1996 GMC Sierra Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 5%of 246 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 GMC Sierra, 5% of the 246 complaints for this model year.
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.
“Windshield wipers failed numerous times. I had to physically move the wipers to make them move again. Gm recall on this problem does not include my vehicle only because of VIN #. I'm experiencing all the problems the recalled vehicles have./ on the second problem. I was having smoke coming out of my column due to the multi-function switch going bad. This switch controls the cruise control, turn signal, wipers, hazard lights etc. The turn signal relay kept going off , sounding like the hazards were on all the time. …”
NHTSA complaint #752935, filed 2001-10“Both hi and low beams of headlights went out while driving vehicle at night. Went to dealer next day. Dealer charged $502.65 to replace headlight dimmer switch. Wiring was melted and burned on switch. This could have started a vehicle fire, or caused an accident. Fuses and circuit breakers did not protect vehicle wiring. Switch is available if you would like it for examination.”
NHTSA complaint #702781, filed 1999-01“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“Headlamp light switch works on and off, making it hard to drive at night. The lights would go out while the vehicle was in motion. The unit required that the turn signal had to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10039775, filed 2003-10“Daytime running lights failed to function during daylight hours. Consumer has examined elements for headlights and found no defect while dealership has not examined vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #896961, filed 2001-09Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 3% |
| 2015 | 30 | 57% |
| 2014 | 63 | 62% |
| 2013 | 1 | 3% |
| 2012 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 3 | 1% |
| 2000 | 12 | 3% |
| 1999 | 8 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 1% |
| 1997 | 4 | 2% |
| 1996 | 12 | 5% |
| 1995 | 8 | 3% |
| 1994 | 3 | 2% |
| 1991 | 1 | 8% |
| 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 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsEngine cooling
11 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 31, 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