After consumer's vehicle was hit at 35 MPH on the front driver side frontal air bags did not deploy. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
The worst 1992 GMC Sonoma problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes15
- Transmission3
- Engine2
- Fuel system2
- Acceleration1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes15
- Transmission3
- Engine2
- Fuel system2
- Acceleration1
- Airbags1
- Body1
- Electrical1
- Suspension1
- Tires1
Recalls 1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- 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 1992 GMC Sonoma
Defect investigations
Abs braking system fails
There is no summary currently available
PE94046
Technical service bulletins for the 1992 GMC Sonoma 4
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
1992 GMC Sonoma fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | RWD | 18-20 | 24-25 | 20-22 |
| 2.8L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 23 | 19 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15-16 | 20-22 | 17-18 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14-15 | 19-20 | 16 |
What 1992 GMC Sonoma owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The vehicle was parked when it suddenly rolled backwards and knocked the consumer down. The consumer was not hurt.
It was approx. 70 deg. F. We were going about 60 MPH. On the pa. Turnpike east of pittsburgh. The tires looked fine the last time we stopped. They had 80 psi. In them, which is max pressure for those tires. The left rear outside tire just exploded, it threw the entire tread off, leaving the dead carcass on the wheel. I don't have the dot number because when we got back, I went to the bridgestone/firestone company store in merrillville, in. And complained. They replaced the tire free of charge. My father bought those tires in 1997. They are the same as what was original on the motorhome. I aquired it from him in august. The bad part is the damage to the sheet metal the tread did underneith this thing when it flew off. I have to fix that myself. By the way, the tire had 14/32" tread depth on the piece I brought back to them. The new tire measured just under 16/32" (tiresize: lt21585r16)( dot number: tire size: lt21585r16 )
Right front brakes wear excessively in shor period of time. Braking becomes difficult and vehicle has tendency to veer to the right when braking. Must exert extreme pressure on brake pedal to bring vehicle to a complete stop. Residue from brake shoes is evident on wheel
On the three occasions ,when the air temperature is high and it is quite humid with air conditioner on clutch assembly will fail to the point where the clutch will not disengage the gears. Consumer has to turn off ignition and must wait about 15 min, so it can cool down. A private transmission garage claimed engine will get hot, causing hydralic clutch to boil which will cause loss of ability to move clutch plates ,not allowing the clutch to disengage.
Dealer failed to repair when we complained about fuel/starting/rough engine on 6/93;2/94;5/94. Dlr replaced fuel pump/pvc 10/94; cost $600+ for fuel injector/plenum 9/98; again just cost $600+ 7/2000 for fuel injector/plenum. Advised gmc has west coast only bulletin #99034a ref: problem. Gas eats the gasket/plenum and loss of fuel regulation. No notice to owners. **plenum/fuel injector sprays pure gas and is fire hazard**. Vehicle emits fumes.
Front brakes evidence excessive wear in a short period of time. More than 50% wear is less than 10,000 miles.
The original exhaust manifold failed and was replaced at about 60,000 miles. This was paid for by the owner. The replaced manifold failed in the winter of 1998/99 and has not been replaced because it appears to be a defective design.
While driving when the brakes applied pedal went to the floor, causing extended stopping distance, which eventually resulted in an accident. Dealer has been contacted.
Intermittently while braking, vehicle lunges forward, and extended stopping distance occurs, which may result in a crash. Dealer cannot determine the cause of the problem. Please provide further information and VIN#.
Compare the 1992 GMC Sonoma
Other model years
199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032005
Questions about the 1992 GMC Sonoma
Is the 1992 GMC Sonoma reliable?
Owners have filed 25 complaints about the 1992 GMC Sonoma, fewer than a typical Sonoma model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1992 GMC Sonoma?
Brakes, with 15 complaints. Next is transmission (3).
How many recalls does the 1992 GMC Sonoma have?
1 recall, covering service brakes, hydraulic.
Was there a recall on the 1992 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 1992 GMC Sonoma get?
Official estimates for the 1992 GMC Sonoma range from 16 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 18-20 city and 24-25 highway.
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