1996 Chevrolet C/K Pickups: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 22 owner complaints on record; most reports concern visibility.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2003
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“1996 chevrolet silverado extended cab z71 1500 pickup truck. Truck has no rust protection on the frame or brake lines which cause rust through of the brake lines and the ultimate failure of the frame itself. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2009
“I have a 1996 chevy pickup. The wipers kept on turning off when raining. I have talked to my local chevy dealer if there was a recall as well chevy company and the both said no. I have seen recalls on this complaint on other vehicles (chevy p/u) on the same year. But my VIN doesn't have a recall. Windshield wiper motor controller circuit board. When I was coming in to work this morning at 0430 in the rain the wiper turned off and would come back on. *tr”Owner report · Visibility · Mar 2009
“Was sitting on the tailgate,went to get up, tailgate cables snapped. I fell off with pain to my legs(I have bad knees), and the exterior of the tailgate was damaged by the impact with the bumper. *nm”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“Windshield wiper motor intermittent operation;I researched the problem and found there was a recall for my make ,model. However after taking my truck to the dealer I was notified my VIN was not on the list. I then contacted gm. I was told there was nothing they could do about the recall and if I felt this was a safety problem I should take it to be fixed. I feel they do not think loss of your wipers is a safety concern.”Owner report · Visibility · Apr 2005
“While at a stop vehicle stalled. Consumer managed to pull over and had the vehicle towed. Dealership will be notified. The cause was not determined. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2005
“Air bag for our vehicle does not work properly. We have complained to the dealership after the first accident and they assured it was normal for the airbag not to go off unless high impact.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2003
“Problems with ABS brakes engaging when slowing down to stop. Had the ABS sensor ( front drivers side) replaced which corrected problem. *nm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2003
“Melted wiring harness between fuel pump and fuel sending unit inside fuel pump. I have had this happen on both a suburban and a chevy truck.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2003
“Dt the consumer received a letter on february 23, 2003 from chevrolet, it was a special provision letter for the windshield wipers, contacted the two dealers ,they said this vehicle fell within the seven year limit or 70,000 and my vehicle has 41,000 but they said it past the seven years, but it was outside the seven years. It was void when the consumer received it. The windshield wipers work intermently on the vehicle, the wiper motor faied. On september 29, 2005 the windshield wipers quit working completely. When turn ingit on on e could hear an electrical sound, if one hit the cover with something could get the windshield wipers to work. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Feb 2003
“At about 75,000 miles the transmission was completely worn out, no second or third gear. The transmission shop rebuilt it themselves to assure quality job. It only lasted ten months, and third gear again went out in march, 2003. Repaired again. On july 2, 2003 again to shop as now second gear went out. Decision was to change the solenoid and up the pressure to create crisper shifts and less wear on the transmission. Trans shop feels trucks from chevy of 94-96 years had new electronic transmissions and was a weak design, causing these failures. Newer trucks have a improved transmission to avoid these problems.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
How other years compare
Check your exact C/K Pickups by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Chevrolet C/K Pickups reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1996 Chevrolet C/K Pickups. The most complained-about area is visibility.
Does the 1996 Chevrolet C/K Pickups have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning visibility:windshield wiper/washer. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.