1996 Chevrolet C2500 Problems

What owners report

Owners of this 1996 Chevrolet C2500 most often report braking problems, mainly longer stopping distances and ABS-related complaints, followed by windshield wipers that stop or work only intermittently. The brake complaints range from longer stops during normal braking to sudden loss of braking, while the wiper complaints mostly involve rain. The sampled complaints do not record mileage, and they were filed mostly between 1997 and 2001.

1. 1
   Brakes

   Longer stopping distances and ABS braking complaints

   • 13 complaints (25%)
   • typically at 2.2 yrs old
   • filed 1997–2000

   Owners describe the truck taking longer than expected to stop during normal braking and in panic stops, sometimes on wet pavement. Some describe ABS-equipped brakes where one side locks while the other does nothing, and others say all four wheels locked and the truck went into a skid. Some complaints say the dealer replaced brake parts, or could not reproduce or fix the problem. The sampled complaints do not list mileage, were filed between 1997 and 2000, and often describe normal stops or wet or snowy roads.

   What to check: Ask for brake service records and have a mechanic check ABS operation and stopping distance on a test drive. Ask whether any earlier brake or booster repair resolved the symptom.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “While driving the braking system malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance which almost resulted in an accident, vehicle has been to dealer 3 times, replaced brakes, calipers, etc. Dealer cannot determine problem. Cause unknown. …”

   NHTSA complaint #828470, filed 1998-10

   “When traveling on wet pavement and upon depressing the brake pedal to make a normal stop all four wheels locked up, causing the vehicle to go into a skid , and resulting in extended stopping distance. Consumer has contacted the dealer.”

   NHTSA complaint #852466, filed 1999-11
2. 2
   Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)

   Windshield wipers stop or work only intermittently in rain

   • 9 complaints (17%)
   • typically at 4.0 yrs old
   • filed 1999–2001

   Owners report the wipers stopping during rain or heavy downpours, sometimes resuming later, or working only sporadically. Some describe wipers stopping partway across the windshield, which reduced visibility while driving. According to complaints, the dealer pointed to a circuit board that needed replacement, and some describe a moisture-related board short; some say a wiper recall for the same problem did not cover their vehicle. The sampled complaints do not list mileage, were filed between 1999 and 2001, and most describe failures while driving in rain.

   What to check: Ask whether the wiper control module or circuit board has been repaired, and test the wipers in wet conditions. Check the VIN against NHTSA recall records for the wiper system.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “While driving in the rain windshield wipers stopped. Consumer could hardly see the road. Windshield wipers started working again about 10 minutes later. There is a recall on the same make and models. Hower, this vehicle is not covered under recall due to VIN although it exhibits the same defect.”

   NHTSA complaint #854696, filed 2000-01

   “While driving in heavy rain and applying the windshield wipers, they don't work. Took to dealer, told that some computer boards were shorting out in moisture. Recall issued, but this vehicle not included due to VIN. Owner paid for repairs.”

   NHTSA complaint #843342, filed 1999-07
3. 3
   Brakes

   Brake pedal dropping or sudden loss of braking

   • 12 complaints (23%)
   • typically at 1.8 yrs old
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1997–2000

   Owners describe the brake pedal sinking toward the floor or the brakes giving little or no stopping power while driving. Some describe the truck continuing forward during a sudden stop, or rear-ending the vehicle ahead. Some owners say the dealer could not fix the problem. The sampled complaints do not list mileage, were filed between 1997 and 2000, and some describe the problem on a hill, a ramp or during a sudden stop.

   What to check: Ask for brake hydraulic repair records and have a mechanic check whether the pedal slowly sinks under steady pressure. Ask whether the brake hydraulic system has been inspected for leaks or loss of pressure.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “While driving, experienced ABS failure, attempting to slow/stop pedal went to floor, then continued to roll forward. Heard load grinding noise just prior, pedal was pushing upward, towards foot, while standing on brake pedal. Resulting in a near accident.”

   NHTSA complaint #809119, filed 1997-02

   “While trying to make a sudden stop by stepping on brake pedal, vehicle continued to go. On normal stops, all four wheels seem to brake normally. On emergency (panic) stop, the rear brakes feel as though they are not working.”

   NHTSA complaint #842972, filed 1999-07

Buying note. Prospective buyers may want to ask for brake and wiper repair records and test braking, including ABS operation, and the wipers in wet conditions before deciding. Some complaints say dealers could not reproduce or fix the symptoms, so an independent inspection before purchase may help.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 31 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.