1996 Chevrolet C3500: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 26 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Truck shuts down while moving down the highway. This is a 1996 chevrolet c3500 diesel. Parts were covered under warranty until 120,000 miles. Problem never solved and vehicle still shuts down and you have no control. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Feb 2010
“Over two years, I have had 3 belt failures on b.f goodrich lt 225/75 r16 tires. One failure resulted in a blowout the other two were detected by extreme vibration while driving on the highway. Notified b.f. Goodrich on the last failure. 3 failures of the same type seem above normal for a tire in this category. B.f. Goodrich stated that they have had no complaints of this typ of failure but agreed to give me a credit of 20% off a new tire based on the tread remaining on the old one.”Owner report · Tires · May 2005
“1996 crewcab duley 3500 problems with early ware of brake. Rotors turned at 12000 and now replacing brake pads every few thousand miles due to excesive ware. Dealers have had truck in at least 10 times for breaking issues since purchase in 1996. Put new pads on in dec and at 2000 miles they are being replace again. Major wear to the pads”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“While vehicle was being driven tread separated on the rear tire , also other tires were showing signs of cracking and tread separation. Ameri star tire size lt22575r16m+s dot number ad1lcwa285. *ak the remaining tires were inspected and were found to have tread cracks and splits. The manufacturer wants the damaged tire to be returned for processing the claim. *yh”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2000
“When there is cold temperature or humid conditions windshield wipers get wet, and when consumer turns the switch, the windshield wipers do not work. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Feb 1999
“Intermittently, the braking system malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance, which almost resulted in an accident. Cause unknown. Dealer cannot determine problem. Please provide details. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 1998
“Battery acid was leaking onto engine. Problem has occurred 2years ago. Dealer & manufacturer knew it was a problem, but won't doing anything until a recall has been issued. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 1998
“When the brakes are applied the back brakes lock up, causing the vehicle to go into a skid. The dealer has replaced the brake drums and the pads three times. The dealer has been notified. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 1998
“Windshield wipers operate erratically on all settings. When wipers are turned on mist they operate on high. A recall was issued on the vehicle, however , this vehicle was not included due to VIN. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified. *ak”Owner report · Visibility
“The front brakes on my chevrolet truck have to be replaced every 3000mi. They first needed replaceing at 12000mi with all of this being unloaded highway miles this is excessive. The problem has steadily gotten worse to what it is now at 3000mi replacement. I have had 2 relatives with the same problem on c-1500 and c-2500 trucks. I was told that you already had an open ivestigation on the problem but I could not find it on your web sight. A little info if you please. Showgood1@aol.com”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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 C3500 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 C3500 reliable?
NHTSA has 26 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1996 Chevrolet C3500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 1996 Chevrolet C3500 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. 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.