1996 Chevrolet Van Problems
- Complaints
- 28filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 133,140miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 14 mpgcombined, 5.0L 8-cyl RWD · 13 city / 17 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1996 Chevrolet Van (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 28 consumer complaints for the 1996 Chevrolet Van. The part named most often is brakes, with 11 complaints (39% of the total), followed by engine cooling (3) and fuel system (3). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 133,140 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 2 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
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.
- Brakes11 39%
- Engine cooling3 11%
- Fuel system3 11%
- Body and structure3 11%
- Suspension3 11%
- Seats2 7.1%
- Steering2 7.1%
- Air bags1 3.6%
- Electrical system1 3.6%
Also reported: Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Seat belts (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “This is just for your records this veichle has a stopping problem above 40 MPH the harder you press brakes the stopping does not increase I am famllar with anti lock breaks this is not that system causeing this non stopping other VAN owners like my self have notice this problem its almost like there is not enough break to stop anti break works fine when forced to floor but normal stopping is very weak .”
NHTSA complaint #742942, filed 2001-03Engine cooling: “Prior to complete brake failure on july 29, 2001, there is minimum of nine documented service reports with the dealer for brake problems beginning in may of 1997. To date, this problem still exists. There is severe pulling to the right and wheel vibration upon quick or heavy appliance of brakes. The rear brakes do not work and have not worked properly from the beginning; thus, the front brakes must handle the load. The front brake lining must be replace every six months. The back brake lining has been replaced only once. …”
NHTSA complaint #750843, filed 2001-08Fuel system: “The contact stated that there was gasoline spilling out of the filler neck of the rear fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where the dealer determined that the pump in the rear tank failed. The vehicle was not repaired at that time. There is a NHTSA recall # 93v125000, pertaining to the fuel tank assembly however the VIN was not included in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10162297, filed 2006-07, 150,000 milesBody and structure: “I am disapointed that all newer cars on the road today only come with painted bumpers.bumpers that are painted are like having no bumper at all when it comes to minor collisions. Bumpers, I believe, should be protection for the painted areas as well as the lights, grill etc. I would like to see a mandate that bumpers not be painted. …”
NHTSA complaint #742363, filed 2001-03Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 116,281 and 150,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1996 Chevrolet Van version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Van 1500/2500 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Van 1500/2500 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Van 1500/2500 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1996 Chevrolet Van in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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. 2 on record; the latest 2 are shown.
- 10232287Feb 21, 2023Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Engine cooling. Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Other model years of the Chevrolet Van
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 11 | 73,000 | 0 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 14 | 55,340 | 0 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 22 | 51,484 | 0 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1999 | 15 | 73,000 | 0 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1998 | 16 | 120,250 | 0 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1997 | 27 | 127,250 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 28 | 133,140 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 20 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1994 | 11 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1993 | 19 | 156,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1992 | 8 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1996 Chevrolet Van have?
NHTSA recorded 28 consumer complaints for the 1996 Chevrolet Van as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1996 Chevrolet Van is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 11 complaints (39% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 3.
Has the 1996 Chevrolet Van been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1996 Chevrolet Van get?
The EPA rates the 1996 Chevrolet Van (Van 1500/2500 2WD, 5.0L 8-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 13 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1996 Chevrolet Van reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 133,140 miles and the middle half falls between 116,281 and 150,000 miles; 0% 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. 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.