In april 2006, a brake line on my 1998 gmc sonoma pickup broke when I applied the brakes at approx 50 MPH. I had to stop rather quickly due to traffic backing up on an interstate highway. When the brake line burst, my brake pedal went to the floor and I had no brakes. Prior to this happening, the brakes were working fine. Fortunately, I was able to swerve into another lane and downshift (std shift) to avoid an accident. My mechanic replaced the broken line (from hydraulic ABS to junction) and also the rear brake pads and rotors. The truck had 107,000 miles on it when this occurred. I decided to report this because I am concerned that it might happen to others, resulting in a serious accident.
1998 GMC Sonoma brakes problems
17 complaints (11% of all complaints for this car). 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 17
- of this car's complaints
- 11%
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip11
- Foundation components: disc: rotor2
- Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
- Foundation components1
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
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. A fatigue fracture of the rear axle right-hand brake pipe can occur causing a slow brake fluid leak resulting in a soft brake pedal. If the brake pipe breaks, the driver would experience a sudden drop in the brake pedal, the instrument panel brake light would illuminate, and there would be a loss of rear brake performance.
- Risk
- Partial loss of braking at a time when minimum stopping distance was required could result in a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pipe.
Recall number 97V218000 · Recall details
What 1998 GMC Sonoma owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
When parking brake pedal went to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
Whenever the parking brake was pressed it would come back up. *nm the parking brake has not been repaired.
Started off with a sudden failure to accelerate on highway then corrected itself; on and off for a few weeks. Discovered that brake pedal was soft and was failing to return to starting position; replaced master cylinder to eliminate soft pedal but still sticking and not returning to starting position. Cannot find cause.
The anti-lock brake system locked up, which resulted in extended stopping distance.
Anti-lock brakes failed to stop when pedal was depressed but did grab abruptly. Disc brakes are on the front and rear are drum brakes. Please describe details.
When applying brakes in snowy weather there is clicking sound present and vehicle will not stop. Dealer has not seen vehicle.
When he applying brakes ABS braking light came on. Therefore, system was inoperable. Dealership was aware of problem. Mechanic told him that ebcm devices were bad .this was brain unit to this device.
My 1998 gmc sonoma developed a braking problem - pulling hard right. The vehicle (under warranty - 15,000 miles) was taken to the dealership to correct the problem. The front rotors were turned, pads deglazed, wheel bearings repacked, rear drums turned and shoes adjusted to correct the problem. The cost to me was $217. I have never experienced brake problems at such low milage on any vehicle I have ever owned. I am convinced that a defect exists in the braking system that gm is attempting to blame on the consumer.
Abs brake problems: whny applying brakes during an emergency on wet pavement/icy or snowy roads, brakes locked up, causing extended stopping distance. This condition could cause a crash. Dealer could not duplicate this problem, and problem has not been corrected. *ak
Questions about the 1998 GMC Sonoma brakes
Does the 1998 GMC Sonoma have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 17 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 GMC Sonoma, 11% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1998 GMC Sonoma brakes problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1998 GMC Sonoma brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 97V218000. 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 1998 GMC Sonoma problems
Visibility 55Seats 29Body 14Airbags 11Engine 11Transmission 11Electrical 9Suspension 7Lights 4Locks 4Steering 4Acceleration 3Fuel system 3Tires 3Seat belts 2Wheels 1
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