Before you buy
This 2002 Gmc Sonoma has 57 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Brake System.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2002 Gmc Sonoma Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2002 Gmc Sonoma trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2002 Gmc Sonoma Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2002 GMC Sonoma Extended CabOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Gmc Sonoma has 57 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Gmc
- Model
- Sonoma
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 57
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 17
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 20
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2002 Gmc Sonoma problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Hydraulic
Structural Problems
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Hydraulic, Structural Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2002 Gmc Sonoma?
This GMC SONOMA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2002 Gmc Sonoma
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Gmc Sonoma, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The GMC SONOMA has 57 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. 2 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: No recalls are currently on record in this dataset, but buyers should still verify recall status by VIN because campaigns can be added later.
- 57 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 0 federal recall campaigns
- 2 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2002 Gmc Sonoma complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Gmc Sonoma. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 14 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 8 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Gmc Sonoma. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
During an oil change I noticed unusual wear on the front passenger side tire. Upon investigation my mechanic found that the chassis was cracked which pushed the tire causing it to rub. Very concerned this could have caused a very bad accident.
THE 3RD DOOR ON EXT CAB. THE DOOR DOES NOT OPEN. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THIS IS MAJOR COMPLAINTS FOR THESE 3RD MODELS. HAVE TO REPLACE PINS OR SOMETHING, BUT IT KEEPS HAPPENING. THIS A A LIFE & DEATH HAZARD & DEFECT. WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN RECALLED? IN AN ACCIDENT, (REAR ENDED) THE D…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SONOMA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE WIRE CABLE HOIST ASSEMBLY FRAY SNAPPED AND THE SPARE TIRE FELL ONTO THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE M…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SONOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION KEY DISENGAGED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN IN THE ON POSITION. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE KEY WAS IN THE OFF POSITION, THE VEHICLE REMAINED POWERED ON. AS A RESULT, THE BATTERY BECAME…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SONOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE INTERIOR EXTENDED CAB DOOR HANDLE BECAME FRACTURED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE DEFECT WAS REMEDIED. THE CONTACT STATED TH…
WHILE BRAKING FOR A YIELD INTERSECTION ON 3/30/2012, APPROX. 10AM, IN DRY AND CLEAR CONDITIONS, BRAKES ON 2002 GMC SONOMA FAILED. VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP DESPITE HARD PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND RAN THROUGH INTERSECTION ALMOST COLLIDING WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. WHEN MANAGED TO GE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SONOMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE, BUT WAS CONCERNED IT COULD SUDDENLY OCCUR. TH…
2002 GMC SONOMA ZR-2 EXTENDED CAB DOOR ENTRY HANDLE HAS FAILED 5 TIMES OVER PAST 6 YEARS. PART HAS BEEN REPLACED. OLD PART IS AVAILABLE. *TR
DOOR LATCH FOR MY EXTENDED CAB DOOR HAS BROKEN FOR THE 2ND TIME SINCE I'VE OWNED IT, WHICH IS 2004 AND THE LASY ONE LASTED ONLY 2 YEARS. *TR
I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE 2002, BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW. THE THIRD DOOR HANDLE HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES, TODAY IT BROKE AGAIN. IF SOMEONE WERE IN THE BACK OF THE CAB AND HAD TO GET OUT, THEY COULD NOT. THIS HANDLE IS PLASTIC AND BREAKS CONTINUOUSLY. THE CHEVY HOUSE INFORME…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SONOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR AND THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE C…
ON 1/25/06 I TOOK MY 2002 GMC SONOMA PICKUP TRUCK TO ALLEN GMC IN LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA TO HAVE THEM CHECK OUT A CLICKING NOISE I WAS HEARING IN THE STEERING SYSTEM. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY IN IT. THE DEALERSHIP CALLED ME AND INFORMED ME THAT THE INTERMED…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SONOMA. THE HANDLE ON THE THIRD DOOR FAILED AFTER BEING REPLACED SEVEN TIMES. THE HANDLE IS PLASTIC AND THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN ONCE IT FAILS. THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000 AND CURRENT MIL…
TL* - THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN HIS CLUTCH FAILED ON HIS 2002 GMC SONOMA. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE WET. THE CLUTCH STOPPED ENGAGING, THE ENGINE WAS REVVING BUT NONE OF THE GEARS WOULD ENGAGE. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS H…
TONIGHT, A RAINY NIGHT IN TEXAS I HAD TO BRAKES SUDDENLY. FINALLY MY ABS BRAKES WORKED PROPERLY .THERE WAS NO HEAVY PULL TO THE LEFT SWERVING INTO THE NEXT LANE, AS IT DID FROM 2003-2005. THERE WAS PULSATION FROM THE BRAKING MECHANISM THAT I NEVER FELT BEFORE LIKE I TOLD IT SHO…
I OWN A 2002 GMC SONOMA PICK-UP. I HAD THE CABLES ON THE TAILGATE BREAK WHEN CLIMBING INTO THE BACK OF THE TRUCK. I HAVE FOUND ARTICLES ON THIS SUBJECT ON THE INTERNET FROM NEWS AGENCIES THAT SAY GMC WOULD BE SENDING OUT A LETTER TO OWNERS OF THE GMC SONOMA'S AND S10 THAT WOULD W…
ON MY 2002 GMC SONOMA TRUCK THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BRAKE PAD WAS WORN OFF AND THE ROTOR SEVERELY SCORED AND RUINED BY 14,000 MILES, TO THE EXTENT THAT THE GMC DEALER DECLARED IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE. MEAN WHILE THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT BRAKE PAD WAS LARGELY INTACT AND THE ROTOR PERFECT…
TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES BROKEN. *JB
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF. THE BATTERY HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, #06V139000, REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH; HOWEVER T…
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STANDING ON THE TAILGATE, BOTH CABLES FRACTURED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V066000, REGARDING THE TAILGATE CABLE; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Gmc Sonoma.
Safety recalls
2002 Gmc Sonoma recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Gmc Sonoma. No recalls are currently on record in this dataset, but buyers should still verify recall status by VIN because campaigns can be added later. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time — confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2002 Gmc Sonoma buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Gmc Sonoma reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 57 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. This GMC SONOMA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Gmc Sonoma?▾
#1: Brake System (16 complaints). #2: Hydraulic (14 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (13 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Gmc Sonoma?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Gmc Sonoma?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Gmc Sonoma, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 57 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Gmc Sonoma have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2002 Gmc Sonoma in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2002 Gmc Sonoma?▾
This GMC SONOMA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Brake System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Gmc Sonoma reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Gmc Sonoma based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.