1996 GMC Sierra Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 4%of 246 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 GMC Sierra, 4% of the 246 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 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.
“Vehicle leaks anti-freeze from vicinity of upper intake manifold. Chronic problem. Occurs after vehicle has set for 3-5 hours after running. Does not appear to be leaking into crankcase. Had system pressure tested. Told to monitor to see if it is getting into oil. Leaks about 1-2 tablespoons per shut down. Enough to be noticeable”
NHTSA complaint #10108205, filed 2005-01, 45,000 miles“Automatic transmission is leaking fluid, dealer replaced clutch slave, cylinder assembly seal and found that the fluid was leaking at the shifter on top of the transmission, transmission mount is also weak which is causing problems shifting. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #567316, filed 2002-09“Consumer was traveling on highwayand and was smelling oil, there was oil leaking from underneath vehicle. Seals were leaking. Consumer took vehicle back to the dealership, and the mechanic replaced seals.”
NHTSA complaint #870043, filed 2000-09“The engine was replaced at 66151 miles, consumer believes there is a defect in workmanship or material which may have caused this failure at such low mileage.”
NHTSA complaint #563677, filed 2001-10Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10014959Mar 1, 2005Replacement of connector when replacing fuel tank module/fuel pump module.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% |
| 2005 | 9 | 8% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 9 | 4% |
| 2002 | 22 | 9% |
| 2001 | 22 | 8% |
| 2000 | 21 | 5% |
| 1999 | 17 | 3% |
| 1998 | 11 | 6% |
| 1997 | 15 | 6% |
| 1996 | 11 | 4% |
| 1995 | 6 | 2% |
| 1994 | 6 | 3% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 6% |
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 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 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 27, 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