1996 Chevrolet Silverado: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 186 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is visibility (37% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
186
owner complaints
3
fire reports
79,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsWeak spot: visibility (37%)3 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 186 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)37% · 67 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)13% · 24 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)11% · 21 complaints
Seats8% · 14 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)6% · 11 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)5% · 9 complaints
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet silverado. While operating the vehicle, the windshield wipers operated intermittently without warning. The contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 03v159000 (visibility/wiper). The contact took the vehicle to wittmeier chevrolet (2292 forest ave, chico, ca 95928, (530) 895-8181) and was informed that the parts for the recall repair were currently on backorder. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Nov 2019
“During a jump start ignition would not disengage even after I turned off, and removed key. Had to remover battery cable 2 times now”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2016
“1996 chevy silverado customer states that the windshield wiper motor should be recalled because the motor might fail resulting in cracking solder joints on the controller circuit board customer wants to be reimbursed**cc the consumer stated he has documentation that his vehicle was included in the recall, however the dealer states his vehicle was not included. *tr”Owner report · Visibility · Apr 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dt*: the contact stated the windshield wipers work intermittently. The manufacturer was alerted however no inspection has been made.”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2006
“Tailgate straps failure. Man was standing on tailgate preparing to jump down, and both straps snapped at the same time. There was no notice that the straps were worn or failing. Vehicle is used as show truck, not work truck, and is in excellent condition. Failure is as described in your recall 04e067000, NHTSA action ea04005 and gm defect notice 04v-129, exception for pre 2000 vehicles. *jb”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving 65 mph while applying brake pressure the driver seat recliner failed causing the driver to be pushed up against the steering column. Although the dealership and manufacturer was contacted. Repairs were made by team chevrolet samarium, tennessee. The cost was $ 250.00. This failure almost resulted in a fatal clash. The vehicle ended up off highway in a ditch. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Mar 2006
“Metal hydraulic brake fluid line rusts, degrading to the leaking of fluid and total loss of braking ability. Metal line to be replaced with stainless-steel. Fuel line is in same condition, though not leaking fuel. Fuel line to be replaced with stainless steel. *nm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2005
“1996 chevy 4x4 truck (silverado) ABS engaging at low speeds on dry pavement. Very difficult stopping the vehicle when approaching a 4-way stop. Kids in the truck caused a very unnerving experience. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2005
“Sidewalls of two tires separated, one at three places and one at one place. One tire cracked along the bead. One tire was replaced and prorated under warranty. *nm”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2005
“Dt: while driving she was experiencing hesitation, hit pothole and had to be towed home. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the factory wiring inside the fuel tank to the fuel pump was burned up at the connector, only bear wiring was present in the fuel tank. Fearful this may catch fire. Hardwired this feature per owner who is also mechanic. Appeared to be faulty wiring, definitely 4 pin connector at the top of that wire assembly. No other problems. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 13 of these complaints and injuries in 16 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
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Is the 1996 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
NHTSA has 186 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Chevrolet Silverado. The most complained-about area is visibility (37% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet Silverado problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 79,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.