1996 GMC Sierra Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 246 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 160,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 GMC Sierra, 2% of the 246 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 160,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Owner says the remote control mirrors on the vehicle caught fire while the key was not in the ignition and the vehicle was turned off. Owner contacted the dealer and was told that although his vehicle looks like the 1997 and that vehicle was recalled for this issue and this vehicle is not being recalled. Provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #10075670, filed 2004-06, 160,000 miles“Recall 98 v 150 001/windshield wiper wiring: windshield wipers work intermittently. Dealer/mfr's have not been notified at this time. Consumer states the solid state electronic card failed when the vehicle was one year old, the wipers stayed off and would not restart until the solid state card was taped on.”
NHTSA complaint #898372, filed 2001-10“Battery acid leaked on the brake line. The acid ate through the brake line, causing brake fluid leakage. Driver experienced complete brake failure when this happened. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The brake lines were replaced under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #835898, filed 1999-04Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6 | 10% |
| 2016 | 2 | 33% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 9 | 9% |
| 2013 | 5 | 13% |
| 2012 | 7 | 24% |
| 2011 | 3 | 7% |
| 2010 | 4 | 12% |
| 2009 | 9 | 24% |
| 2008 | 15 | 22% |
| 2007 | 7 | 12% |
| 2006 | 7 | 13% |
| 2005 | 23 | 20% |
| 2004 | 39 | 21% |
| 2003 | 31 | 15% |
| 2002 | 6 | 2% |
| 2001 | 13 | 5% |
| 2000 | 12 | 3% |
| 1999 | 12 | 2% |
| 1998 | 9 | 5% |
| 1997 | 12 | 5% |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% |
| 1995 | 4 | 2% |
| 1994 | 4 | 2% |
| 1993 | 5 | 7% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
| 1989 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Sierra
84 complaintsBrakes
47 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsSeats
20 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 GMC Sierra
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology