1996 Chevrolet Silverado Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 12%of 186 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,200miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Chevrolet Silverado, 12% of the 186 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,200 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10060308, filed 2004-03, 50,400 miles“Z71 truck transmission failed at 55,000 miles. Gm states that my vehicle is in excellent condition & that there was nothing that I did to cause the failure. Gm service bulletin (doc. #225207) states that the vcm can cause erratic line pressure with the 4l60-e transmission. Although the bulletins are for tech. Info only, this service bulletin documents a known pre-existing defect that can lead to premature transmission failure due to the vcm communicating intermittent, erratic, unstable line pressure. …”
NHTSA complaint #755016, filed 2001-11“During blizard road conditions on way to work 4-wheel drive did not engage. I think this gave me a false sense of security and should be handled as a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #701893, filed 1999-01“When accelerating from a stop vehicle would not go into gear properly. Vehicle would not go from one gear to another. Dealer contacted. Consumer states that the transmission is currently changing correctly, however now there is a fluid leak, dealer wants to charge consumer for these repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #8002704, filed 2002-01“While driving transmission exploded, resulting in a vehicle fire. Manufacturer has been notified. When explosion occured there was a bad smell of transmission fluid. After pulling over the vehicle, heavy smoke poured out from under the hood, and the vehicle burnt completely.”
NHTSA complaint #865657, filed 2000-07Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 33 | 26% |
| 2016 | 1 | 20% |
| 2015 | 11 | 14% |
| 2014 | 37 | 30% |
| 2013 | 11 | 17% |
| 2012 | 11 | 16% |
| 2011 | 4 | 5% |
| 2010 | 7 | 11% |
| 2009 | 3 | 4% |
| 2008 | 12 | 7% |
| 2007 | 21 | 11% |
| 2006 | 8 | 4% |
| 2005 | 29 | 9% |
| 2004 | 49 | 8% |
| 2003 | 81 | 12% |
| 2002 | 70 | 10% |
| 2001 | 64 | 7% |
| 2000 | 103 | 8% |
| 1999 | 97 | 6% |
| 1998 | 14 | 5% |
| 1997 | 35 | 13% |
| 1996 | 22 | 12% |
| 1995 | 20 | 8% |
| 1994 | 7 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 4 | 10% |
| 1990 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Silverado
74 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsSeats
15 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Silverado
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