1996 Chevrolet Silverado Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1996 Chevrolet Silverado, 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
- Visibility7434.6%
- Brakes3215.0%
- Transmission177.9%
- Interior & seats157.0%
- Fuel system146.5%
- Engine136.1%
- Airbags115.1%
- Body & structure83.7%
- Driver assistance52.3%
- Electrical52.3%
- Powertrain (other)41.9%
- Exterior lighting41.9%
- Steering41.9%
- Tires & wheels31.4%
- Suspension20.9%
- Other / unspecified10.5%
- Heating & air conditioning10.5%
- Seat belts10.5%
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
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS OPERATED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V159000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER). THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO WITTMEIER CHEVROLET (2292 FOREST AVE, CHICO, CA 95928, (530) 895-8181) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE CURRENTLY ON BACKORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.
1996 CHEVY SILVERADO CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR SHOULD BE RECALLED BECAUSE THE MOTOR MIGHT FAIL RESULTING IN CRACKING SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD CUSTOMER WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED**CC THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS DOCUMENTATION THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, HOWEVER THE DEALER STATES HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
METAL HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID LINE RUSTS, DEGRADING TO THE LEAKING OF FLUID AND TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY. METAL LINE TO BE REPLACED WITH STAINLESS-STEEL. FUEL LINE IS IN SAME CONDITION, THOUGH NOT LEAKING FUEL. FUEL LINE TO BE REPLACED WITH STAINLESS STEEL. *NM
1996 CHEVY 4X4 TRUCK (SILVERADO) ABS ENGAGING AT LOW SPEEDS ON DRY PAVEMENT. VERY DIFFICULT STOPPING THE VEHICLE WHEN APPROACHING A 4-WAY STOP. KIDS IN THE TRUCK CAUSED A VERY UNNERVING EXPERIENCE. *JB
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND STOPPED SHIFTING INTO 3RD GEAR AT 50,000 MILES. WAS REBUILT AT TRANS SERVICE SHOP. CAUSE WAS LACK OF GROUND WIRE BETWEEN CONTROL MODULE AND TRANSMISSION CAUSING ERRATIC FLUID PRESSURES. I PAID THE $1470.00 REPAIR BILL. TSB DESCRIBED THE DEFECT, I WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THIS WAS PREVENTABLE FROM CHEVY'S PERSPECTIVE.*AK
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT WHILE TRAVELING, TRANSMISSION GOES OUT DURING PASSING GEAR. CONSUMER IS NOW ON 3RD TRANSMISSION. *AK
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE THE DRIVER SEAT RECLINER FAILED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE PUSHED UP AGAINST THE STEERING COLUMN. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. REPAIRS WERE MADE BY TEAM CHEVROLET SAMARIUM, TENNESSEE. THE COST WAS $ 250.00. THIS FAILURE ALMOST RESULTED IN A FATAL CLASH. THE VEHICLE ENDED UP OFF HIGHWAY IN A DITCH. *AK
THE WELDS, WHICH ATTACH THE BUCKET SEAT TO THE SEAT TRACKS, BROKE. THIS CAUSED THE SEAT TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH WHILE DRIVING. *AK THE WELDS THAT ATTACH BOTH FRONT BUCKET SEAT TO THE SLIDE RAILS ARE BROKE. THE WELDS ONLY BROKE ON THE FRONT OF BOTH SEATS. WHEN THE DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE IT CAUSED THE SEAT TO ROCK INTO THE BACK AND CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HIT HIS HEAD ON THE BACK WINDOW. *SC
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER CHEVROLET SILRADO PICKUP HAS HAD THREE INJECTION PUMPS IN 92000 MILES. *TS ***REF 10157351*** *JB
SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE CONTINUAL COSTS TO KEEP VEHICLE RUNNING HAS ALMOST EXCEED THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. REPAIR COSTS FROM $3,200.00-$3,900.00 AND CONTINUE TO INCREASE. ANY FUTURE REPAIRS WILL NOW EXCEED THE PURCHASE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. DUE TO THE INCAPACITY OF THE TRUCK MY LOST WAGES HAVE EXCEEDED OR WILL EXCEED $10,000.00. BEING A SINGLE PARENT OF TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND HAVING LOST MY JOB DUE TO THE VEHICLES INCAPACITATE HAS CAUSED INSURMOUNTABLE PAIN AND SUFFERING TO THE NECESSARY DAY TO DAY FUNCTIONS TO MY FAMILY. MY ONCE FAIR CREDIT REPORT HAS BEEN RUINED. ONE OF MY MAIN REASONS FOR AGREEING TO TAKE OUT A AUTO LOAN WAS TO HELP ACHIEVE A FAVORABLE CREDIT RATING TO OBTAIN A MORTGAGE LOAN IN THE NEAR FUTURE WHICH IS NO LONGER AN OPTION. THERE IS CURRENTLY A INVESTIGATION AND CLASS ACTION SUITE PENDING BY THE VERMONT STATE ATTORNEY'S GENERALS OFFICE AGAINST WILLIAM DYDO JR. (DYDO AUTO SALES. ALTHOUGH I HOPE TO BE PART OF THIS SUIT I WILL NOT BE COMPENSATED FOR PAIN AND SUFFERING. THANK YOU
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE CONTINUAL COSTS TO KEEP VEHICLE RUNNING HAS ALMOST EXCEED THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. REPAIR COSTS FROM $3,200.00-$3,900.00 AND CONTINUE TO INCREASE. ANY FUTURE REPAIRS WILL NOW EXCEED THE PURCHASE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. DUE TO THE INCAPACITY OF THE TRUCK MY LOST WAGES HAVE EXCEEDED OR WILL EXCEED $10,000.00. BEING A SINGLE PARENT OF TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND HAVING LOST MY JOB DUE TO THE VEHICLES INCAPACITATE HAS CAUSED INSURMOUNTABLE PAIN AND SUFFERING TO THE NECESSARY DAY TO DAY FUNCTIONS TO MY FAMILY. MY ONCE FAIR CREDIT REPORT HAS BEEN RUINED. ONE OF MY MAIN REASONS FOR AGREEING TO TAKE OUT A AUTO LOAN WAS TO HELP ACHIEVE A FAVORABLE CREDIT RATING TO OBTAIN A MORTGAGE LOAN IN THE NEAR FUTURE WHICH IS NO LONGER AN OPTION. THERE IS CURRENTLY A INVESTIGATION AND CLASS ACTION SUITE PENDING BY THE VERMONT STATE ATTORNEY'S GENERALS OFFICE AGAINST WILLIAM DYDO JR. (DYDO AUTO SALES. ALTHOUGH I HOPE TO BE PART OF THIS SUIT I WILL NOT BE COMPENSATED FOR PAIN AND SUFFERING. THANK YOU
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF BRAKES WHILE TOWING A TRAILER. CONSUMER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND REPLACED TWO FRONT BRAKE HOSES THAT ERUPTED. ALSO, VEHICLE STALLED WHILE IN MOTION. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: WHILE THE CALLER WAS DRIVING AT 30 MPH THE BRAKE FAILED, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED IN FRONT OF THE CALLER'S VEHICLE, AND WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES THEY DID NOT WORK. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER SAID THE MAIN BRAKE LINE TO THE BACK BRAKES WAS RUSTED THROUGH AND CALLER SAID IT WAS LEAKING FLUID. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THERE WAS A CRASH. ONE PASSENGER W IN CALLERS VEHICLE SUSTAINED INJURIES. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD. THE POLICE CAME AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED, BUT THEY HAVE NOT CALLED HIM BACK. THE OTHER VEHICLE HAD SOME DAMAGE TO THE REAR, BUT CALLER'S VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS BROADSIDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVERS AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *NLM
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAILGATE STRAPS FAILURE. MAN WAS STANDING ON TAILGATE PREPARING TO JUMP DOWN, AND BOTH STRAPS SNAPPED AT THE SAME TIME. THERE WAS NO NOTICE THAT THE STRAPS WERE WORN OR FAILING. VEHICLE IS USED AS SHOW TRUCK, NOT WORK TRUCK, AND IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. FAILURE IS AS DESCRIBED IN YOUR RECALL 04E067000, NHTSA ACTION EA04005 AND GM DEFECT NOTICE 04V-129, EXCEPTION FOR PRE 2000 VEHICLES. *JB
ON MY 1996 SILVERADO, THE TAILGATE STRAPS ARE STARTING TO RUST AND BREAK. I THINK THAT THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED BECAUSE THE RECALLED TAILGATE STRAPS ARE PUT TOGETHER THE SAME WAS EVEN IF IT IS NOT THE SAME MODEL. *JB
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY VEHICLE COMMENCED TO ACCELERATE AND LURCHED FORWARD. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES, AND TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF BEFORE ANY OTHER DAMAGE COULD HAVE OCCURRED. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK
AS THE GEAR LEVER WAS PULLED FROM PARK TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ALTHOUGH THE DRIVERS FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE TRAVELED 20 FEET BEFORE RASHING INTO A PARKED FORKLIFT TRUCK CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE LEFT BUMPER AND WHEEL WELL. NLM
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: WHILE DRIVING SHE WAS EXPERIENCING HESITATION, HIT POTHOLE AND HAD TO BE TOWED HOME. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, THE FACTORY WIRING INSIDE THE FUEL TANK TO THE FUEL PUMP WAS BURNED UP AT THE CONNECTOR, ONLY BEAR WIRING WAS PRESENT IN THE FUEL TANK. FEARFUL THIS MAY CATCH FIRE. HARDWIRED THIS FEATURE PER OWNER WHO IS ALSO MECHANIC. APPEARED TO BE FAULTY WIRING, DEFINITELY 4 PIN CONNECTOR AT THE TOP OF THAT WIRE ASSEMBLY. NO OTHER PROBLEMS. *AK
HEADLIGHTS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY GO OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO MOVE THE TILT STEERING WHEEL TO GET THE HEADLIGHTS TO COME BACK ON. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
2 FRONT AXLES FAILED WITHIN 90 DAYS WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, AND IN TRAFFIC WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED CRASH. *AK
DRIVESHAFT YOKE SEAL FAILED RESULTING IN ALL REAR AXLE BEARINGS HAVING TO BE REPLACED. NLM
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLIGHTS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY GO OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO MOVE THE TILT STEERING WHEEL TO GET THE HEADLIGHTS TO COME BACK ON. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK
DRIVESHAFT YOKE SEAL FAILED RESULTING IN ALL REAR AXLE BEARINGS HAVING TO BE REPLACED. NLM
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
POWER STEERING LOOSES ASSIST AND BECOMES STIFF. POWER STEERING PUMP LEAKS
FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE RESURFACED EVERY 20,000 MILES ON THREE OCCASIONS. CURRENTLY, AT 90,000 ROTORS NEED REPLACEMENT AGAIN. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IT WOULD BE DONE AT THE EXPENSE OF CONSUMER. ALSO, LOWER END OF STEERING COLUMN GEAR REPLACED WITH A REBUILT PART UNDER WARRANTY. *AK *ML
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
SIDEWALLS OF TWO TIRES SEPARATED, ONE AT THREE PLACES AND ONE AT ONE PLACE. ONE TIRE CRACKED ALONG THE BEAD. ONE TIRE WAS REPLACED AND PRORATED UNDER WARRANTY. *NM
SINCE PURCHASED FROM MAHER CHEVROLET IN 2001, THE "C CLIP" IN THE "TRANSFER CASE" HAS BROKEN THREE TIMES AND WE HAVE NEVER USED THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THIS OCCURS DURING NORMAL DRIVING! THE FIRST TIME WAS WITHIN MONTHS AFTER OWNING THE VEHICLE. THE SECOND TIME WAS 30,000 MILES AFTER IT REPLACED. NOW LESS THAN 20,000 MILES LATER, ITS BROKE AGAIN. THERE MUST BE SOMETHING DEFECTIVE INTERNALLY IN THE TRANSFER CASE. WHEN DRIVING AND THE "C CLIP" BREAKS, THE GEARS START GRINDING LOUDLY. YOU CAN NOT EXCEED 3 - 5 MILES PER HOUR. SINCE THIS IS AN INSTANT MOVEMENT, THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WEHN TRAVLING ON THE INTERSTATE. WHICH MY HUSBAND FREQUENTLY DOES WHILE DRIVING TO WORK. THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED ON THE VEHICLE AND I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED SINCE IT WAS BROUGHT BACK TO THE DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS AND SUPPOSEDLY, FIXED THEN. IS THE DEALERSHIP THE PROBLEM OR AM I DEALING WITH UNSAFE DEFECT WITH THE TRANSFER CASE. I WILL LIST THE APPROX. DATE THAT THE DEALERSHIP LOOKED AT MY TRUCK LAST, AND THEN WANTED TO CHARGE ME OVER $2,500 TO "INVESTIGATE" WHY THE "C CLIP" KEEPS BREAKING.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH FRONT ALIGNMENT NEEDED TO BE DONE EVERY 3000-5000 MILES. ALSO, INTERMITTENT JERKING OF STEERING WHEEL WOULD OCCUR WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN. DEALER / MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IT WAS PART OF NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE. CAN NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER OR PROVIDE ADDTIONAL INFORMATION. *AK
REMOTE DOOR OPENER FAILED.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE TRAVELING TRAILER HITCH METAL TORE OFF VEHICLE, CAUSING TRAILER TO COME OFF. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATON. *AK
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE ARE MANY EXAMPLES OF WINDSHEALD WIPERS FAILURES ON 1996 SILVERADO TRUCKS ,BUT GM SAYS THAT THE VIN NUMBER DOSENT INCLUDE MY TRUCK.I BELEAVE YOU SHOULD EXPAND THIS RECALL BECAUSE ITS APPARENT THAT MANY OTHER TRUCKS HAVE THE SAME DEADLY PROBLEM.I SUSPECT FROM MY RESEARCH ON THE WEB THE AC AND FUEL PUMP PROBLEMS ARE ALSO COMMON.I RECEIVED MY TRUCK JUST AFTER THE STRIKE. THAT WAS A BIG MISTAKE .*AK
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
SHOULDER BELTS DO NOT OPERTATE PROPERLY. WHEN TRYING TO PULL THE STRAPS TO LOCK THE SEAT BELT, THEY DO NOT EXTEND FAR ENOUGH TO LOCK THE BELT. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .