1996 GMC Brake Problems

General Motors Corporation initiated three recalls of 1996 GMC Sonomas due to brake problems, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Owners of these vehicles who are experiencing brake problems should make sure their trucks were not affected by these recalls and, if affected, ascertain whether the Sonomas underwent appropriate repairs.

Fluid Leak

On September 8, 1997, GMC recalled certain 1996 Sonoma GMC light-duty pickups with 4.3-liter engines to repair a brake problems that could lead to a fluid leak. A manufacturing problem could cause the front brake line to come into contact with the left-hand side of the engine's oil pan, which could lead to enough wear to cause a brake fluid leak. Brakes could stop working well enough to keep the driver from crashing.

Three-Sensor ABS

On July 1, 1999, GMC recalled various vehicles with three-sensor antilock brake systems (ABS), including 1996 GMC Sonomas, to repair or replace the computer program responsible for operating the ABS. A malfunction in these vehicles could cause the driver to experience extended stopping distances in some cases, which could lead to an accident.

Four-Wheel & Two-Wheel Drive Switch

On July 1, 1999, GMC recalled a number of four-wheel drive pickups and sport utility vehicles, including 1996 Sonomas, to repair a potentially defective four-wheel and two-wheel drive switch within the ABS. Increased stopping distances could occur if the vehicle is in two-wheel drive mode, putting the driver at risk for a crash.