1996 Chevrolet Tahoe Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 5%of 283 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 131,477miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe, 5% of the 283 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 131,477 miles.
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.
“1996 Tahoe headlight failure. When flipping the switch to turn o headlights they do not turn on. Spent almost $200 in diagnostic time. The repair shop says the wiring in the steering column is fatigued and frayed most likely due to repeated adjustments with the tilt steering wheel. Very expensive to repair. Using middle position with daytime running lights until I can get it repaired. This is a serious safety issue as the light cut out while I was driving home in the dark. Good thing the drl work.”
NHTSA complaint #10175869, filed 2006-12“The contact's mother owns a 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe. The windshield wipers were not operating normally. They were repaired in 2001. Recall 03v159000 component: visibility:windshield wiper/washer is related to the failure. The dealer confirmed that the VIN is not related to the recall. The dealer also wrote on the invoice that the windshield wipers are working temporarily and can fail at anytime. The corporate office of GM was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 147956 and current mileage was 148114. …”
NHTSA complaint #10250352, filed 2008-12, 147,954 miles“The contact stated the headlights would not illuminate. The contact had replaced the headlights and the headlight switch but that had not resolved the issue. The vehicle had not been to a service dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10175345, filed 2006-12, 115,000 miles“Consumer states that a defect in the mulitfunction switch, causes her to have no brake lights. Dealer replaced part 3 times, problem still occuring. Nlm serpentine belt tensioner coming apart. Disconnect nipple fitting leaking. Wipers slapping on windshield and has no speed and/or intermittent wiper operation. Dealer found needs wiper motor and wiper transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #8007891, filed 2002-04“Computer chip failed, and vehicle willnot start at all. Dealership replaced computer chip, and noted that windshield wipers will not work. Consumer stated that the alternator, fuel pump, fuel filter, daytime running lamps, airconditioner, and computer brain were all replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #891062, filed 2001-06Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4% |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 5 | 2% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 16 | 3% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 2% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 2% |
| 2015 | 52 | 8% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 0% |
| 2008 | 4 | 1% |
| 2007 | 10 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 6 | 2% |
| 2004 | 7 | 2% |
| 2003 | 8 | 2% |
| 2002 | 4 | 1% |
| 2001 | 6 | 1% |
| 2000 | 4 | 1% |
| 1999 | 10 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 5 | 1% |
| 1996 | 14 | 5% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
78 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
37 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsEngine cooling
25 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsSeats
14 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
9 complaintsEquipment
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
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