1999 GMC Sonoma

Introduction The 1999 GMC Sonoma is a compact pickup truck that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The standard engine was a 2.2L four-cylinder that produced 120 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. A 4.3L V6 engine with 190 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque was also available. Both engines could be paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

People like the Sonoma for its affordability, versatility, and ruggedness. However, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical system.

Engine

• 2.2L four-cylinder engine
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, rough idling
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 4.3L V6 engine
  • Cylinder head gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
    • Solution: Replace cylinder head gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Lower intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, rough idling
    • Solution: Replace lower intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Five-speed manual transmission
  • Shifting difficulty
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises
    • Solution: Replace worn or damaged parts
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Four-speed automatic transmission
  • Slipping gears
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle hesitates or slips when shifting gears
    • Solution: Overhaul or replace transmission
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque converter failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Stalling, shuddering, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace torque converter
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front suspension
  • Ball joint failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises, loose steering, uneven tire wear
    • Solution: Replace ball joints
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rear suspension
  • Leaf spring failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, rough ride
    • Solution: Replace leaf springs
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery
  • Premature failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting vehicle, dead battery
    • Solution: Replace battery
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator
  • Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, difficulty starting vehicle, battery warning light
    • Solution: Replace alternator
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Dashboard
  • Warping
    • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard warps and becomes deformed
    • Solution: Replace dashboard
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1999 GMC Sonoma is a reliable and affordable pickup truck, but it is not without its issues. Some of the most common problems reported by owners include engine gasket failures, transmission problems, and suspension issues. The severity and cost of these issues can vary depending on the specific problem and the severity of the damage.