1996 GMC 1500 Problems
- Complaints
- 24filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 74,890miles, 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.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1996 GMC 1500 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 24 consumer complaints for the 1996 GMC 1500. The part named most often is visibility, with 7 complaints (29% of the total), followed by air bags (3) and brakes (3). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 74,890 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 2 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
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.
- Air bags3 13%
- Brakes3 13%
- Fuel system3 13%
- Electrical system2 8.3%
- Steering2 8.3%
- Suspension2 8.3%
- Engine cooling1 4.2%
Also reported: Seat belts (1), Body and structure (1).
Example complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “While driving steering wheel wandered from side to side. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle. Following that the windshield wipers would come on and off intermittently in inclement weather. This caused poor visibility. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the power sensor switch , and the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10089796, filed 2004-08Air bags: “Dt: consumer bought a vehicle as is , and for the first time I drove it, 3 hours after I bought it, the radiator blew. The garage that serviced the vehicle said the ball joints were ready to fall apart. The steering was very dangerous and the rear end made a humming noise. In addition, the engine light and air bag light came on. He said the vehicle should not have been on the road. The seller will not repair or reimburse for any of the defects.”
NHTSA complaint #10121000, filed 2005-05, 77,781 milesBrakes: “Brake system operated normally for some time and then at or around 2/14/2005 I begun to experience in all weather conditions at slow speed stopping the ABS would engage and over ride the normal braking system causing much longer stopping distances. It caused at least 10 near collisions with the car in front of me, and several times I swerved off the road to avoid contact. To correct the problem, I disabled the ABS system by removing the ABS fuse, this was suggested by a local tire and repair shop.”
NHTSA complaint #10135794, filed 2005-09, 72,000 milesFuel system: “The sending unit shortage out with 15 gallons of fuel remain in the tank while driving also cause vehicle to shut down dealer was not notified at this time . Feel free to provide additional information. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8023832, filed 2002-12Mileage 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 72,000 and 77,781 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1996 GMC 1500 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 GMC 1500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 24 | 74,890 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1994 | 29 | 111,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 8 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1996 GMC 1500 have?
NHTSA recorded 24 consumer complaints for the 1996 GMC 1500 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1996 GMC 1500 is reported most often?
Visibility is named most often, in 7 complaints (29% of the total), followed by air bags with 3.
Has the 1996 GMC 1500 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.
At what mileage are problems with the 1996 GMC 1500 reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 74,890 miles and the middle half falls between 72,000 and 77,781 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 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
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.