Differential Unit Problems of GMC Sonoma

Passenger and driver seats in my 2000 GMC Sonoma have seat positioning controls and locking mechanisims that do not always lock properly and/or get jammed up and have broken. A friend was sitting in the passenger seat and it failed to lock into place to keep it from sliding forward. I adjusted the bolts that fasten the seat to the floor of the vehicle to help 'realign' the seat frame so that the mechanism that keeps the seat from siding front and back would keep the seat locked into position once the seating distance is set. Also, the reclining handle on the passenger side broke off, not allowing for seat back support angle adjustment on the passenger side. The driver's side seat back support adjustment lever often 'sticks' or 'locks' into position. . . . Not allowing for seat back rest adjustment. Rear differential sometimes locks up and or slips and shakes and makes noise. . . Especially when sideways force is applied. . . Such as when turning in a curve or circular fashion with the vehicle in motion. Both tailgate support cables broke on the truck. Front driver's side bearing had excess wear and had to be replaced at 65 000 km. Driver's side wiper arm got dislodged from the shaft that turns it and was knocked out of position on 2 occasions. Power steering fails for short intermittent periods when the vehicle is first started from a 'cold' and 'warm' state and the steering becomes stiffer and less responsive. Most noticable at slower vehicle speeds.

See all problems of the 2000 GMC Sonoma 🔎.

It has been determined that water has contaminanted the oil in the rear differential causing a mechanical failure. I have been informed that my extended warranty does not cover this issue even though GMC is aware that problem with a vent tube location is one source for water infiltration. I have a GMC document with specific instructions for mechanics to check for the improper vent tube location if water is indeed found in the rear axle fluid.

See all problems of the 2003 GMC Sonoma 🔎.

Contact states above the rear end differential there is a vent tube placed between where the truck bed stops and the cap starts, and there is about 1 -1/2 inch space left between. This space lets water collect, running down the tube, destroying the oil, and causing the lubrication on the rear end differential to be destroyed. A technical service bulletin for September 2004 discusses the same component. The rear seal had blown out which caused grease to escape. The consumer was told the entire rear end including the axle bearing and seals had to be replaced.

The contact owns a 2003 GMC Sonoma. In June of 2004, the differential was failing and the paint was deteriorating on the vehicle. The contact attempted to repair the vehicle himself, but the part was unavailable. The manufacturer advised him to have the vehicle diagnosed. The contact feels that the part should be available and is not willing to pay for a diagnostic. The failure mileage was 45,000 and current mileage was 65,000. Updated 5/14/09 updated 05/14/09.

Diferential has a zuming vibrating and cliking noise when driving both ajustable seat handels broke and 3rd small door handel has never work properly and keeps breaking.

See all problems of the 1999 GMC Sonoma 🔎.

Seals and gaskets for the differential, power steering, oil pan and drive train were all worn and needed replacing.

While consumer was driving at 40 mphvehicle died out. Towed to dealer. Dealer noticed that fuel pump needed to be replaced. This will be the third time.

Consumer states oil cooler line went bad and engine has a rattle when it is cold, also the rocker arm makes a noise when it is hot. The rear differential pinion seal was bad. It was replaced, but there is still a bad growl coming from the rear end when the consumer accelerates. The left door rattled, the right upper door hinges bushings were bad, there was no grease on the front ball joints, the front actuator motor for the 4-wheel drive was replaced.

Consumer states rear differential pinion seal was bad and replaced, but still a bad growl from the rear end when accelerating. Also front actuator motor for the 4-wheel drive was replaced once and the 4-wheel drive computer was replaced twice.

Unccceptable maintenance required. , unsatisfactory dealer repairs, service, and satisfaction. No safety efects listed in the summary.

See all problems of the 1998 GMC Sonoma 🔎.