1996 Chevrolet Van: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 28 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.*ak”Owner 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. *nlm”Owner 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.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2001
“Failure of clock spring located in steering column, caused a total failure in the horn,/air bags, and cruise control. *ak”Owner 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. *ak”Owner 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. *ak”Owner 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. *ak”Owner 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 decoderFrequently 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.