1996 Chevrolet K1500: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 94 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is visibility (27% 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 94 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“1996 chevrolet silverado. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle engine problems. *smd the consumer noticed anti-freeze on the ground toward the rear of the engine. He took the vehicle took the dealer, but they were unable to find a problem. A gm service manager stated, they were aware of coolant leaks. Especially intake lekas. The consumer stated one day it started raining, and he soo discovered the wiper didn't work. He drove to the dealer where he was informed there was a recall on some trucks for a wiper board defect. However, his vehicle was not included.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2014
“Uniroyal laredo p245-r16 tires have dry-rot cracks next to tread blocks after less than five years and 24,000 miles on vehicle. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Apr 2014
“The driver side power bucket seat released and dropped while I was driving, it will not support the weight of a driver. I have since put a scissor lift jack underneath it to hold it up. This is a big safety issue. I being a licensed p&c insurance agent here in arizona - know all about risks/hazard's in the industry. I will not spend the $658 for a new power driver assembly with motor #15662432. As I have seen this is an issue that's posted on this site. I hope this issue can be resolved for everyone! *tr”Owner report · Seats · Aug 2013
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“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet k1500. While driving approximately 65 mph, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he inspected the air bag sensor and discovered that it was severely rusted. The contact removed the part and contacted both the dealer and manufacturer in regards to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer informed the contact that the part was no longer available. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2011
“So far, I have replaced a cruise control four times in five years from salvage, in every case, the only parts to fail are the same two plastic gears worth about $5 retail. Since gm will not sell repair parts, the replacement of the unit is over $500. I would understand if I had four different failures however these are alike. My vehicle is a 1996 chevy, k1500, silverado, 5.7 l engine, cruise controller #25169208. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet k1500. The fuel pump assembly failed. The wires were too small a gauge for the load. The plastic insulation caused the wires to over heat and it burned down to the fuel tank. The contact showed the parts to the dealer and they stated that they have never seen this type of failure. He attempted to reach the manufacturer and was unable to speak with anyone. The contact is aware of the safety risk involved. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 106,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2007
“Failing diesel injection pump on 1996 chevrolet k1500 pickup with 6.5l diesel engine causes engine to stall when approaching a stop, rendering power steering and power brakes inoperable. This is a common problem on 1994 through 1999 gm vehicles equipped with this engine. Dealer diagnosed the problem, but refused to repair under warranty, despite an 11-year, 120,000 mile extended warranty issued by chevrolet motor division due to numerous problems with this pump.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Mar 2007
“While taking off from a stop sign intersection the driveshaft broke. When the driveshaft broke it snapped in the middle, not the u joints, it cracked the transmission housing and put a dent in the gasoline tank.we were in process of getting the transmission rebuilt, and gettin a driveshaft made out of steel.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2007
“I was driving down the highway at 65 mph and my transfer case on my four wheel drive threw itself into 4 low. Which caused my truck to skid out of control . I managed to gain control of my vehicle and pull of onto the shoulder where I disconnected the box that controls the transfer case. This gave me two wheel drive which got me home. But I am afraid to hook the box back up in fear of killing myself or others if this should happen at high speed again.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2005
“Vehicle was parked. The driver opened the door by remote control and noticed smoke was coming from the driver's door. The remote inside of the door caught on fire. Driver extinguished fire, and had the vehicle towed to the dealer for analysis. The mechanic noticed that the switch needed to be replaced due to an electrical short.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - 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 K1500 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 K1500 reliable?
NHTSA has 94 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Chevrolet K1500. The most complained-about area is visibility (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet K1500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 111,000 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Chevrolet K1500 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.