1996 GMC K1500: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern visibility.
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 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 gmc k1500. The contact stated that the windshield wipers tend to work periodically. There were no warning indicators prior to the failure. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The current mileage was 80,000 and failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 06/25/08. *cn the consumer stated the failure he experienced was identical to recall 03v159000. Updated 06/25/08”Owner report · Visibility · Sep 2007
“Windshield wiper motor goes out while driving. This could have caused an accident. Cause unknown, and dealer was notified.*ak consumer states wiper motor turns off while driving in the rain. If switch is left on the wipers will come back on and then go off again.*scc”Owner report · Visibility · Jul 2002
“Wiper failure as described in recal 98043 dated sep 1998. My VIN does not match the recal list. The VIN list should be expanded to include others with same problem. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Feb 2001
Show 5 more owner reports
“Battery housing cracking causing fluid/acid leakage which damaged air bag sensor and brake lines. Loss of braking ability due to damage almost resulted in vehicle collision. Mjs”Owner report · Electrical System · May 1999
“The road was wet. The ABS was activated (I could feel the pulsing) and I did keep my foot fully pressed on the pedal. I had steering control (I drove into a ditch rather than rear-ending another vehicle). I have been driving many vehicles for 33 years in all types of weather conditions and had never before experienced such a loss of braking ability.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 1998
“Windshield wipers are working intermittently, and the dealer can't determine the problem. Consumer has to pull over in order to see the road. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 1998
“Would be starting out, weather is wet or damp & brake rotor is cold, would try to brake & ABS would lock up quickly, had vehicle at delaership several times, cannot locate or fix problem. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 1996
“Air bag warning light illuminated, indicating a malfunction within the system caused by problem within the air bag coil. Please give any further details.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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 GMC K1500 reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1996 GMC K1500. The most complained-about area is visibility.
Does the 1996 GMC K1500 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has 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.