1996 GMC Sonoma transmission problems

16 complaints (11% of all complaints for this car). 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 16
of this car's complaints: 11%
crashes: 2
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Automatic transmission
10
Manual transmission
4
Driveline: driveshaft
1
Automatic transmission: torque converter
1

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 transmission problems in other years

Related recalls

Power train: manual transmissionReported February 22, 1996 · 24,906 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Some of these trucks were built with transmissions containing parts which were not machined to gm's specifications.
Risk: These transmissions could seize and lock the rear drive wheels while the truck is being driven causing a loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission main shaft output torque using a special tool. If the output torque does not meet specifications, the transmission will be replaced.

Recall number 96V035000 · Recall details

What 1996 GMC Sonoma owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 26, 2003 · Transmission · 126,000 miles · FL

The vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in recall # 96v035000, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall.

Filed Nov 8, 2002 · Transmission · TX

Consumer notice while shifting vehicle into reverse vehicle was not gaining any power. Vehicle was service technician notice that transmission was over heat. Please provide further information. Ts

Filed Mar 14, 2001 · Transmission, Visibility · MD

While exiting from highway consumer was trying to down shift from forth gear to third gear, but it would only go to second gear. Also, windshield wipers stopped working completely.

Filed Feb 28, 2001 · Transmission · GA

Premature failure of transmission. Vehicle slips and stalls while driving. Vehicle has had 4 transmissions in 18 months.

Filed Sep 29, 2000 · Transmission · LA

Transmission fails/locks/stalls due to spring that engages torque converter does not have enought tolerance for this transmission. Transmission shop repaired 4 transmissions with identical defect in the small town of lafayette just this past week. This defect must be quite widespread!

Filed Apr 16, 2000 · Brakes, Transmission · VA · crash · 2 injuries

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Filed Feb 11, 2000 · Electrical, Fuel system · MA · crash

There are numerous, substantial safety hazards to these vehicles which appear to be common knowledge to mechanics but denied by dealerships. The ball joints are apparently common failures according to massachusetts safety inspectors and are deemed to be an extreme safety hazard. They state that dealerships regularly deny any responsibility for this failure. My vehicle is extremely well cared for, not abused in any way, and has experienced defects, which in my opinion demonstrate gross negligence on the part of gmc's engineering/production. I am also a professional engineer, and prepared to testify the same.

Filed Jan 11, 2000 · Transmission · PA

Transmission failed while consumer was sitting at a busy intersection. Nlm

Filed Dec 17, 1999 · Acceleration, Brakes · CA

We have had numerous problems with this vehicle sine one month after purchase including the idle sticking/interior moulding cracking/transmission rebuilt/computer replaced due to failure engine check light indicator light does not turn off, and right side brake does not seem to wear properly.. My husband is able to recall more.

Filed Sep 17, 1999 · Transmission · NJ

Due to defective overspeed sensor vehicle stalled unexpectedly while driving which may result in a crash. Please provide further information.

Questions about the 1996 GMC Sonoma transmission

Does the 1996 GMC Sonoma have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 16 complaints about the transmission of the 1996 GMC Sonoma, 11% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1996 GMC Sonoma transmission problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1996 GMC Sonoma transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 96V035000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the GMC Sonoma have bad transmission?

The GMC Sonoma model years with the most transmission complaints are 1996 (16 complaints), 1998 (11 complaints) and 1994 (10 complaints).