1996 GMC Sierra: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 246 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is visibility (33% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 1998
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 246 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I was traveling down the interstate and the throttle cable was stuck wide open and I reached speeds of almost 100 in heavy traffic”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2020
“Dt*: the contact stated the ABS activated at various low speeds and there were increased stopping distances. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05v379000, regarding the antilock brakes. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Although these problems persisted, the vehicle was not seen by a dealer.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2006
“Dt: the windshield wipers do not work properly they have a strange pattern to them. They quit, and had a humming noise from the wiper motor.*ak had windshield wiper recall performed. Motor and circuit board were replaced. Repairs at gmc dealership on 6/13/05. *tt *nm”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“1996 gmc sierra lost its cables as well as the remaining parts holding the tailgate is rusting and the catch on the drivers side does not pop open automatically.*mr....remaining parts holding tailgate are rusting. Also, catch on driver's side doesn't pop open automatically. Warranty expired within trhee yeras of purchase. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2005
“While towing trailer with 2 quads (4 wheelers) on expressway with a group of co-workers, I was attempting to pass another vehicle when my truck would not shift into passing gear. It made a loud "reving" noise and began rapidly decreasing in speed. I pulled off the expressway bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. I then gradually accelerated and shifted manually, but was only able to acheive 1st gear. I had to have the vehicle towed 150 miles to my house where it still sits three months later with only reverse and 1st gear operable at this time.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2005
“The brake line above the gas tank rusted and failed while it was being driven. There was no forewarning of this and as it was above the gas tank, would not have been noticed. The gas tank had to be dropped and the brake line replaced. Thank goodness the vehicle stopped before rearending the vehicle in front of me and thank goodness my one year old wasn't in the vehicle at the time. Old part has been retained. Repair cost was $458.21.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2004
“On the evening of june 15,2004, my husband was driving our 1996 gmc sierra 2500 deisel pickup truck home. While driving up a long, steep grade the gas pedal stuck down and the truck would not shift gears. My husband had to slam on the brake pedal and then the gas pedal released with a popping sound. The truck will still not shift gears. The cruise control was not on. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 2004
“Owner says the remote control mirrors on the vehicle caught fire while the key was not in the ignition and the vehicle was turned off. Owner contacted the dealer and was told that although his vehicle looks like the 1997 and that vehicle was recalled for this issue and this vehicle is not being recalled. Provide further details. *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2004
“While driving 45 mph front passenger side tire tread blew out. Consumer managed to pull over, and had the tire changed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Size p18575r/14 dot v94j7591179. *ak”Owner report · Tires · May 2004
“Traveling on dry pavement at ~ 30 mph, sudden stop due to traffic. Brake pedal initially had good brake then went to the floor. All brake lost, collided into vehicle ahead of me and pushed them into vehicle ahead of them. Vehicle stalled due to collision, restarted truck and all brake operation appeared to be good. Took vehicle to dealer for analysis, contacted gm customer support filed complaint, dealer inspection showed no failure of ABS or other components. Gm field tech went to dealer inspection report found no reason for failure could not duplicate failure. Gm denies any responsibility or suggestions for repair. *nm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 19 of these complaints and injuries in 14 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTACTING THE DASH MAT WHICH COULD BIND THE THROTTLE. THIS DOES NOT MEET WITH THE MAXIMUM RETURN TIMES REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR ADEQUATE THROTTLE CABLE TO DASH MAT CLEARANCE, AND IF THERE IS INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE, CUT OUT A PORTION OF THE DASH MAT TO PROVIDE PROPER CLEARANCE.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sierra 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 Sierra reliable?
NHTSA has 246 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 GMC Sierra. The most complained-about area is visibility (33% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 GMC Sierra problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 83,000 miles or less.
Does the 1996 GMC Sierra have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning visibility:windshield wiper/washer. 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.