1998 Chevrolet Sonoma problems

chevrolet logo

The Chevrolet S-10 is a compact pickup truck produced by Chevrolet. It was the first domestically-built compact pickup of the big three American automakers. When it was first introduced as a "quarter-ton pickup" in 1981 for the 1982 model year, the GMC version was known as the S-15 and later renamed the GMC Sonoma. A high-performance version of the latter was released in 1991, called "Syclone." The pickup was also sold by Isuzu as the Hombre from 1996 through 2000, but only in North America. There was also an SUV version, the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer/GMC S-15 Jimmy. An electric version was leased as a fleet vehicle in 1997 and 1998. These models are sometimes internally referred to as the S/T series to denote two and four wheel drive models respectively (similar to the full size Chevrolet C/K trucks) despite all versions being badged with 'S' nomenclature.

In North America, the S-series was replaced by the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Isuzu i-Series in 2004.

The S-Series ended production in Brazil in 2012, being replaced by the Chevrolet Colorado, but still with the name S-10.

1998 Chevrolet Sonoma

Social links

Common 1998 Chevrolet Sonoma problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Chevrolet Sonoma 1998, several common problems have been reported:

  • Engine Cuts Out and Misfires:
    • Owners have experienced issues with the engine cutting out and misfiring, running at half power, and then returning to normal operation intermittently.
  • Wiper Motor Replacement:
    • Some users have reported having to replace the wiper motor multiple times, indicating a potential reliability issue with this component.
  • Computer System Failures:
    • Complaints include repeated failures of the computer system, which can lead to downtime and costly repairs.
  • Alternator Problems:
    • Alternator failures have been noted by owners, requiring replacements to maintain the vehicle's electrical system.
  • Ball Joints and Tie Rod Ends Replacement:
    • Issues with ball joints and tie rod ends have been highlighted, suggesting potential weaknesses in the suspension system of the 1998 Chevrolet Sonoma.
  • Handling and Turning Radius Concerns:
    • Some drivers have mentioned challenges with the handling and turning radius of the Sonoma, particularly noting that it handles like a larger vehicle despite its size.
  • Road Noise:
    • Owners have reported higher levels of road noise than desired, impacting the overall driving experience and comfort within the vehicle.

These common problems reported by Chevrolet Sonoma 1998 owners highlight various issues ranging from electrical and mechanical components to handling characteristics and overall comfort. Addressing these issues promptly can help maintain the vehicle's performance and reliability.

1998 Chevrolet Sonoma engine

Is the GMC Sonoma front or rear wheel drive?

About Sonoma

Offered as a three-passenger regular cab or a five-passenger extended cab, the GMC Sonoma could be moved by rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

How many gallons is a 1998 GMC Sonoma?

19.0 gal

Used 1998 GMC Sonoma - Specs & Features

Fuel & MPG
EPA city/highway MPG15/20 MPG
EPA combined MPG17 MPG
Range in miles (city/hwy)285.0/380.0 mi.
Fuel tank capacity19.0 gal.

What years was the GMC Sonoma made?

GMC Sonoma Summary

Also known as the S-15, the GMC Sonoma is a compact pickup that was produced from 1981 to 2004. There are two distinct generations: the first (model years 1982–1993) and the more modern, recognizable second generation (model years 1994–2004).

Is GMC Sonoma a good truck?

Overall the GMC Sonoma is dependable, solid, and a fuel efficient truck.

How many gallons is a 1998 GMC Sonoma?

19.0 gal

Used 1998 GMC Sonoma - Specs & Features

Fuel & MPG
EPA city/highway MPG15/20 MPG
EPA combined MPG17 MPG
Range in miles (city/hwy)285.0/380.0 mi.
Fuel tank capacity19.0 gal.

Is the GMC Sonoma front or rear wheel drive?

About Sonoma

Offered as a three-passenger regular cab or a five-passenger extended cab, the GMC Sonoma could be moved by rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

What years was the GMC Sonoma made?

GMC Sonoma Summary

Also known as the S-15, the GMC Sonoma is a compact pickup that was produced from 1981 to 2004. There are two distinct generations: the first (model years 1982–1993) and the more modern, recognizable second generation (model years 1994–2004).

What transmission does a 1998 GMC Sonoma have?

Mechanical

19 gallon fuel tankStandard
5-speed manual transmission w/ODStandard
Insulation-inc: hood, cowl/fender sealStandard
Leaf spring rear suspensionStandard
Passlock theft deterrent security systemStandard

1998 Chevrolet Sonoma car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Sonoma problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Power train problems
  • Visibility problems
  • Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Chevrolet Sonoma vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1998 Chevrolet Sonoma complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Chevrolet Sonoma.

2005-01-25

POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-07-10
  • VIN: 1GTCF1948W8
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, SOMETIMES WHEN THE CONSUMER TURNED THEM ON A FASTER SPEED THEY WILL COME ON. THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEAT HANDLES WERE BROKEN, THEY DID NOT RECLINE AND METAL WAS WHITE. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED SIX TIMES, AND THE TAILGATE CABLES WERE BROKEN AND RUSTED. *JB.. VEHICLE ALMOST HIT A LARGE VAN WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ALMOST ALWAYS WORKED WHEN IT WAS DRY OUTSIDE. CONSUMER TOOK OUT THE CIRCUIT BOARD AND FOUND THE SOLDER JOINT TO THE RELAY CRACKED. *AK
2004-12-03

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-11-29
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. SUDDENLY, CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS, AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
2003-08-08

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-07-17
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. *JB
Leave your review of 1998 Chevrolet Sonoma

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1998 Chevrolet Sonoma problems:

1998 GMC Sonoma Problems and Complaints - 21 Issues
1998 GMC Sonoma Problems and Complaints - 21 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1998-gmc-sonoma/problems

Problem with your 1998 GMC Sonoma? Our list of 21 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1998 GMC Sonoma.

Common 2.2 Problems | S-10 Forum
Common 2.2 Problems | S-10 Forum
https://www.s10forum.com/threads/common-2-2-problems.289743/

Apr 11, 2007 ... 2002 chevy xtreme s10 4.3 5speed sold 1991 gmc syclone #1952 brothers whip SOLD ... 2.2 clutch problem. my 98 ... I have a 98 S10 2.2. Had the motor ...

Chevy S10/GMC S15-Sonoma: Problems & Solutions — Car Forums ...
Chevy S10/GMC S15-Sonoma: Problems & Solutions — Car Forums ...
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/15542/chevrolet/s-10/chevy-s10-gmc-s15-sonoma-problems-amp-solutions

Jan 19, 2001 ... Since 1994 was the very first model year for the new style S10 I was wondering if this vechicle is a reliability risk. I would appreciate any ...

overall reliability/weak points of the s10? | S-10 Forum
overall reliability/weak points of the s10? | S-10 Forum
https://www.s10forum.com/threads/overall-reliability-weak-points-of-the-s10.551882/

Nov 29, 2013 ... 2000 Chevy S10 2.2 auto 1996 Chevy ... Ive been lucky so far with my 98 2.2/manual sonoma. ... I recently purchased a 1998 Blazer LT that has an ...

1998 GMC Sonoma Reviews - Carsurvey.org
1998 GMC Sonoma Reviews - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/gmc/sonoma/1998/

Apr 4, 2020 ... Transmission leak due to rupture of interior housing, exhaust leak seat, rip on seam on left side of driver seat, windshield wiper gradual ...

Other years of Chevrolet Sonoma

chevrolet sonoma 1999 photo
Sonoma 1999
Chevrolet

4

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet sonoma 2000 photo
Sonoma 2000
Chevrolet

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet sonoma 2001 photo
Sonoma 2001
Chevrolet

2

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet sonoma 2002 photo
Sonoma 2002
Chevrolet

3

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet sonoma 2003 photo
Sonoma 2003
Chevrolet

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet sonoma 1991 photo
Sonoma 1991
Chevrolet

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 1998 Chevrolet Sonoma?

Add car complaint
1998 Chevrolet Sonoma photo