1996 GMC K1500 Problems
- Complaints
- 14filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1996 GMC K1500 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 14 consumer complaints for the 1996 GMC K1500. The part named most often is visibility, with 6 complaints (43% of the total), followed by brakes (4) and air bags (1). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 85,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 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.
- Brakes4 29%
- Air bags1 7.1%
- Electrical system1 7.1%
- Steering1 7.1%
Example complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “The contact owns a 1996 Gmc K1500. The contact stated that the windshield wipers tend to work periodically. There were no warning indicators prior to the failure. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The current mileage was 80,000 and failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 06/25/08. The consumer stated the failure he experienced was identical to recall 03v159000. Updated 06/25/08”
NHTSA complaint #10229772, filed 2008-06, 75,000 milesBrakes: “My girlfriend was driving my truck on the above date, when one of the rear brake lines failed, causing loss of brake fluid and nearly resulting in a rear-end collision with a vehicle stopped in front of her. Also, about three years ago, I had another brake line fail while I was driving. I replaced it, thinking it was normal, however I have now discovered that there are many other GM owners having the same problem. Additionally, earlier this year, I had to replace the fuel pump, which is in the tank. …”
NHTSA complaint #10557522, filed 2013-12, 151,160 milesAir bags: “Air bag warning light illuminated, indicating a malfunction within the system caused by problem within the air bag coil. Please give any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #864133, filed 2000-06Electrical system: “Battery housing cracking causing fluid/acid leakage which damaged air bag sensor and brake lines. Loss of braking ability due to damage almost resulted in vehicle collision. Mjs”
NHTSA complaint #546452, filed 1999-06Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 75,000 and 151,160 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1996 GMC K1500 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 K1500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 14 | 85,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1995 | 27 | 88,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 20 | 110,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1993 | 12 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 5 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1996 GMC K1500 have?
NHTSA recorded 14 consumer complaints for the 1996 GMC K1500 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1996 GMC K1500 is reported most often?
Visibility is named most often, in 6 complaints (43% of the total), followed by brakes with 4.
Has the 1996 GMC K1500 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 K1500 reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 85,000 miles and the middle half falls between 75,000 and 151,160 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.
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.