RoadVitals

1996 Chevrolet K1500 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.
94
Latest Dec 12, 2020
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
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.
9

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1996 Chevrolet K1500, 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

  • Visibility2624.3%
  • Brakes1413.1%
  • Engine76.5%
  • Electrical65.6%
  • Transmission65.6%
  • Seat belts43.7%
  • Driver assistance32.8%
  • Airbags32.8%
  • Suspension32.8%
  • Powertrain (other)21.9%
  • Steering10.9%
  • Exterior lighting10.9%
  • Heating & air conditioning10.9%
  • Body & structure10.9%

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

Visibility

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

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS JUST STOPPED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 50MPH! I WAS VERY SCARED. PLEASE CHECK IN TO THIS AS I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT OTHERS HAVE BEEN REPORTING THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN NEGLECTED SO LONG. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.*AK

NHTSA ID 767436 · filed Sep 19, 2002

WHILE DRIVING, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL WORK INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AKCONSUMER RESEARCHED AND FOUND SEVERAL RECALLS PERTAINING TO THE SAME FAILURE. TEH DEALER WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE. *JG

NHTSA ID 8015414 · filed Aug 2, 2002
All 26 reports naming visibility

Brakes

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

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

UPON MAKING A LEFT TURN BRAKES LOCKED UP, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND WENT INTO A DITCH. THIS WAS DUE TO THE BRAKE ROTORS BREAKING AND JAMMING INTO THE BRAKE. THIS FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY POOR DESIGN OF THE ROTORS, PER THE DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ID 10051769 · filed Dec 18, 2003

ABS BRAKE FAILURE

NHTSA ID 10004940 · filed Jan 30, 2003
All 14 reports naming brakes

Tires & wheels

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

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

UNIROYAL LAREDO P245-R16 TIRES HAVE DRY-ROT CRACKS NEXT TO TREAD BLOCKS AFTER LESS THAN FIVE YEARS AND 24,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10595325 · filed May 31, 2014

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH AND MY TRANSFER CASE ON MY FOUR WHEEL DRIVE THREW ITSELF INTO 4 LOW. WHICH CAUSED MY TRUCK TO SKID OUT OF CONTROL . I MANAGED TO GAIN CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AND PULL OF ONTO THE SHOULDER WHERE I DISCONNECTED THE BOX THAT CONTROLS THE TRANSFER CASE. THIS GAVE ME TWO WHEEL DRIVE WHICH GOT ME HOME. BUT I AM AFRAID TO HOOK THE BOX BACK UP IN FEAR OF KILLING MYSELF OR OTHERS IF THIS SHOULD HAPPEN AT HIGH SPEED AGAIN.*AK

NHTSA ID 10106078 · filed Jan 10, 2005
All 11 reports naming tires & wheels

Interior & seats

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

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE DRIVER SIDE POWER BUCKET SEAT RELEASED AND DROPPED WHILE I WAS DRIVING, IT WILL NOT SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF A DRIVER. I HAVE SINCE PUT A SCISSOR LIFT JACK UNDERNEATH IT TO HOLD IT UP. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE. I BEING A LICENSED P&C INSURANCE AGENT HERE IN ARIZONA - KNOW ALL ABOUT RISKS/HAZARD'S IN THE INDUSTRY. I WILL NOT SPEND THE $658 FOR A NEW POWER DRIVER ASSEMBLY WITH MOTOR #15662432. AS I HAVE SEEN THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT'S POSTED ON THIS SITE. I HOPE THIS ISSUE CAN BE RESOLVED FOR EVERYONE! *TR

NHTSA ID 10547230 · filed Oct 8, 2013

VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE DRIVER OPENED THE DOOR BY REMOTE CONTROL AND NOTICED SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THE REMOTE INSIDE OF THE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. DRIVER EXTINGUISHED FIRE, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS. THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

NHTSA ID 10048345 · filed Nov 19, 2003
All 9 reports naming interior & seats

Fuel system

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

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET K1500. THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE WIRES WERE TOO SMALL A GAUGE FOR THE LOAD. THE PLASTIC INSULATION CAUSED THE WIRES TO OVER HEAT AND IT BURNED DOWN TO THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT SHOWED THE PARTS TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. HE ATTEMPTED TO REACH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS UNABLE TO SPEAK WITH ANYONE. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.

NHTSA ID 10229033 · filed May 27, 2008

FAILING DIESEL INJECTION PUMP ON 1996 CHEVROLET K1500 PICKUP WITH 6.5L DIESEL ENGINE CAUSES ENGINE TO STALL WHEN APPROACHING A STOP, RENDERING POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES INOPERABLE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON 1994 THROUGH 1999 GM VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THIS ENGINE. DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM, BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY, DESPITE AN 11-YEAR, 120,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUED BY CHEVROLET MOTOR DIVISION DUE TO NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS PUMP.*AK

NHTSA ID 10187285 · filed Apr 8, 2007
All 9 reports naming fuel system

Engine

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

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1996 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ENGINE PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER NOTICED ANTI-FREEZE ON THE GROUND TOWARD THE REAR OF THE ENGINE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TOOK THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. A GM SERVICE MANAGER STATED, THEY WERE AWARE OF COOLANT LEAKS. ESPECIALLY INTAKE LEKAS. THE CONSUMER STATED ONE DAY IT STARTED RAINING, AND HE SOO DISCOVERED THE WIPER DIDN'T WORK. HE DROVE TO THE DEALER WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A RECALL ON SOME TRUCKS FOR A WIPER BOARD DEFECT. HOWEVER, HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED.

NHTSA ID 10860764 · filed Sep 30, 2014

THE ANTIFREEZE USED ON THIS VEHICLE IS KNOWN TO DETERIORATE THE GASKETS USED ON THIS ENGINE. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS AND WATER PUMP LEAKED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE MONIES SPENT FOR REPAIRS. *JG THE ALTERNATOR WAS INOPERATIVE, AND THE ENGINE LEAKED OIL. *SCC

NHTSA ID 568022 · filed Oct 23, 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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN DRIVING CONSUMER SMELLED BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. HEATER BLOWER SWITCH MELTED, CAUSING THE BURNING SMELL.*AK

NHTSA ID 10057707 · filed Feb 9, 2004

VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE DRIVER OPENED THE DOOR BY REMOTE CONTROL AND NOTICED SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THE REMOTE INSIDE OF THE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. DRIVER EXTINGUISHED FIRE, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS. THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

NHTSA ID 10048345 · filed Nov 19, 2003

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

Transmission

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

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE TAKING OFF FROM A STOP SIGN INTERSECTION THE DRIVESHAFT BROKE. WHEN THE DRIVESHAFT BROKE IT SNAPPED IN THE MIDDLE, NOT THE U JOINTS, IT CRACKED THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING AND PUT A DENT IN THE GASOLINE TANK.WE WERE IN PROCESS OF GETTING THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT, AND GETTIN A DRIVESHAFT MADE OUT OF STEEL.*AK

NHTSA ID 10186078 · filed Mar 24, 2007

TRANSMISSION FAILURE DUE TO FAULTY SUN SHELL I'M WRITING TO INFORM YOU OF A SERIOUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WHICH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 3 AND A HALF YEARS, I'VE HAD A GM 4L60-E TRANSMISSION REBUILT BECAUSE OF THE SUN SHELL SHEARING OFF AND DAMAGING INTERNAL PARTS INSIDE THE HOUSING ON TWO SEPARATE VEHICLES. AFTER DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH AND FINDING 3 NEIGHBORS WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, IT WAS CLEAR THERE WAS A PATTERN. ADDITIONALLY, INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET CONFIRMED MY SUSPICION, AS GM IS OBVIOUSLY AWARE OF THE INHERENT PROBLEM, AND TRANSMISSION CENTERS ARE VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND HENCE ROUTINELY STOCK KITS NECESSARY TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE FROM THE FAILED SHELL, NOT TO MENTION THE TCC VALVE ISSUE. I'VE OWNED A NUMBER OF GM VEHICLES AND OWN TWO NOW A 1996 K1500 PICKUP AND A 1999 TAHOE. AS MENTIONED ABOVE, BOTH HAD THE SAME DEFECT AND CONSEQUENTLY NEEDED TO BE REBUILT NOT AN INEXPENSIVE ITEM. WHILE I SUPPORT AMERICAN AUTO MANUFACTURERS, I AM SADLY DISAPPOINTED IN THE FAILURE OF NOT ONLY THE DEFECTIVE PART, BUT ALSO IN GMS COMMITMENT TO THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMERS. IN 2004, GM FINALLY ADDRESSED THE FAULTY SUN SHELL AND HAS BEGUN PUTTING IN A STRONGER MACHINED (NOT WELDED) PART IN THOSE TRANSMISSIONS. HOWEVER, FOR THE MAJORITY OF CHEVROLET TRUCK OWNERS PRE 2004, WE HAVE BEEN STUCK WITH THIS DEFECTIVE PART AND CONSEQUENTLY REPLACED/REBUILT THE TRANSMISSIONS DUE TO ITS FAILURE.

NHTSA ID 10182978 · filed Feb 19, 2007

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

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY VEHICLE FAILED MASSACHUSETTS SEAT BELT TEST. THEY DONT LOCK WHEN PULLED ON QUICKLY. I HAVE REMOVED AND INSPECTED THEM AND IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THE MECHANISM ITSELF IS NOT CAPABLE OF PASSING THIS TEST I AM BELIEVING THAT THE TEST HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED AFTER THE MANUFACTURE OF THIS PARTICULAR DESIGN OF SEAT BELT, AND AM ASKING IF THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN GRANDFATHERED FOR THIS TEST THERE ARE INTERTIA WEIGHTS IN THEM THAT WILL LOCK THEM IN A COLLISION, AND I HAVE TESTED THIS IN A WIDE OPEN PARKING LOT BY SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES AND THEY DO LOCK BUT MY INSPECTION STATION IS UNWILLING TO RECOGNIZE THIS I WISH TO KNOW WHAT I NEED TO DO TO GET A PASSING INSPECTION STICKER ON MY VEHICLE IS THERE A RECALL FOR AND UPDATED DESIGN OF SEAT BELT ? I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT BOTH EXISTING SEAT BELTS IN THE VEHICLE ARE "BAD" WILL THE NHTSA ASSIST ME, PLEASE ? THANK YOU

NHTSA ID 11383128 · filed Dec 12, 2020

SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED.

NHTSA ID 604311 · filed Oct 27, 1997

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

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SO FAR, I HAVE REPLACED A CRUISE CONTROL FOUR TIMES IN FIVE YEARS FROM SALVAGE, IN EVERY CASE, THE ONLY PARTS TO FAIL ARE THE SAME TWO PLASTIC GEARS WORTH ABOUT $5 RETAIL. SINCE GM WILL NOT SELL REPAIR PARTS, THE REPLACEMENT OF THE UNIT IS OVER $500. I WOULD UNDERSTAND IF I HAD FOUR DIFFERENT FAILURES HOWEVER THESE ARE ALIKE. MY VEHICLE IS A 1996 CHEVY, K1500, SILVERADO, 5.7 L ENGINE, CRUISE CONTROLLER #25169208. *TR

NHTSA ID 10375556 · filed Jan 11, 2011

DON'T KNOW EXACT DATE OF OR MILEGE AT FAILURE. CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT RESUME SPEED AFTER BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED. SPEED WILL NOT INCREASE USING RESUME SWITCH.*AK

NHTSA ID 742990 · filed Mar 24, 2001

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET K1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE INSPECTED THE AIR BAG SENSOR AND DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE PART AND CONTACTED BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PART WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ID 10384143 · filed Feb 23, 2011

OEM BATTERY LEAKS ACID FROM CRACK AROUND POSITIVE TERMINAL POST. ACID DRIPS ON INNER FENDER PAINT, A/C ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR, BATTERY CABLES, RUBBER HOSES, AIRBAG SENSOR MOUNTED IN WHEEL WELL AND ON DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ID 716819 · filed Jan 3, 2000

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, REA RLEAF SPRING U: BOLT NUT BROKE, FRONT TIRE CAME OFF, AND THE VEHICLE HIT PAVEMENT. *AK

NHTSA ID 847776 · filed Sep 15, 1999

RIGHT FRONT AXLE SEAL LEAKS.

NHTSA ID 539722 · filed Sep 8, 1998

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE TAKING OFF FROM A STOP SIGN INTERSECTION THE DRIVESHAFT BROKE. WHEN THE DRIVESHAFT BROKE IT SNAPPED IN THE MIDDLE, NOT THE U JOINTS, IT CRACKED THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING AND PUT A DENT IN THE GASOLINE TANK.WE WERE IN PROCESS OF GETTING THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT, AND GETTIN A DRIVESHAFT MADE OUT OF STEEL.*AK

NHTSA ID 10186078 · filed Mar 24, 2007

WHILE DRIVING REAR END LOCKED UP, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THIS WAS DUE TO A PIECE IN THE REAR AXLE BREAKING. DEARE HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 856356 · filed Feb 7, 2000

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

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING.

NHTSA ID 539101 · filed Aug 17, 1998

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

HEADLIGHT HOUSING LENS CRACKED. VEHICLE WAS NOT IN USE AT THE TIME THE CRACK WAS FOUND. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF AN OBJECT STRIKING AND BREAKING THE PLASTIC HEADLIGHT LENS.*AK

NHTSA ID 735958 · filed Nov 8, 2000

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

OEM BATTERY LEAKS ACID FROM CRACK AROUND POSITIVE TERMINAL POST. ACID DRIPS ON INNER FENDER PAINT, A/C ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR, BATTERY CABLES, RUBBER HOSES, AIRBAG SENSOR MOUNTED IN WHEEL WELL AND ON DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ID 716819 · filed Jan 3, 2000

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

LEFT SIDE DOOR DOES NOT STAY OPEN, RESULTING IN INJURY.

NHTSA ID 536509 · filed Jun 9, 1998

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 .