RoadVitals

1996 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
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Latest Dec 21, 2010
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1996 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Brakes1015.2%
  • Fuel system69.1%
  • Electrical57.6%
  • Engine46.1%
  • Tires & wheels34.5%
  • Powertrain (other)34.5%
  • Airbags34.5%
  • Other / unspecified11.5%
  • Body & structure11.5%
  • Exterior lighting11.5%
  • Heating & air conditioning11.5%
  • Suspension11.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER STATES WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKES VAN PULLS TO THE LEFT. VAN CHECKED BY DEALER WHO REPLACED PADS AND ROTORS. CONSUMER ADVISED WHILE DRIVING AGAIN HAD TO SUDDENLY APPLY BRAKES AND VAN PULLED TO THE LEFT ALMOST CAUSING A COLLISION. VAN CHECKED AGAIN BY DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT A DUROSTOP NEEDS TO BE INSTALLED ON VAN TO EQUALIZE PRESSURE ON BRAKE PADS. VAN DID NOT HAVE COMPONENT WHEN PURCHASED NEW IN 01/97. NLMTHE GAS GAUGE BOUNCES ERRATICALLY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. THE DEALER HAS REPAIRED EVERYTHING POSSIBLE CONCERNING THIS DEFECT, TO NO AVAIL. *JG

NHTSA ID 8019874 · filed Sep 30, 2002

BRAKE ROTORS WERE WARPED, AND HAD TO BE REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY BY DEALERSHIP. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AGAIN WITH AN UNKNOWN AMOUNT OF MILES ON BRAKE ROTORS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

NHTSA ID 892987 · filed Jul 17, 2001
All 10 reports naming brakes

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ARE THERE ANY RECALLS ON THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS? IF SO PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW? NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P265/R161 )

NHTSA ID 715888 · filed Dec 10, 1999

MODEL Z71 WHEN TRANMISSION BURNS UP IT SPRAYS TRANSMISSION FLUID EVERYWHERE, AND IS EXTREMELY FLAMABLES. IT GOT ALL OVER TWO OTHER VEHICLES THAT WERE BEHIND ME, THE FIRST TIME, THE SECOND TIME IT GOT ON THE EXHAUST PIPE AND SMOKED SO BAD A PASSER BY WAS GOING TO CALL THE FIREDEPARTMENT( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 16 )

NHTSA ID 703793 · filed Feb 26, 1999
All 10 reports naming interior & seats

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1996 CHEVROLET 1 TON 4-DOOR PICKUP TRUCK 4X4 WITH A 350 VORTEC AND AUTOMATIC THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WIRE-PLUG SHORTS OUT AND THE WIPERS STOP WORKING. I STUCK A PIECE OF WOOD SHIM BETWEEN THE PLUG-IN AND HOUSING AND THIS KEEPS THE IT FROM SHORTING OUT. I WAS TOLD BY A LOCAL MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM IS VERY VERY COMMON WITH THESE TRUCKS AND THAT IT IS A SHORT INSIDE THE LITTLE BOX WHERE THE PLUG PLUGS INTO. I WAS DRIVING HOME PULLING A LARGE TRAILOR IN THE RAIN WHEN THE WIPERS JUST STOPPED WORKING AND ALMOST CRASHED INTO THE FREEWAY RAILING AND HAD TO STOP ON THE FREEWAY NEAR SEATTLE! I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A DEFEC IN THE WIRING, WHEN MY OLD 1976 CHEVY TRUCK NEVER HAD A PROBLEM LIKE THAT!

NHTSA ID 10002875 · filed Jan 17, 2003

OUTSIDE SIDEVIEW MIRRORS VIBRATE AT SPEES FROM APPROX 25 TO 70 MPH. REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES YET THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.

NHTSA ID 9002263 · filed Apr 17, 2001
All 9 reports naming visibility

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD GEAR DUE TO MALFUNCTION WITHIN TRANSMISSION. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK *TT

NHTSA ID 8001840 · filed Jan 9, 2002

THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT PULLED A TRAILER OR BEEN USED TO TOW.......THERE IS NO HITCH ON THE VAN

NHTSA ID 729184 · filed Aug 26, 2000
All 8 reports naming transmission

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WIRE PLUG INSIDE GAS TANK OVERHEATED AN MELTED THE WIRES AND THE PLUG. THE PUMP OF COURSE STOPPED WORKING SO TRUCK WOULD NOT START. ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY BY HUBLER CHEVROLET ON US31 IN GREENWOOD. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS WAS THE SAME PROBLEM THEN. THE BILL SAYS THEY REPLACED THE PUMP AT THAT TIME. THIS TIME THE TRUCK WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY SO I WAS GOING TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MYSELF. WHEN I PULLED THE PUMP FROM THE TANK I FOUND THE BURNT WIRES. I BENCH TESTED THE PUMP AND IT STILL WORKED. ALSO THE WIRES FOR FUEL GAUGE WERE MELTED. THE FUEL GAUGE HAD BEEN WORKING OFF AND ON FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS. I WAS WAITING FOR WARMER WEATHER TO PULL THE FUEL TANK AND FIX IT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. AS HOT AS IT HAD TO GET TO MELT THE WAY IT DID, MY FAMILY AND I ARE FORTUNATE THAT THE FUEL TANK DID NOT EXPLODE. *JB

NHTSA ID 10005107 · filed Feb 2, 2003

CONSUMER STATES WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKES VAN PULLS TO THE LEFT. VAN CHECKED BY DEALER WHO REPLACED PADS AND ROTORS. CONSUMER ADVISED WHILE DRIVING AGAIN HAD TO SUDDENLY APPLY BRAKES AND VAN PULLED TO THE LEFT ALMOST CAUSING A COLLISION. VAN CHECKED AGAIN BY DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT A DUROSTOP NEEDS TO BE INSTALLED ON VAN TO EQUALIZE PRESSURE ON BRAKE PADS. VAN DID NOT HAVE COMPONENT WHEN PURCHASED NEW IN 01/97. NLMTHE GAS GAUGE BOUNCES ERRATICALLY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. THE DEALER HAS REPAIRED EVERYTHING POSSIBLE CONCERNING THIS DEFECT, TO NO AVAIL. *JG

NHTSA ID 8019874 · filed Sep 30, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WIRE PLUG INSIDE GAS TANK OVERHEATED AN MELTED THE WIRES AND THE PLUG. THE PUMP OF COURSE STOPPED WORKING SO TRUCK WOULD NOT START. ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY BY HUBLER CHEVROLET ON US31 IN GREENWOOD. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS WAS THE SAME PROBLEM THEN. THE BILL SAYS THEY REPLACED THE PUMP AT THAT TIME. THIS TIME THE TRUCK WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY SO I WAS GOING TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MYSELF. WHEN I PULLED THE PUMP FROM THE TANK I FOUND THE BURNT WIRES. I BENCH TESTED THE PUMP AND IT STILL WORKED. ALSO THE WIRES FOR FUEL GAUGE WERE MELTED. THE FUEL GAUGE HAD BEEN WORKING OFF AND ON FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS. I WAS WAITING FOR WARMER WEATHER TO PULL THE FUEL TANK AND FIX IT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. AS HOT AS IT HAD TO GET TO MELT THE WAY IT DID, MY FAMILY AND I ARE FORTUNATE THAT THE FUEL TANK DID NOT EXPLODE. *JB

NHTSA ID 10005107 · filed Feb 2, 2003

THE TRANSMISSION FAILED BECAUSE OF A DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESS WHICH SENT AN IMPROPER GROUND TO THE PCM AND DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION. NLM

NHTSA ID 556612 · filed Oct 30, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ARE THERE ANY RECALLS ON THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS? IF SO PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW? NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P265/R161 )

NHTSA ID 715888 · filed Dec 10, 1999

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 703392 · filed Feb 17, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER REPLACED ALL 4 GOODYEAR WRANGER 16" LOAD RANGE E TIRES DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION, DEALER STATED THE TIRES WERE EXPERIENCING THIS DUE TO NORMAL WEAR EVEN THOUGH THE TIRES FAILED AT ONLY 20000 MILES. *SLC

NHTSA ID 559075 · filed Jan 22, 2001

DRIVING ACROSS TRAIN TRACKS WHEN TRANMISSION FELL. ALL 4 TIRES LOCKED UP; PUT INTO 4X4 GEAR & HIT PEDAL & GOT VEHICLE OFF TRACKS. CALLED & SPOKE TO DEALER. HAVE A POLICE REPORT. *AK

NHTSA ID 818476 · filed Oct 17, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PINION SEAL REPLACED TWICE DUE TO LEAK, PROBLEM STILL EXIST. *YC

NHTSA ID 548929 · filed Oct 7, 1999

DRIVE TRAIN MAKES CLUNKING NOISE REAL BADLY WHEN PUTTING INTO GEAR ALSO WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID 521485 · filed Aug 26, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT OF 50MPH WHEN A CAR DID A U-TURN IN FRONT OF ME, AFTER HITTING THE CAR I WAS SPUN AROUND AND HIT A SIGN AND THEN A POLE BEFORE STOPPING, THE FRONT END WAS TOTALED AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, NO INJURIES.*TR

NHTSA ID 10371910 · filed Dec 21, 2010

HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER TRUCK AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT WORK.

NHTSA ID 9005530 · filed Mar 15, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

DASH CRACKED.

NHTSA ID 515512 · filed Feb 24, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

FORTUNATELY WHILE STILL IN MY GARAGE, I ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOOR FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE BY LIFTING THE DOOR HANDLE. UPON DOING SO THE DOOR UNLATCHED AND IMMEDIATELY FELL INTO MY CHEST AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE WITH MY RIGHT HAND STILL ON THE DOOR HANDLE. AFTER SUPPORTING THE DOOR WITH A FOOT STOOL IT WAS OBVIOUS THE DOOR HAD FALLEN OFF THE TOP HINGE COMPLETELEY. YES, THE 4 SPOT WELDS HAD SIMPLY GIVEN WAY. TO SAY THE LEAST I AM AMAZED SOMETHING AS HEAVY AS THAT DOOR IS SIMPLY SPOT WELDED ON AT THE HINGES. I AM GREATFUL MY WIFE OR ANYONE ELSE WAS NOT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND I WAS TRAVELING AT SPEED MAKING A TURN WHILE THEY MIGHT HAVE BEEN LEANING ON THE DOOR. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE LOCAL GARAGE I DO BUSINESS WITH AND THEY RECOMMENDED A CLOSE BY RELIABLE REPAIR SHOP. UNFORTUNATELY I PREFER NOT TO TAKE MY CARS TO THE DEALERS ONCE THEY ARE OUT OF WARRANTY FOR REASONS I WON'T GO INTO HERE. THEY ORDERED A NEW HINGE FROM THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER AND I THINK IT INTERESTING IT CAME WITH 4 BOLTS AND NUTS WHICH MAKES A WHOLE LOT MORE SENSE TO ME THAN 4 TINY SPOT WELDS. I DID TAKE THE BILL FOR THE REPAIR TO THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER ($199.05) TO SEE IF THEY OR GM MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN PAYING IT AND ALSO WHAT HAPPENED OR EVEN BETTER WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. THEY OFCOURSE REMINDED ME THE TAHOE WAS WAY OUT OF WARRANTY AND I SAID I KNEW THAT BUT THOUGHT THEY MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THE FACT A DOOR FELL OFF IN A CUSTOMERS HANDS AND BESIDES BEING DANGEROUS IT'S PROBABLY NOT GOOD PR EITHER. I DID ASK THE SERVICE SUPERVISOR TO CHECK RECALLS AND SERVICE BULLETINS FOR MY VEHICLE. I WATCHED AS HE HIT A FEW KEYS ON HIS COMPUTER NEVER ALLOWING ME TO VIEW HIS SCREEN AND SAID HE DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING EXCEPT A COUPLE OF CARGO DOORS. I DID NOT ASK THE REPAIR SHOP FOR THE OLD HINGE BUT I"M SURE THE ALONG WITH ANOTHER WITNESS FROM MY REGULAR GARAGE CAN TELL YOU WHAT THEY FOUND. I WILL CALL THEM FIRST THING TOMORROW AND SEE IF BY CHANCE THEY STILL HAVE THE OLD HINGE.

NHTSA ID 10118653 · filed Apr 28, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS FAILED.

NHTSA ID 605048 · filed Oct 27, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

ARE THERE ANY RECALLS ON THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS? IF SO PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW? NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P265/R161 )

NHTSA ID 715888 · filed Dec 10, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

DASH CRACKED.

NHTSA ID 515512 · filed Feb 24, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .