1996 GMC Sierra Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 8%of 246 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the fuel system of the 1996 GMC Sierra, 8% of the 246 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Problem in fuel system (likely the fuel pump or related component) in 1996 Gmc Sierra with 6.5 l diesel . Causes engine to shut down completely. Happened while pulling travel trailer on two lane road with no shoulder and numerous other times. No engine code displayed during event so dealer says they can't fix problem without code.”
NHTSA complaint #10052313, filed 2004-01, 111,000 miles“As fuel pump began to fail (intermittent starting problems), it caused wires going to fuel pump (wires are inside the gas tank) to overheat. The fuel pump connector was completely melted, and three inches of insulation on each wire was burned off. Bare wires could spark and ignite fuel vapors.”
NHTSA complaint #10030267, filed 2003-07, 84,000 miles“Coolant leaking from back of intake manifold,auto mech. Tell me that this is a common problem with the vortex motor, when I tell the mechanic that my truck is leaking anti-freeze ,every mechanic has said that he knows just where it is leaking and they are right every time; is this a defect in this motor and what can I do about it? Thanks r. Mclaughlin. Mc laughlin e”
NHTSA complaint #738873, filed 2001-01“While driving the vehicle, the engine died. When taken to the dealership we were told the fuel pump had burnt up and the wiring boot had also burnt up. The technician implied that we were lucky that there had not been a fire. This is the second time that a fuel pump has failed in three years.”
NHTSA complaint #10041351, filed 2003-10“Since purchasing my truck, there has been an ongoing problem with it simply shutting down mid motion, causing brake and steering failure. Three months after purchase this problem was directly responsible for an accident (on an icy roadway) in nh. I have taken the truck to countless garages in an attempt to remedy the problem, to no avail. I continue hearing from several mechanics; fuel injection problem - a bad year for Gmc ... …”
NHTSA complaint #761255, filed 2002-04Related service bulletins
- 10209734Mar 22, 2022This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 10017191Oct 28, 2005Supplement to bulletin 99-06-04-047a for fuel system cleaning.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 4% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 3 | 8% |
| 2011 | 2 | 5% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 4% |
| 2005 | 5 | 4% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2001 | 16 | 6% |
| 2000 | 22 | 5% |
| 1999 | 26 | 4% |
| 1998 | 12 | 6% |
| 1997 | 12 | 5% |
| 1996 | 19 | 8% |
| 1995 | 3 | 1% |
| 1994 | 15 | 8% |
| 1993 | 3 | 4% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1989 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Sierra
84 complaintsBrakes
47 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsSeats
20 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsExterior lighting
12 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