1996 Chevrolet Caprice Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 18%of 65 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,160miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice, 18% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,160 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“Suspension causing excessive tire wear---replaced tires at 18,000 and now at 29000 miles. Dealer claims I need another alignment even though they just fixed it. Two tsbs associated with the steering and suspension. Steering has always been loose and sometimes locks up completely. Suspension has always pulled to the right front. Brakes have squealed since around 10000 miles. Engine has severe hesitation, but dealer cannot reproduce.( DOT number: )”
NHTSA complaint #701371, filed 1999-01“Vehicle has been aligned. But when it was taken for inspection the vehicle was denied approval because the alignement was bad, and caused unusual wear and tear on tires. Dealer has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #829996, filed 1998-11“Upper and lower ball joints snapped when vehicle was backing up and once when moving forward and making a left turn causing loss of steering ability. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #549268, filed 1999-10Related recalls
- 96V020000Jan 31, 1996The rear lower control arm can crack at the rear stabilizer bar attachment.Covers: Chevrolet Caprice 1991–1996
- 96V018000Jan 30, 1996Defective lower control arm ball joint attachment nuts were not properly torqued and can loosen.Covers: Chevrolet Caprice 1995–1996, Cadillac Fleetwood 1995–1996
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 17% |
| 1996 | 12 | 18% |
| 1995 | 13 | 15% |
| 1994 | 8 | 5% |
| 1993 | 6 | 10% |
| 1992 | 6 | 7% |
| 1991 | 4 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 6% |
| 1988 | 1 | 8% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology