1998 GMC Sonoma: common problems and reliability
181 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about visibility. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 Sonoma?The 1998 GMC Sonoma has 181 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are visibility and seats.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 GMC Sonoma vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the Sonoma?
Across the 7 Sonoma model years we track, complaint volume runs from 57 (2002) to 181 (1998). With 181 complaints, the 1998 Sonoma sits above the model's median of 134.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1998 Sonoma
fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:pressure relief devices
Campaign 07E021000CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
exterior lighting
Campaign 00V220000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS BUILT WITH A CANDELA VALUE GREATER THAN 3,000 CANNOT BE MOUNTED HIGHER THAN 864MM ABOVE THE ROAD SURFACE.
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 97V218000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. A FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE REAR AXLE RIGHT-HAND BRAKE PIPE CAN OCCUR CAUSING A SLOW BRAKE FLUID LEAK RESULTING IN A SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. IF THE BRAKE PIPE BREAKS, THE DRIVER WOULD EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN DROP IN THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE, AND THERE WOULD BE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.
electrical system:wiring:front underhood
Campaign 97V208001VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES. AN ENGINE ELECTRICAL WIRING-HARNESS CLIP CAN MELT AND DRIP ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep affection and nostalgia for these compact trucks.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sonoma. See the full Sonoma owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Sonoma listings typically run $5,408–$9,999 across 1991 to 2003 model years.
Other Sonoma model years
Compare every Sonoma year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Sonoma against its rivals
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