Carlexica

1996 Chevrolet Van: problems, recalls and reliability

0 recalls and 28 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.

Data updated weekly

0
recalls
28
owner complaints
1
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

No recall campaigns1 fire report

Common problems

Computed from 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 28 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)9 complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)3 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)3 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)3 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)2 complaints
Seats2 complaints
Dt*: the contact stated the harness that connects the power to the top of the fuel pump failed causing arcing that burns the connector. This melted the plastic on the inside of the fuel tank and the vehicle stalled. The dealership determined the fuel pump needed to be replaced. Two fuel pumps were installed. After the second fuel pump was installed, the dealership determined the connector was bad.Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2006
Dt*: the contact stated that there was gasoline spilling out of the filler neck of the rear fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where the dealer determined that the pump in the rear tank failed. The vehicle was not repaired at that time. There is a NHTSA recall # 93v125000, pertaining to the fuel tank assembly however the VIN was not included in the recall.Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2006
Dt: the consumer stated the headlights were blinding to other vehicles. The headlights have been adjusted numerous times and have been replaced about 10 times.*akOwner report · Exterior Lighting · Jul 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
1996 chevrolet astro van. We were driving down a busy interstate 65 miles an hour when the front passenger side collapsed. Luckily my husband got the vehicle under control and off of the road, my entire family could have been killed. We learned that it was a torsion bar and that this is a common design problem and that the design was changed in 1997. Therefore we had to replace both sides at a cost of over 1,000 dollars. It is still making a noise and I don't feel it is reliable. *nlmOwner report · Suspension · May 2003
Heard a noise, felt the front of the vehicle fall down on the front passenger tire, heard tire rubbing, stopped vehicle, got out to inspect. Fender parts rubbed on tire, could not turn wheel or drive , had to have vehicle towed to repair shop. Replace torsion bar and related parts.Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2001
I am disapointed that all newer cars on the road today only come with painted bumpers.bumpers that are painted are like having no bumper at all when it comes to minor collisions. Bumpers, I believe, should be protection for the painted areas as well as the lights, grill etc. I would like to see a mandate that bumpers not be painted. Seems like common sense to not drive around with the most likely areas to be damaged as painted or otherwise delicate.please consider this in your evaluations as it will greatly reduce consumer expences involving accidents that are not covered by auto insurance ( accidents under 500.00). Thank you.*akOwner report · Structure · Mar 2001
Failure of clock spring located in steering column, caused a total failure in the horn,/air bags, and cruise control. *akOwner report · Electrical System · Nov 1999
Fuses keep blowing out with ABS, resulting in two electrical fires. Dealer contacted and stated short in wiring. Repairwork done. Provide further information. *akOwner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 1998
Intermittently when driving the vehicle the vehicle shuts down. Just before the vehicle shuts down, the engine light comes on. The dealer has repaired the vehicle several times. *akOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 1998
When brakes are applied in an emergency stop, the pedal goes down to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance . The dealer said that the rear brakes were not self adjusting, and the front brakes were replaced. *akOwner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 1997

When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

How other years compare

Check your exact Van by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1996 Chevrolet Van reliable?

NHTSA has 28 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Chevrolet Van. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.