1994 GMC sonoma
1GTCS19Z9RK515434
Vehicle history report for the 1994 GMC sonoma (VIN 1GTCS19Z9RK515434). Blue, pickup, 4.3L 6-cyl, gasoline. Title: Clean. 104,672 mi reported. Registered in Oh. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 6 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report service brakes trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 1GTCS19Z9RK515434, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 6 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
📋 All factory specifications on file6 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
⚙️ Engine, fuel & battery
📐 Body, chassis & dimensions
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1994 GMC sonoma with this engine.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 8 versions with this engine; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1994 GMC sonoma.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 1994 GMC Sonoma. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1994 GMC sonoma costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1994 GMC sonoma — ranges cover the 7 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Canadian recalls 4
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1994 GMC sonoma. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Brakes
Certain four wheel drive vehicles may experience increased stopping distances during ABS stops while in the two-wheel drive mode. A switch can erroneously signal the ABS system that the vehicle is in four-wheel drive when the vehicle is actually in two wheel drive. Correction: Dealers will replace the switch on affected vehicles.
Transport Canada #1999135 · Jul 1999Visual System
Certain vehicles may have windshield wiper motors with solder joints near the wiring harness connector that could crack. This could cause the windshield wiper to work intermittently and ultimately result in inoperative wipers. This could reduce driver visibility in inclement weather and result in a crash. Correction: Wiper motor circuit board and cover will be replaced.
Transport Canada #1998150 · Jul 1998Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the driver's and/or passenger's front outboard seat-belt webbing could separate during a frontal impact having at least the same dynamics as a 48 kph frontal barrier collision. If a separation occurred and there were secondary crash events or rollover, there would be no restraint of the occupant and increased injuries could occur. Correction: A protector co…
Transport Canada #1997152 · Sep 1997Fuel System
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS.301- Fuel System Integrity. Fuel tank filler pipes may not be to specification. Thus when tested to CMVSS 301 the vehicle may leak fuel in excess of the Standard. Correction: Fuel filler pipes will be replaced.
Transport Canada #1994013 · Jan 1994Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the GMC sonoma
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 s…
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 6
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
NHTSA Campaign #07E021000 · 12/03/2007FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS AP…
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
NHTSA Campaign #06E043000 · 19/05/2006FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
CERTAIN R&B, INC. CENTRAL MULTIPORT FUEL INJECTION (CMFI) FUEL RETURN LINES, MODELS HELP 55163, NAPA BALKAMP 700-3270, AND THE CONNECTION 2560001, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL RETURN LINE HAS A MECHANICAL BLEED VALVE WHICH WAS NOT INSTALLED AT THE PROPER TORQUE.
Remedy: R&B, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AT THE CUSTOMERS REQUEST, EITHER REPLACE THE FUEL LINE OR OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT R&B, INC. AT 215-712-5330.
NHTSA Campaign #06E041000 · 18/05/2006SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OR MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH 3-SENSOR ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) EBC4 UNITS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE COMPUTER PROGRAM WHICH OPERATES THE ABS UNIT ON SOME VEHICLES, OR REPLACE THE COMPUTER ON OTHERS TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ABS ON THESE SURFACES.
NHTSA Campaign #99I006000 · 19/07/1999SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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 D…
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE OR REPAIR THE 4-WHEEL/2-WHEEL DRIVE SWITCH.
NHTSA Campaign #99V193000 · manufacturer #99041 · 19/07/1999SEAT BELTS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 60/40 FRONT BENCH SEATS AND EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND 2-DOOR UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL LOCKING RECLINER BUCKET SEATS. THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE DRIVER'S AND/OR PASSENGER'S SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.
NHTSA Campaign #97V096001 · 12/06/1997These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 4 Nov 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 306 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1994 GMC sonoma, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 21 involved a crash 🔥 2 involved a fire 🚑 7 reported injuries
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 306
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1994 GMC sonoma.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DRIVING MY 1994 SONOMA AT APPROX 50 MPH ON A HIGHWAY WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE GAS PEDAL STARTED TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY FOOT AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN (AS IF THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS TAKING OVER). I THINK THAT I THEN TAPPED THE BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE WENT BACK TO NORMAL SPEED, WHICH WAS TO DECELERATE AS MY FOOT WAS STILL OFF TH…
NHTSA ODI #11384921SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
ABS LIGHT IS ON AND DEALER CLAIMS MY 1994 GMC SONOMA NEEDS A $2,200 ABS COMPUTER REPLACED. THERE WAS RECALL ON THE ABS MODULE IN 7/00. I BELIEVE THIS RECALL AFFECTED THE ABS COMPUTER THAT NOW NEEDS REPLACING AND I'M ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE FROM GMC ON SHARING THE REPLACEMENT COSTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10221762VISIBILITY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 GMC SONOMA. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS INTERMITTENTLY STOP WORKING WHILE IN USE. THE FAILURE OCCURS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE WIPERS CAN TAKE 30 SECONDS TO ACTIVATE AGAIN, BUT OTHER TIMES, THE CONTACT HAS TO WIGGLE AND MOVE THE WIPER MOTOR FOR THEM TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT NO RECALL WAS AVAILABLE; HOWEVER, THEY BEGA…
NHTSA ODI #10220007VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT (GOING APPROX 20 MPH) WHEN THE THROTTLE STUCK AND QUICKLY SURGED TO RED LINE. I SHUT OFF THE IGNITION AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE TACHOMETER WAS PEGGED OUT. I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. THIS HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE (~8 YEARS AGO) WHILE I WAS PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE ON A RURAL HIGHWAY. DURI…
Crash · NHTSA ODI #10182935VISIBILITY
WINDSHIELD WIPERS OPERATED INTERMITTENTLY; WORSENED WITH RAINFALL AMOUNT. REPLACED WIPER MOTOR AND CONDITION PERSISTED. CONTACTED GMC WITH CONCERN ON 10/18/2005 (FILE #1-369184131). *JB
NHTSA ODI #10140102SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 1994 GMC SONOMA. THE CONSUMER IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. SOMETIMES WHEN SHE IS TRYING TO STOP, IT WILL EXCESSIVE FORCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP WANTED TO CHARGE HER 125 DOLLARS TO LOOK AT IT. IN TWO MONTHS SHE HAS HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED THREE TIMES. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE ROTORS, PADS, DRUMS, EMERGENCY BRAKE CA…
NHTSA ODI #10130004SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
DT: THIS IS A GMC S15 SONOMA 4 WHEEL DRIVE TRUCK. WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS ONE OF THE 4 WHEEL SPEED SENSORS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10128652STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
AT 35 MPH PASSANGER LOWER BALL JOINT FAILED AND RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE BEING DISABLED AND TOWED FROM FROM ROAD. 94 SONOMA 2.2 LITER WITH 180,000 MILES. I HAD NO CLUE AS TO THE PROBLEM AND THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO RUN FINE JUST BEFORE THE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #10126596+ 298 more complaints on record.
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