NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 89 owner complaints for the 2001 GMC Sonoma. Most complaints involve structure (26) and service brakes, hydraulic (13). The EPA rates it 14–22 mpg combined.
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 VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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”
“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”
“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”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonoma 2WD (FFV) Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Sonoma 2WD (FFV) Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| Sonoma 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Sonoma 2WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Sonoma 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,300 | 592 |
| Sonoma 4WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,600 | 635 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 89 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (26), service brakes, hydraulic (13), power train (10). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2001 GMC Sonoma at 14–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).