Three problems related to front suspension control arm have been reported for the 1996 GMC Sonoma. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Drivers side upper ball joint failed while driving. Truck pulled immediately to the left, no oncoming vehicles. Upon further inspection, by two seperate facilities, all ball joints (upper/lower/drivers side/passengers side) were found to be defective. These parts are lubercated (greased) 3-4 times a year, typically every other oil change.
There are numerous, substantial safety hazards to these vehicles which appear to be common knowledge to mechanics but denied by dealerships. The ball joints are apparently common failures according to massachusetts safety inspectors and are deemed to be an extreme safety hazard. They state that dealerships regularly deny any responsibility for this failure. My vehicle is extremely well cared for, not abused in any way, and has experienced defects, which in my opinion demonstrate gross negligence on the part of GMC's engineering/production. I am also a professional engineer, and prepared to testify the same.
Ball joints broke twice while driving.
| Front Suspension Control Arm problems | |
| Front Suspension Upper Ball Joint problems | |
| Front Suspension problems | |
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