I had a near death accidents (twice) due to catastrophic brake line failure from severely rusted brake lines the front left and the intermediate line from front to rear section on top of frame rail. First incident was at speed of 45 MPH on highway with hard stop required to avoid stopped traffic ahead. Second failure was more insidious with progressive brake line rust through/ leak spot to rear brake lines with fin through and failure. This is not complicated ... Simply substandard materials for one of the most critical components in a vehicle. It should not matter what conditions are (ie salt, cold, etc; design and materials should be mandated for brake lines not to rust through. There are materials which could be used to accomplish this, particularly for northern regions with salt on roads. The entire brke line system is on this vehilcle (and others) is an unnecessary and avoidable public safety hazard. Surely there have been deaths resulting from failure, I was lucky and had to maneuver stright through between 2 stopped vehicles as I had no other option with no brakes. Also, all vehicles should be required to have handle operated parking/emergency brake levers , as the foot operated one in this vehicle was useless, but a pull type, hand operated brake handle would have been readily accessible and likely prevented near death incident.
2000 GMC Sonoma brakes problems
35 complaints (26% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 84,000. 8 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 35
- of this car's complaints
- 26%
- typical mileage
- 84,000
- crashes
- 8
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip24
- Foundation components: master cylinder3
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module2
- Foundation components: disc: rotor1
- Foundation components1
- Brake fluid low warning: lamp1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
GMC Sonoma brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2000 GMC Sonoma brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes. Some of these vehicles have an antilock brake system (ABS) motor containing an out-of-specification spring clip. This clip could allow the motor bearing to become misaligned. If misalignment occurs, eventually the ABS would be non-functional.
- Risk
- The base brakes would remain fully functional, but the dynamic rear proportioning (drp) system, which optimizes front to rear brake balance, would become inoperative.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the brake pressure module valve assembly.
Recall number 00V055000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: s -trucks equipped with 2 wheel drive. These vehicles may have had the right-hand antilock brake system (ABS) module feed pipe and/or brake crossover pipe tube nuts tightened without seating the pipe-flared-ends enough to withstand normal assembly and vehicle inputs without partially unseating. This does not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic service brake normal, emergency, and park braking performance."
- Risk
- If this occurred, the seating seal could be broken during vehicle assembly, or from early road inputs or brake fluid cycling, and a leak could occur increasing the brake stopping distance.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the brake pipe union for signs of brake fluid, and if necessary, install a new brake pipe union.
Recall number 99V220000 · Recall details
What 2000 GMC Sonoma owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
For the third time my brake line broke and lost all brakes in motion luck for me and my wife we were able to pull off the road going to have it towed to a shop for repair again what is going on with gmc quality and safety.
Brake line failure on three different dates 2/12/2012. 9/18/2013. 3/6/14 still driving the truck should I be worried. Updated 3/18/2015
On 19 june 2013 I applied the brakes on a damp/wet road. Before coming to a complete stop I experienced a sort of hopping of the front end while going over a rough section of roadway. This sensation has occurred numerous times before and I was told it had something to do with the anti-locking brake system but nothing specific.
Abs system malfunction. Code c0265. Internet research indicates that this model year (2000) and other similar models and surrounding years have this failure. Grounding failure to ABS computer module resulting in the necessity to replace module.
Abs & emergency dash lights will turn on/off intermittenly; no pattern as to when/how often. Had gm dealer check it. My ebcm had a short, if lights were on, had no ABS, just hydraulic if lights were off. I have ABS. Cost of new module is $1100.00; plus labor!! Dealer suggested I live with it for cost of repair! I agreed, but worried that gm probably were ignoring lights & thinking they had good ABS!!
My ABS light began to come on while driving. I could hear the ABS pump running but the module was not functioning. I pulled the fuse so it would stop running and I could get home. After taking it into auto service they determined it needs a electronic brake control module and has a kelsey & hayes anti-lock system. The work was quoted at over $700. They said it would be safe to drive but I have limited any driving with the truck since it valid.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 35 MPH the contact depressed the brake pedal and it went to the floor. As an attempt to stop the vehicle the contact pumped the brakes., resulting contact in a rear end collision. This incident occurred on wet road conditions. The vehicle was towed to an independent towing service.
Shortly after I purchased my 2000 gmc sonoma [xxx] I had a "low speed activation" of the ABS. Some time later the brake warning light was activated. I took the truck to a gmc dealer and was told I had no problems, but they did replace the brake shoes. Ever since then the low speed activation would happen periodically. Recently, the problem has evolved to every day. And I believe this root problem is behind a lot of other brake problems I've had with this vehicle. *nm updated 07/18/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
After depressing brake pedal to make a stop brake pedal pulsated. This resulted in extended stopping distance.
Questions about the 2000 GMC Sonoma brakes
Does the 2000 GMC Sonoma have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 35 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 GMC Sonoma, 26% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2000 GMC Sonoma brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 84,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2000 GMC Sonoma brakes?
Yes, 2 recalls: 00V055000, 99V220000. 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 2000 GMC Sonoma problems
Body 41Locks 12Seats 11Airbags 10Suspension 8Transmission 8Engine 7Fuel system 5Visibility 5Tires 4Acceleration 3Lights 3Seat belts 3Steering 3Wheels 1
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