1991 GMC Jimmy Sonoma recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
What could happen: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 JIMMY SONOMA.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 06E026000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO PRO-A MOTORS AFTERMARKET LAMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LAMP MODEL NUMBERS, CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH AND VIEW DOCUMENT TITLED "LAMP MODEL NUMBERS." CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1989 THROUGH AUGUST 1996. 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.
What could happen: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 JIMMY SONOMA.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 99V193000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1989 THROUGH AUGUST 1996. 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.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURRED AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE OR REPAIR THE 4-WHEEL/2-WHEEL DRIVE SWITCH.
Notes: THE FIRST PHASE OF OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS BEGAN MAY 31, 2000, WITH THE LAST MAILING COMPLETED BY OCTOBER 2000. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
3. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. USE OF IMPROPER PRIMER ON METAL SURFACES OF WINDSHIELD AND SIDE WINDOW OPENINGS COULD CAUSE LOW ADHESION TO THE METAL SURFACE AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE RETENTION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212.
What could happen: WINDSHIELD AND SIDE WINDOW GLASS WOULD NOT PREVENT THEEJECTION OF VEHICLE OCCUPANTS DURING A VEHICLE CRASH, WHICH CAUSES SERIOUSINJURIES AND FATALITIES.
The fix: REMOVE AND REINSTALL GLASS USING PROPER PRIMER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 JIMMY SONOMA.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V107000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Summary: USE OF IMPROPER PRIMER ON METAL SURFACES OF WINDSHIELD AND SIDE WINDOW OPENINGS COULD CAUSE LOW ADHESION TO THE METAL SURFACE AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE RETENTION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212.
Consequence: WINDSHIELD AND SIDE WINDOW GLASS WOULD NOT PREVENT THEEJECTION OF VEHICLE OCCUPANTS DURING A VEHICLE CRASH, WHICH CAUSES SERIOUSINJURIES AND FATALITIES.
Remedy: REMOVE AND REINSTALL GLASS USING PROPER PRIMER.
Notes: SYSTEM: WINDSHIELD AND SIDE WINDOW MOUNTING; FMVSS 212.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: UTILITY, PICKUP, AND EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS.
4. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. VEHICLES HAVE BEEN SHIPPED WITH THE FUEL TANK SENDER SEAL OUT OF POSITION.
What could happen: IN THE EVENT OF ROLLOVER ACCIDENT, AN OUT OF POSTIONSEAL COULD ALLOW FUEL SPILLAGE IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT PRESCRIBED BY FMVSS 301.SPILLED FUEL COULD IGNITE NEAR AN IGNITION SOURCE.
The fix: REPLACE SENDER SEALS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 JIMMY SONOMA.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V108000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
Summary: VEHICLES HAVE BEEN SHIPPED WITH THE FUEL TANK SENDER SEAL OUT OF POSITION.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF ROLLOVER ACCIDENT, AN OUT OF POSTIONSEAL COULD ALLOW FUEL SPILLAGE IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT PRESCRIBED BY FMVSS 301.SPILLED FUEL COULD IGNITE NEAR AN IGNITION SOURCE.
Remedy: REPLACE SENDER SEALS.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL SYSTEMS; FMVSS 301.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES.
5. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. THESE VEHICLES EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH A REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTON CAN STICK IN THE UNLATCHED (DOWN) POSITION UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS BECAUSE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAN MOVE INSIDE THE SEAT BELT COVER. IF THE COVER MOVES FAR ENOUGH, IT CAN CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION WITH THE LATCH RELEASE BUTTON. WHEN IT DOES, THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE CANNOT BE LATCHED.
What could happen: THE REAR BELTS MAY NOT HOLD AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT INCREASING THE RISK OF PESONAL INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THREE REAR-SEAT BELT BUCKLES (ONE ASSEMBLY) WITH A NEW, REVISED DESIGN.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 JIMMY SONOMA.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V142000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
Summary: THESE VEHICLES EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH A REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTON CAN STICK IN THE UNLATCHED (DOWN) POSITION UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS BECAUSE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAN MOVE INSIDE THE SEAT BELT COVER. IF THE COVER MOVES FAR ENOUGH, IT CAN CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION WITH THE LATCH RELEASE BUTTON. WHEN IT DOES, THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE CANNOT BE LATCHED.
Consequence: THE REAR BELTS MAY NOT HOLD AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT INCREASING THE RISK OF PESONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THREE REAR-SEAT BELT BUCKLES (ONE ASSEMBLY) WITH A NEW, REVISED DESIGN.
Notes: SYSTEM: INTERIOR; SEAT BELTS; REAR. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN AUGUST 1996. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1991 GMC Jimmy Sonoma owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (100), Hydraulic (98), Seat belts (20), Electrical system (13), Engine (8).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
01/02/2013 · Wheels / tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 GMC SONOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, AN UNUSUAL NOISE EMITTED FROM OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED HAT THE SPARE TIRE HAD BECOME DETACHED FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF A FRACTURED SUPPORT CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPR…
06/18/2010 · Latches / locks
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 GM SONOMA. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 20 MPH, THE DRIVERS DOOR WOULD OPEN WITHOUT WARNING. THE DOOR LATCH PIN WAS FOUND TO BE SEVERELY RUSTED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND WERE NOT WILLING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
06/16/2008 · Steering
1991 GMC SONOMA. TILT STEERING HAS BECOME VERY LOOSE HAS NOT CAUSED ANY WRECKS OR DAMAGE AFRAID TO DRIVE. HAVE NOT TAKEN FOR REPAIRS. MILEAGE COUNTER BROKE SOME YEARS AGO THIS TRUCK HAS APROX. 200,000 MILES ON WITH NO OTHER COMPLAINTS, DID HAVE MANUAL TRANS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY MANY YEARS AGO. *TR
04/24/2007 · Brakes · crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 GM JIMMY. WHILE DRIVING IN A 35 MPH ZONE THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER WAS INJURED AND TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THIS WAS THE SECOND CRASH. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE MILEAGE, DATE OF ACCIDENT, OR PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE OF REC…
12/06/2004 · Engine
ENGINE WOULD CONSTANTLY OVERHEAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO A DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE THERMOSTAT, AND PROBLEM RECURRED. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER, AND THEY INFORMED HIM THAT THE THERMOSTAT WAS DEFECTIVE. *AK
10/16/2003 · Engine
PROBLEM WITH EXHAUST PIPE ON MUFFLER.*MR THE CONSUMER WAS REFERRED TO A MUFFLER SHOP TO HAVE A PATCH PUT ON THE FRONT HEADER PIPE AND WAS NOT GIVEN ANY OPTION TO HAVE IT FIXED CORRECTLY *TS *JB
07/03/2003 · Brakes
CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE SHOES AND TAIL PIPE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR EXHAUST REPAIR. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT EH CONSUMER TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE MUFFLER SHOP FOR A HEADER PIPE PATCH. THE CONSUMER IS INTERESTED IN KNOWING IF A HEADER PIPE PATCH IS ILLEGAL WITH THE PRESENT VEHICLE EMISSIONS STANDARD. *MR *CB *N…
03/22/2002 · Brakes
AFTER DRIVING 55MPH WOULD APPLY BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN RIGHT AWAY. WOULD NEED TO PUMP BRAKES 3 OR 4 TIMES BEFORE BRAKES CAUGHT ON. PROBLEM WAS CONSISTENT AND GETTING WORSE. HAD CONTACTED DEALER.*AK