1996 Chevrolet K3500: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 13 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 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2015 (na) chevrolet k3500. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the front tank chassis. Additionally, the vehicle was difficult to start and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to john elway chevrolet (5200 s broadway, englewood, co 80113, (720) 259-0391) and shortline buick gmc (1301 s havana st, aurora, co 80012, (303) 751-3400) where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired four times; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 9-5424607971. The failure mileage was 59,000. The VIN was unknown.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2018
“Tl*- the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet k3500 with a current mileage of 92,000 miles. The contact installed a trailer hitch on the vehicle and was driving at about 25 mph when the contact's vehicle hit a bump in the road and the trailer hitch failed. The trailer broke the safety chains and it crashed into a ditch, which destroyed the trailer and the vehicle in tow. The contact stated that the hitch was high for the triple ball assembly. *ak”Owner report · Trailer Hitches · Apr 2007
“Rear axle came off without prior warning. Also, enitre windshied wiper module had to be replaced. Please fill additional information. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Mar 2001
Show 5 more owner reports
“ABS light came on early in life and reported to dealer before warantee expired, brake failure also reported to dealer now failure has now occured 3 times in the last day”Owner report · Service Brakes, Air · Sep 2000
“While driving the truck at any speed when the tackometer/ odometor reaches 21,000 rpms ,it loses all throttle control and goes to a wide open position. The driver has to turn the ignition off and use the emergency brake to stop the truck. Also, the fuel injection pump has been replaced 10-14 times since 5/24/96. The fuel injection pump is being replaced again at this time for the same problem. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 1998
“Consumer experiencing continuous brake failure shortly after purchase of vehicle. Also, intermittently wheel would lock-up ( one wheel would lock or pull to one side or the other). Vehicle been in/out of dealer shop and problem cannot be resolved. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 1998
“Intermittently brakes lock up. The brakes are pulling, causing one disc brake to pull more than the other when applying pressure to the brake pedal. ABS system is not functioning properly. Sometimes can't stop, vehicle has to coast to a stop. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 1997
“Brakes/rotors: brakes lock up periodically; piston seized, brake rotor on the left side failed. Have had in for repairs twice for the same problem, but has had problems with brakes since he purchased the vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 1997
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - 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 K3500 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 K3500 reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1996 Chevrolet K3500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 1996 Chevrolet K3500 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.