1993 GMC Sonoma: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1993 GMC Sonoma: 2 recalls, 58 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #94V093000 · 1994 · 72,664 vehicles
What's wrong: Significant wear can develop on the low and reverse clutch preventing the park pawl from engaging. This can prevent a "no park" condition to occur while the engine is running, causing unintentional movement of the vehicle without operator action. (the "no park" condition will not occur while the engine is off.)
Why it matters: Unintentional vehicle movement could result in a vehicle accident and injury to persons in the path of the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will check the transmission fluid for contamination which will indicate if the low or reverse clutch is worn. If the transmission fluid shows contamination, the transmission will be replaced.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #99V193000 · 1999 · 1,125,749 vehicles
What's wrong: Under certain driving conditions the switch which signals the ABS system whether the vehicle is in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive can malfunction causing increased stopping distances during ABS stops while in the two-wheel drive mode.
Why it matters: If this occurred at a time when minimum stopping distance was required, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning.
The fix: Dealers will replace or repair the 4-wheel/2-wheel drive switch.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E041000 · 2006 · 7,800 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain r&b, Inc. central multiport fuel injection (cmfi) fuel return lines, models help 55163, napa balkamp 700-3270, and the connection 2560001, sold for use as replacement equipment for the vehicles listed above. The fuel return line has a mechanical bleed valve which was not installed at the proper torque.
Why it matters: A fuel leak can occur at the valve, possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix: R&b, Inc. will notify owners and at the customers request, either replace the fuel line or offer a full refund. The recall began on May 4, 2006.
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E043000 · 2006 · 88,303 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from October 18, 2005, through March 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The…
Why it matters: This condition May cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (31): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (13), noise or vibration (3).
- Engine & cooling (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (7): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Electrical (5): the most common themes are fire / smoke (3), stalls / loses power (2).
The 1993 GMC Sonoma has 58 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 16 Sonoma model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 84). Complaints peaked in 1998 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old. Neighboring years: 1992 (25 complaints, 1 recalls), 1994 (224 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 16 | Premium |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1993 GMC Sonoma.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1993 GMC Sonoma have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1993 GMC Sonoma, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1993 GMC Sonoma problems?
Owners have filed 58 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (31), engine & cooling (7), transmission & drivetrain (7).
What gas mileage does the 1993 GMC Sonoma get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 9 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1993 GMC Sonoma repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.