GMC Sonoma ball joint problems

Filed Jun 30, 2014 · Airbags · 140,000 miles · OH · crash · 1 injury

Our son was involved in a accident on 09/15/2013 where he was traveling north bound on soldiers home road in moraine ohio. His truck went of the right side of the road, when it did he accidentally hit the gas and not the brake. Truck then hit an electric pole as it picked up speed broke a tie rod in half. He then lost control as it flew across the street still increasing speed. At that time he hit 2 trees and a fire hydrant, then the truck spun and the rear wrapped around another tree. The airbags did not deploy either driver or passenger side. He was killed on impact and the passenger did survive.

Filed Aug 3, 2011 · Suspension · KS

In the last 6 years I have had to replace the ball joints; both upper and lower and shocks all around for the second time. I do not go out 4-wheeling and basically drive my vehicle only in town driving. I do not think these parts should be wearing out so quickly on this vehicle.

Filed Mar 24, 2010 · Suspension · 55,000 miles · NE

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 gmc sonoma. The contact stated that the vehicle would veer to the left or right when driving at speeds of at least 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the lower ball joints were replaced. The failure mileage was 55,000 and the current mileage was 55668.

Filed Nov 2, 2005 · Suspension · 85,687 miles · IA

At 85,687 miles, I had to replace all four ball joints on my 1997 gmc sonoma 4x4. Genuine gm parts were used for the replacement. I currently have 127,532 miles on those ball joints and all four of them need replaced again!!!!. This mean that these genuine gm parts have 41,845 miles on them and are bad again!!!! After calling gm to ask for some help with a warranty on the parts, of course there is nothing they can do for me.

Filed Aug 1, 2005 · Acceleration, Brakes · 5,000 miles · OH

Dt: consumer complained of vehicle handling problems since 5000 miles. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer at least 9-10 times. There was a popping sound in the front end. Consumer had the lower ball joints replaced, and believed the upper ball joints were still bad. Also, there was excessive play in the steering box. This was causing excessive wear on the tires. With any wind the vehicle was blown around. The service writer at the dealership said they didn't want to fix the problem because they were afraid it would make the problem worse, but it was not stated on the service repair sheet. At one point lock tight was put on the bolts to keep them from coming loose.*ak the manifold gasket and thermostat was replaced. On one occasion the vehicle lurched forward, there was a squealing noise coming from the brakes.

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 Oct 28, 2003 · Steering, Suspension · CT

After hearing of the dodge durango ball joint issue (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/10/27/eveningnews/main580233.shtml) I decided to write.*ak I have a 2000 gmc sonoma. I have approximately 72,000 miles on the vehicle. My concern is with the front-end steering components. I have had to replace the idler arm three times already. Two of these times were in the last six months. Also, I have had to replace portions of the tie-rods twice, as well as both front wheel hubs. I find this is to be a safety concern that needs to be addressed. I have talked to my dealer about the situation and they told me, "it's just the way to front-ends were designed." fortunately I have an extended warranty on the vehicle for parts and labor. Unfortunately I do not have an extended warranty in terms of safety. I travel quite a bit with this vehicle, as one can see by the mileage. I wonder if other sonoma owners have experienced the same thing. I also wonder if gmc is aware of the problem.

Filed Jun 26, 2002 · Body, Engine · WI

Consumer states oil cooler line went bad and engine has a rattle when it is cold, also the rocker arm makes a noise when it is hot. *yd the rear differential pinion seal was bad. It was replaced, but there is still a bad growl coming from the rear end when the consumer accelerates. The left door rattled, the right upper door hinges bushings were bad, there was no grease on the front ball joints, the front actuator motor for the 4-wheel drive was replaced.

Filed Dec 20, 2001 · Suspension · IL

A dealership diagnosed that right/ front upper ball joint has failed and must be replaced. Also, dealership informed consumer that this vehicle was not affected by any recall. Consumer must cover all expenses for replacement of the ball joints. Please provide any additional information / documentation.

Filed Aug 9, 2001 · Steering, Suspension · OH

Vehicle would shimmy and front end would shake visibly. Dealer replaced front ball joints/ idler arm and tie rod ends at34000 miles. At this time, same 3 components needed to be replaced plus front wheel bearings. The vehicle had same problem as in aug 2000. Also, tires were wearing out on the outside. 3 different gmc dealers told consumer that gmc was aware of the problem, but refused to do anything about it.