVER TRIED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN INFRONT OF CONSUMER, AND COULDN'T STOP VEHICLE, REAR ENDING THE OTHER VEHICLE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 3, 1997 · crash

“ON THE THREE OCCASIONS ,WHEN THE AIR TEMPERATURE IS HIGH AND IT IS QUITE HUMID WITH AIR CONDITIONER ON CLUTCH ASSEMBLY WILL FAIL TO THE POINT WHERE THE CLUTCH WILL NOT DISENGAGE THE GEARS. CONSUMER HAS TO TURN OFF IGNITION AND MUST WAIT ABOUT 15 MIN, SO IT CAN COOL DOWN. A PRIVATE TRANSMISSION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“DRIVING VEHICLE ON HWY; GOING ABOUT 60 MPH; FELT A SUDDEN JOLT; LOOKED BACK & NOTICED SPARE TIRE WAS ROLLING IN BACK; TOOK TO MECHANIC; WAS INFORMED SPARE TIRE CABLE BROKE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 14, 1997

“THE ORIGINAL EXHAUST MANIFOLD FAILED AND WAS REPLACED AT ABOUT 60,000 MILES. THIS WAS PAID FOR BY THE OWNER. THE REPLACED MANIFOLD FAILED IN THE WINTER OF 1998/99 AND HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED BECAUSE IT APPEARS TO BE A DEFECTIVE DESIGN.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“DEALER FAILED TO REPAIR WHEN WE COMPLAINED ABOUT FUEL/STARTING/ROUGH ENGINE ON 6/93;2/94;5/94. DLR REPLACED FUEL PUMP/PVC 10/94; COST $600+ FOR FUEL INJECTOR/PLENUM 9/98; AGAIN JUST COST $600+ 7/2000 FOR FUEL INJECTOR/PLENUM. ADVISED GMC HAS WEST COAST ONLY BULLETIN #99034A REF: PROBLEM. GAS EATS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 23, 1998

1992 GMC Sonoma — common questions

Is the 1992 GMC Sonoma reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 33 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sonoma year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1992 Sonoma problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (18 complaints), transmission (3 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 1992 GMC Sonoma have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 GMC Sonoma. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 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.