Check a VIN

1991 GMC Sonoma problems

The most common problem on the 1991 GMC Sonoma is brakes. It has fewer complaints than a typical Sonoma model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
29
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
2
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
16-22mpg

The worst 1991 GMC Sonoma problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    14
  • Engine
    4
  • Electrical
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1991 GMC Sonoma

ABS 6

Recalls 1

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported July 19, 1999 · 1,125,749 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 99V193000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1991 GMC Sonoma

Defect investigations

Abs braking system failsOpened June 17, 1994, closed October 31, 1994

There is no summary currently available

PE94046

Technical service bulletins for the 1991 GMC Sonoma 2

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

1991 GMC Sonoma fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.5L 4‑cylRWD19-2125-2621-22
2.8L 6‑cylRWD172319
4.3L 6‑cylRWD15-162218
4.3L 6‑cyl4WD14-1519-2016-17

What 1991 GMC Sonoma owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 2, 2013 · Tires · 85,000 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 1991 gmc sonoma. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, an unusual noise emitted from of the vehicle. The contact then noticed hat the spare tire had become detached from under the vehicle as a result of a fractured support cable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. .... Updated 02-20-13 *bf updated 02/25/2013

Filed Jun 18, 2010 · Locks · 80,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 1991 gm sonoma. While driving at speeds of 20 MPH, the drivers door would open without warning. The door latch pin was found to be severely rusted. The dealer advised the warranty had expired and were not willing to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 98,000.

Filed Jun 16, 2008 · Steering · KY

1991 gmc sonoma. Tilt steering has become very loose has not caused any wrecks or damage afraid to drive. Have not taken for repairs. Mileage counter broke some years ago this truck has aprox. 200,000 miles on with no other complaints, did have manual trans replaced under warranty many years ago.

Filed Dec 6, 2004 · Engine · 104,000 miles · WA

Engine would constantly overheat while driving at any speed. Vehicle had been taken to a dealer several times. Dealer replaced the engine thermostat, and problem recurred. Consumer took the vehicle to another dealer, and they informed him that the thermostat was defective.

Filed Oct 16, 2003 · Engine · 95,486 miles · MI

Problem with exhaust pipe on muffler.*mr the consumer was referred to a muffler shop to have a patch put on the front header pipe and was not given any option to have it fixed correctly *ts

Filed Jul 3, 2003 · Brakes, Engine · MI

Consumer had to replace the rear brake shoes and tail pipe. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for exhaust repair. The dealer suggested that eh consumer take the vehicle to the muffler shop for a header pipe patch. The consumer is interested in knowing if a header pipe patch is illegal with the present vehicle emissions standard. *mr *cb

Filed Jan 30, 2002 · Electrical, Transmission · NY

While driving in snow electrical system would shut down. Consumer looked under hood, and notice clutch fan was seating on frame, and a hole was in radiator. Took vehicle to a technician, and was informed clutch fan needed replacement. Please provide further information.

Filed Feb 26, 2001 · Electrical · IN · fire

While driving the alternator caught on fire causing the vehicle to loose power, the fire spread to the entire engine compartment. Nlm

Filed Dec 12, 2000 · Brakes · MI

Consumer received recall 99v193, however the dealer is stating that the consumer is not eligible for the recall because the serial number did not come up on his computer.

Filed Sep 3, 2000 · Steering · TX

Steering wheel and tilt assembly came loose, making vehicle undriveable. Told by various gm mechanics that this is a common problem with many gm tilt columns on all models.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1991 GMC Sonoma before you buy

Compare the 1991 GMC Sonoma

Other model years

199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032005

Questions about the 1991 GMC Sonoma

Is the 1991 GMC Sonoma reliable?

Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 1991 GMC Sonoma, fewer than a typical Sonoma model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1991 GMC Sonoma?

Brakes, with 14 complaints. Next is engine (4).

How many recalls does the 1991 GMC Sonoma have?

1 recall, covering service brakes, hydraulic.

Was there a recall on the 1991 GMC Sonoma brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 99V193000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the GMC Sonoma have bad brakes?

The GMC Sonoma model years with the most brakes complaints are 1994 (136 complaints), 1995 (84 complaints) and 1996 (52 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1991 GMC Sonoma get?

Official estimates for the 1991 GMC Sonoma range from 16 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 19-21 city and 25-26 highway.

Share your experience with the 1991 GMC Sonoma

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1991 GMC Sonoma?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN