1996 Chevrolet C2500: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 53 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (44% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt: contact states he has a diesel vehicle that loses power, and the motor shutsdown completely. This happened when the weather was warmer or raining. The service dealer stated the pmd needsed to be replaced, general motors will cover this component under the warranty, but contact cannot find a service dealer to do this work. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Jun 2005
“While traveling 55mph on interstate heard a banging noise. Was able to pull over to the shoulder, and right rear tire tread separated from vehicle . Goodyear tires. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2002
“Consumer was going 35 mph down a 3 lane street he shifted his weight, and as a result seat broke away from floorboard. Seatback touched the back seat. Dealer is speaking with consumer, trying to fix problem.*ak”Owner report · Seats · May 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“While traveling at 35 mph, coming off a ramp, tried to slow down for traffic and consumer rear ended vehicle in front due to brake failure. *ak *ml”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2000
“Windshield wipers stop half way on the window. Wipers failed in rainstorm. Wiper control module was recalled, but consumer not notified of recall due to VIN. *ak.et.”Owner report · Visibility · Mar 2000
“The hazard flashers are inoperable on this vehicle. The servicing dealer has indicated that this is a somewhat common problem. The repair seems to involve the hazard flasher/turn signal switch which I understand is located inside the steering column. I have been told that the repair costs $200-$300. It seems to me that the hazard flashers a re an essential safety related component of the vehicle and should be repaired at no cost to the consumer.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2000
“While driving in the rain windshield wipers stopped. Consumer could hardly see the road. Windshield wipers started working again about 10 minutes later. There is a recall on the same make and models. Hower, this vehicle is not covered under recall due to VIN although it exhibits the same defect. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Dec 1999
“When driving in heavy downpour windshield wipers stopped working, causing poor driver's visibility. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Also, a recall for the same problem was issued. However, this vehicle not included due to VIN. *ak *ml”Owner report · Visibility · Sep 1999
“Windshield wipers malfunction ,causing visual difficulty which may result in a crash. There is a recall for the 1995 make/model, but not for 1996 which have the same problem. Please provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Sep 1999
“While driving in heavy rain and applying the windshield wipers, they don't work. Took to dealer, told that some computer boards were shorting out in moisture. Recall issued, but this vehicle not included due to VIN. Owner paid for repairs. *ak *ml”Owner report · Visibility · Jul 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
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 APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
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).
How other years compare
Check your exact C2500 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 C2500 reliable?
NHTSA has 53 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Chevrolet C2500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (44% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet C2500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 175,000 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Chevrolet C2500 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment. 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.