Model year guide

2001 GMC Sonoma

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2001 GMC Sonoma is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.

2001 GMC Sonoma — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2001 GMC Sonoma at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints90
Combined14–22 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2001 GMC Sonoma recalls 1

Seat Belts NHTSA Campaign #00V228003 · manufacturer #00067 · 07/08/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DATE CODES AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ANY SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2001 GMC Sonoma common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 90 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2001 GMC Sonoma safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2001 GMC Sonoma Extended Cab. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2001 GMC Sonoma MPG & running costs

Combined14–22 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway21 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,000
EPA size classSmall Pickup Trucks 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$8,000 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 6 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2001 GMC Sonoma costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$20,000
Fuel only$20,000
Per mile$0.27

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
190.2–206.3 in
Width
68.1 in
Height
62.2–63.4 in
Wheelbase
108.3–122.8 in
Curb weight
3,073–4,127 lb
Front track
54.7–60.2 in
Rear track
54.7–59.1 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2001 GMC Sonoma — ranges cover the 8 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

ENGINE STALL DUE TO FUEL STARVATION Closed

ODI OPENED PE02-066 TO EVALUATE THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCE OF ENGINE POWER-LOSS DUE TO FUEL STARVATION INDUCED BY IN-TANK MODULAR FUEL PUMP STRAINER RESTRICTION. THE SUBJECT PUMPS USE AN EXTERNAL ¿SOCK¿ STRAINER TO FILTER FUEL FLOWING TO THE PUMP INLET. THIS FILTER CAN SOMETIMES BECOME CLOGGED, RESULTING IN A REDUCED FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE. GM HAS SUBSEQUENTLY MODIFIED THE STRAINERS TO REDUCE THIS RESTRICTION. ANA…

NHTSA #PE02066 · Fuel System, Other, Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Sep 2002 · closed Nov 2003

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 343

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 343.

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Record…

Bulletin PIP4723J · Electrical System · Oct 2024

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…

Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…

Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exc…

Bulletin General Communication · Electrical System · Aug 2024

GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more caref…

Bulletin 24-NA-141 · Power Train · Jul 2024

This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce c…

Bulletin 16-NA-383 · Fuel/propulsion System, Engine · Jun 2024

This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.

Bulletin 18-NA-099 · Jun 2024

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.

Bulletin 24-NA-098 · Electrical System · Jun 2024

This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce…

Bulletin 16-NA-383 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SONOMA. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the GMC Sonoma

The Chevrolet S-10 is a compact pickup truck produced by Chevrolet. It was the first domestically-built compact pickup of the big three American automakers. When it was first introduced as a "quarter-ton pickup" in 1981 for the 1982 model year, the GMC version was known as the S-15 and later renamed the GMC Sonoma. A high-performance version of the latter was released in 1991, called "Syclone". The pickup was also sold by Isuzu as the Hombre from 1996 through 2000, but only in North America. There was also an SUV version, the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer/GMC S-15 Jimmy. An electric version was leased as a fleet vehicle in 1997 and 1998. These models are sometimes internally referred to as the S/T s…

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2001 GMC Sonoma trims & engines on record

Trims
SLS · SL
Engines
4.3L 6-cyl · 2.2L

2001 GMC Sonoma vehicles on record

Other GMC Sonoma model years

2001 GMC Sonoma — frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 GMC Sonoma have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2001 GMC Sonoma. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 GMC Sonoma?

Across all 90 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, service brakes, hydraulic.

What is the 2001 GMC Sonoma safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2001 GMC Sonoma crash-test ratings of frontal 2★, side 3★, rollover 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2001 GMC Sonoma get?

The 2001 GMC Sonoma has U.S. EPA estimates of 14–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (6 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.