1996 GMC Sierra Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 8%of 246 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,218miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the seats of the 1996 GMC Sierra, 8% of the 246 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,218 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While backing the vehicle the seat cushion frame fractured at the left forward attach point. This caused the seat to rock and possibly could cause remaining three fasteners to become overloaded and fail. Failure of the primary structural seat attachment could cause serious injury during an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10017101, filed 2003-05, 66,435 miles“The vehicle's driver side seat back bolt broke without warning. The bolts attached the seat back to the seat frame broke which caused the seat to recline all the way back and not lock into position.”
NHTSA complaint #10052109, filed 2004-01, 114,000 miles“I contacted NHTSA several years ago and I was informed that GM had a large problem with the seat rails in their various vehicles. I understand that NHTSA has many-many vehicles to inspect. I have been fighting my GM dealer for the last 4 years with various problems-broken interior dor handle-failure(s) with the fuel injectors-fuel pump failures-burned wiring harnass(where I had to show them where the wiring harness was located-trained techs??-alternator failure-AC compressor failure-atc... The biggest problem of course is the seat rails. …”
NHTSA complaint #721169, filed 2000-04“Seats->drivers and passengers seats (leather) cracked in less than three years. Expected more for the price of this option. Have had brakes replaced 1 - 1 1/2 months prior to failure. I was out in the back country, 40 miles from paved roads, when I heard the rotors being torn up by what was left of the brake pads. It ruined both rotors. I was told at an independant shop that the calipers failed. I went to the dealer and the service advisor insisted that the calipers didn't fail . It was just cheap brake pads. I know for a fact that wasn't the case.”
NHTSA complaint #701919, filed 1999-01“The tailgate latch will not unlock the tailgate. The windshield wipers will not work, or will only work on high speed. Will sometimes work if turned to high first then to low speed. While starting to move from a stop sign the drivers seat broke from the adjustment rails, allowing the seat to fall to the rear, resulting in not being able to control the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #722637, filed 2000-05Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 4% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 | 1 | 3% |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2000 | 2 | 0% |
| 1999 | 23 | 4% |
| 1997 | 6 | 3% |
| 1996 | 20 | 8% |
| 1995 | 24 | 9% |
| 1994 | 21 | 11% |
| 1993 | 15 | 21% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Sierra
84 complaintsBrakes
47 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsFuel system
19 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 30, 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