2002 GMC Sonoma problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2002 GMC Sonoma sits mid-pack among Sonoma years: 74 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 74, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 19 reports (26% of the total).
74
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other Sonoma years?
What are the most common 2002 GMC Sonoma problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 19 | 26% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 13 | 18% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 9 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 5 | 7% | — flat |
| Other | 5 | 7% | — flat |
| Engine | 5 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 5 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 4 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SONOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR AND THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT'S SON DIAGNOSED…”
“THE 3RD DOOR ON EXT CAB. THE DOOR DOES NOT OPEN. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THIS IS MAJOR COMPLAINTS FOR THESE 3RD MODELS. HAVE TO REPLACE PINS OR SOMETHING, BUT IT KEEPS HAPPENING. THIS A A LIFE & DEATH HAZARD & DEFECT. WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN RECALLED? IN AN ACCIDENT, (REAR ENDED) THE DOOR COULD NOT BE…”
“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ON FLAT SURFACE AND WITH NO WARNING ALTERNATOR OVERHEATED, CAUSING ENGINE TO CATCH ON FIRE. CONSUMER WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK”
“(1) LOADING PARCELS INTO BED OF TRUCK. (2) TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLE BROKE, CAUSING TAILGATE TO FALL ON REAR BUMPER FOR SUPPORT, THIS CAUSED DAMAGE TO TAILGATE AND PARCELS TO FALL ON GROUND.*AK PERSON LOADING PARCELS RECEIVED MINOR BRUISES AND CUTS. (2A) TAILGATE LATCH HANDLE BROKE AND FELL ON GROUND,…”
“MY SPARE TIRE ON MY 2002 GMC SONOMA PICKUP FELL OUT OF ITS CARRIER. IT ROLLED ACROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC, LUCKILY TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AND NO ONE WAS STRUCK BY THE RUN AWAY WHEEL. I APPEARS THE CABLE THAT SECURES THE SPARE ON THE TRUCK PARTED. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE SPARE HAS BEEN OFF THE TRUCK.…”
2002 GMC Sonoma — common questions
Is the 2002 GMC Sonoma reliable?
It is close to typical for the Sonoma: 74 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2002 Sonoma problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (19 complaints), body & structure (13 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints).
Does the 2002 GMC Sonoma have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 GMC Sonoma.
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.