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Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD

2004 GMC SonomaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 1 owner complaint for the 2004 GMC Sonoma. Most complaints involve structure (1). The EPA rates it 15 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
15mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Mar 2004
Owner complaints
1
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$4,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment: labels

Free remedy

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

EquipmentReported Mar 18, 2004NHTSA 04V132000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2010 – Dec 2010
  1. Structure1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Sonoma model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996156
1997125
1998172
199972
2000136
200189
200257
200340
20041
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Structure

1 report
“THE SUPPORT CABLES FOR THE TAILGATE ON MY 2004 GMC SONOMA BROKE. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT FOR THIS BUT GM AND THE DEALER BOTH STATE IT DOESN'T COVER MY TRUCK. THE PARTS ARE THE EXACT SAME PARTS, SAME PART NUMBER AND ALL. CAMPAIGN - TAILGATE CABLE REPLACEMENT/WARRANTY EXTENSION SUBJECT: SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT - TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLE REPLACEMENT # 06020A - (09/11/2006) MODELS: 2000-2003 CHEVROLET S10 2000-2003 GMC SONOMA THE SERVICE PROCEDURE AND LABOR TIME IN THIS BULLETIN HAVE BEEN REVISED BECAUSE OF FEEDBACK RECEIVED FROM GM DEALERSHIP SERVICE TECHNICIANS. DISCARD ALL COPIES OF BULLETIN 06020, ISSUED JULY 2006. DUE TO PART AVAILABILITY THIS SPECIAL POLICY IS BEING MAILED TO CUSTOMERS IN PHASES. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED AS PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE AND PHASES ARE RELEASED. TO MINIMIZE CUSTOMER INCONVENIENCE, ENCOURAGE CUSTOMERS TO HAVE THEIR CABLES REPLACED RATHER THAN RETURNING FOR ANNUAL INSPECTIONS. IF A CUSTOMER IS CONCERNED THAT THE INSPECTION PROCEDURE IS NOT AN APPROPRIATE WAY TO ASSURE THE INTENDED PERFORMANCE OF THE CABLES, OR IS UNWILLING TO PERFORM THE REQUIRED INSPECTION, DEALERS ARE INSTRUCTED TO ASSIST THE CUSTOMER BY REPLACING THE GALVANIZED…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 17, 2010StructureODI 10371113
Send a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
4.3L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd
Drive
4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sonoma 4WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · 4-Wheel Drive
141815$4,300592
  • Sonoma 4WD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L
    14 city · 18 hwy · $4,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 GMC Sonoma as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 1140
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2004 Sonoma questions

How many recalls does the 2004 GMC Sonoma have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 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.

What are the most common 2004 GMC Sonoma problems?

Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2004 GMC Sonoma get?

The EPA rates the 2004 GMC Sonoma at 15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026