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Chevrolet CapriceModel year report

1996 Chevrolet Caprice Problems

Complaints
65filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
59,000miles, 11 complaints with mileage
Recalls
4campaigns on record
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
18 mpgcombined, 5.7L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 24 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often report steering that becomes very hard to turn or locks up at low speed, frequently tied to worn ball joints or control arms. A second common theme is the engine stalling when shifted into reverse or driven at low speed, sometimes attributed to fuel pump failure. A smaller group of owners describe the rear differential locking up or fishtailing, especially early in ownership. These issues appear across a wide range of mileages rather than clustering at one point.

  1. Suspension

    Steering lockup and ball joint/control arm wear

    • 11 complaints (17%)
    • median 42,016 mi at 7.5 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
    • filed 1996–2004

    Owners describe the steering wheel locking up or becoming very hard to turn, usually at low speed while turning into or out of a driveway or parking space. Several complaints describe ball joints or control arms cracking or snapping, sometimes causing a temporary loss of steering control. Dealers have replaced steering pumps and ball joints and performed alignments, but some owners say the problem returned. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 28,000 miles up to over 130,000 miles, with no single mileage pattern standing out.

    Recall 96V020000Recall 96V018000

    What to check: Have a mechanic inspect the front lower control arm and ball joints, and check whether the vehicle was included in the related suspension recalls and had the repair performed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have a 1996 Chevrolet Caprice with only 28, 000 miles on it. Several occurances of steering loockup when going at very slow speeds and turning either let or right. Racing the engine seems to clear the problem sometimes. The steering pump was replaced but the problem contines to occur occasionally.”

    NHTSA complaint #10007612, filed 2003-02, 28,000 miles

    “While driving at any speed consumer heard a loud knocking noise and the vehicle started to jerk. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.”

    NHTSA complaint #10081580, filed 2004-07
  2. Engine cooling

    Engine stalling when shifted into reverse or at low speed

    • 5 complaints (8%)
    • median 225,000 mi at 8.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
    • filed 1997–2003

    Owners describe the engine dying when the vehicle is put into reverse or driven below about 20 mph, sometimes without warning. Dealers have reprogrammed the computer, replaced the distributor cap, or replaced the computer module, but several owners say the stalling returned afterward. Reported at varied mileages, including one case near 225,000 miles; most complaints do not specify an odometer reading.

    What to check: Test the vehicle by shifting into reverse and driving at low speed to check for stalling, and ask about any history of computer module or distributor replacements.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “When driving below 20 MPH vehicle would stall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on three separate occasions and the dealer replaced the distributor/spark plugs and something on the driveshaft. However, the problem recurred. The distributor cap was replaced due to a broken screw on the cap and rotor.”

    NHTSA complaint #10042324, filed 2003-11, 225,000 miles

    “Vehicle experiencing ongoing/ intermittent problem with engine stalling. Whenever vehicle is put in reverse the vehicle would cut off. Dealer notified and made some repairs. Replaced computer module. However, problem has reoccurred.”

    NHTSA complaint #835686, filed 1999-03
  3. Fuel system

    Fuel pump failure causing stalling

    • 6 complaints (9%)
    • median 6,200 mi at 7.1 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
    • filed 1998–2002

    Owners describe the fuel pump failing or burning out while driving, causing the engine to shut off or jerk/backfire as if fuel was not reaching the engine. Some complaints mention the fuel pump was replaced after dealer diagnosis, including in one case after only a few thousand miles. Reported from as low as about 6,200 miles to higher mileage vehicles, without a clear mileage pattern.

    What to check: Ask whether the fuel pump has been replaced and check for any history of stalling or hesitation during acceleration.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Consumer complained about fuel pump problems. Also, while driving fuel pump burned out, and luckily it did not explode. Fuel pump and fuel sending module were replaced. .”

    NHTSA complaint #8023678, filed 2002-12, 6,200 miles

    “Consumer states the fuel pump on the vehicle went out while the consumer was driving, causing the vehicle to shut off and not move any where. Also the consumer does not think that the fuel pump is in a proper place, because if there was a spark the vehicle could have caught on fire. Contacted dealer.”

    NHTSA complaint #8017915, filed 2002-09
  4. Transmission and drivetrain

    Rear differential lockup or fishtailing

    Mentioned in 4 of 46 sampled complaints

    Owners describe the rear end fishtailing or swinging while accelerating or pulling onto a highway, which some attribute to insufficient differential lubrication or a slipped differential. Dealers have inspected the vehicles but some owners say the problem continued. Reported mileage is not consistently specified in the sample, with at least one owner noting the issue began very early, around 1,000 miles.

    What to check: Check the rear differential fluid level and condition, and ask about any history of rear-end instability or unusual noise when accelerating.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Insufficient lubrication of the differential unit caused vehicle to fishtail and loss of control(lockup). Owner's manual does not state that vehicle lock up can occur if the fluid is not changed within the first 6,000 miles. Mjs”

    NHTSA complaint #547470, filed 1999-07

    “While pulling out onto highway, vehicle started to fishtail violently. Rear end kept swinging back and forth. Policeman checked the problem. Dealer contacted, and stated a slipped differential. Problem still exists. .et.”

    NHTSA complaint #835231, filed 1999-02

Buying note. A prospective buyer or current owner should have the steering and front suspension inspected for ball joint or control arm wear, confirm whether applicable recalls were completed, and watch for stalling at low speed or when shifting into reverse, which several owners attribute to the fuel pump or engine control system.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 46 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.

NHTSA recorded 65 consumer complaints for the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice. 11 of the complaints include a mileage, and 27% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 59,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 15 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Brakes (3), Air bags (2), Seat belts (2), Body and structure (2), Engine (1), Equipment (1), Interior lighting (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Suspension: “Consumer was going 60mph and front end of vehicle jumped sideways after hitting a bump. Shocks and tires were replaced to rectify problem. Consumer was afraid that he could hit someone. Dealers did not know what was wrong with vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #881862, filed 2001-03

Engine cooling: “Serpentene belt chirping when under warranty belt replaced 4+ times problem never solved , called gmc hotline (I quote) learn to live with it (unquote) what do I do to fix the problem.”

NHTSA complaint #750655, filed 2001-08

Transmission and drivetrain: “Consumers child was able to shift gears into neutral. Child jumped out and was run over by the car. This is a safety issue with all cars that need to be taken care off.”

NHTSA complaint #852222, filed 1999-10

Fuel system: “The contact owns a 1996 Chevrolet Caprice. The contact was driving 45 MPH when he heard a dragging noise coming from under the vehicle. The vehicle was maneuvered to the shoulder and the contact noticed that the straps which held the fuel tank in place were fractured due to corrosion. The vehicle was safely driven home and parked. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were 145,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10425416, filed 2011-09, 145,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

27% of the 11 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 42,016 and 131,000 miles.

9%0–100%10–2518%25–5027%50–7518%75–10018%100–1509%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (11 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 59,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

’96’9815’00’02’04’07’11’23
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Caprice · sedan not rated4 / 2———

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1996 Chevrolet Caprice version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Caprice/Impala RWD4.3L 8-cyl4-speed automatic162419$3,550
Caprice/Impala RWD5.7L 8-cyl4-speed automatic152418$3,700
Caprice/Impala Wagon RWD5.7L 8-cyl4-speed automatic152418$3,700

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 15 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 15 bulletins →

Other model years of the Chevrolet Caprice

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2014127,9193———Not enough data
2013642,2604———Not enough data
19966559,0004—18Not compared (before 2008)Rising
199588128,0007—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199414691,0006—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19936187,6881—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199289118,0006—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1991131100,0005—17Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19906—1—18—Not enough data
19891870,0000—18—Stable
198812—1—18—Not enough data
198717—2—18—Stable
198630—1—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19847155,0001—16—Not enough data
19838—0———Not enough data

All Chevrolet Caprice model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice?

Owners of this model year most often report steering that becomes very hard to turn or locks up at low speed, frequently tied to worn ball joints or control arms. The issues reported most often: Steering lockup and ball joint/control arm wear; Engine stalling when shifted into reverse or at low speed; Fuel pump failure causing stalling.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice have?

NHTSA recorded 65 consumer complaints for the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice is reported most often?

Suspension is named most often, in 12 complaints (18% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 11.

Has the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice been recalled?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice get?

The EPA rates the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice (Caprice/Impala, 5.7L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice reported?

Among the 11 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 59,000 miles and the middle half falls between 42,016 and 131,000 miles; 27% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.