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1994 GMC Sonoma brakes problems

136 complaints (61% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 115,000. 18 crashes reported.

owner complaints
136
of this car's complaints
61%
typical mileage
115,000
crashes
18
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    111
  • Foundation components
    10
  • Foundation components: disc: pads
    5
  • Antilock
    5
  • Pedals and linkages
    3
  • Foundation components: disc: rotor
    3
  • Power assist
    2
  • Foundation components: master cylinder
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

GMC Sonoma brakes problems in other years

1991199520002003

Specific symptoms reported on the 1994 GMC Sonoma brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 66Brake failure 32

Related recalls

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

Related investigations

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

There is no summary currently available

PE94046

What 1994 GMC Sonoma owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 19, 2008 · Brakes · 91,000 miles · DE

Abs light is on and dealer claims my 1994 gmc sonoma needs a $2,200 ABS computer replaced. There was recall on the ABS module in 7/00. I believe this recall affected the ABS computer that now needs replacing and I'm asking for assistance from gmc on sharing the replacement costs.

Filed Jul 25, 2005 · Brakes, Suspension · 115,000 miles · NY

Dt: the consumer owns a 1994 gmc sonoma. The consumer is having problems with the brakes. Sometimes when she is trying to stop, it will excessive force to stop the vehicle. The dealership wanted to charge her 125 dollars to look at it. In two months she has had the brakes replaced three times. They have replaced the rotors, pads, drums, emergency brake cable and nothing seemed to help. The ABS light has never come on. Gmc stated the consumers VIN was not included in with the recall because her vehicle was too old and a lot of miles on it. The shocks have also been replaced. The federal safety agency campaign id numbers are 99i006000 and 99v193000.

Filed Jul 13, 2005 · Brakes · 170,000 miles · IA

Dt: this is a gmc s15 sonoma 4 wheel drive truck. When the consumer applied the brakes, the ABS light illuminated. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and they said it was one of the 4 wheel speed sensors.

Filed Jun 26, 2005 · Brakes, Steering · 180,000 miles · TN

At 35 MPH passanger lower ball joint failed and resulted in the vehicle being disabled and towed from from road. 94 sonoma 2.2 liter with 180,000 miles. I had no clue as to the problem and the vehicle seemed to run fine just before the failure.

Filed May 28, 2003 · Brakes · 65,000 miles · OH

Every time the brakes were applied, the vehicle would not stop immediately.

Filed Feb 10, 2003 · Brakes · MA · crash

The anti-lock brake system failed, which caused theh vehicle to slide into a fence and caused damage to consumer's vehicle.

Filed Oct 25, 2002 · Brakes · IN

Consumer states while driving that the brake is to close to the acceleration pedal causing accident. Ts

Filed Aug 30, 2002 · Brakes · MI

Anti-lock light goes on & brakes go to the floor had it in to the dealer was told nothing was wrong, took it home light came on again & no brakes, twice I almost killed myself. Took it back to dealer they then found the problem, I was told it was hub bearing worn & rubbing on the anti-lock sensor. I do not think that should make my brakes go to the floor. My brakes were in excellent condition. There were no signs of noise or wear on the hub bearings.

Filed Sep 27, 2001 · Brakes · WA · crash

The ABS brakes that gmc put on this pickup appear to be miss calibrated or something like that. The brakes appear to work fine at high speeds. It is a different story when you try to stop when the speed drops. Dry pavement with sand on it the stopping distance is extended. The local dealer found an special factory order and replaced the brake brain which didn't change anything. The brake pads on the front are new and the rear shoes are in good shape. When you try to drive on the antifreeze compound the state and city apply to the streets makes it a real challange to even slow down with out front brake lock up. I carry about 400# of weight in the winter to faciltate starting and stopping. Last winter I was coming down a hill very slowly and applied the brakes and front wheel lockup and the back wheels didn't stop but turned slowly leaving tread marks. The rears didn't slide at all as I slide off the road in the a snow bank. I try not to drive the pickup in the winter because I don't want to cause a wreck. Every time I try and stop in the winter it is a thrill. My car has ABS and I know how ABS should work. This pickup is the greatest truck I have every owned except for the brakes. I do understand that my truck has many miles on it, but it is well maintained. Gmc should be able to come out with a fix for the brakes before somebody is killed. I really don't want to park the truck or junk it. Thank you.

Filed May 4, 2001 · Brakes · OH

Right front brake line, that goes from metal tubing to plastic and attaches to wheel, wore through, causing pedal to go to the floor, and resulting in extended stopping distance.

Questions about the 1994 GMC Sonoma brakes

Does the 1994 GMC Sonoma have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 136 complaints about the brakes of the 1994 GMC Sonoma, 61% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1994 GMC Sonoma brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 115,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1994 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).

Other 1994 GMC Sonoma problems

Visibility 53Acceleration 12Engine 12Transmission 10Electrical 8Fuel system 7Suspension 7Lights 4Seat belts 2Steering 2Tires 2Body 1Seats 1

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