1996 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck problems & reliability
49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
2 complaints report injuries (2 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train → | 11 | 22% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 9 | 18% |
| Visibility | 9 | 18% |
| Seats | 7 | 14% |
| Electrical System | 6 | 12% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 6 | 12% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | 8% |
| Air Bags | 3 | 6% |
| Tires | 3 | 6% |
| Service Brakes, Air | 2 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 18 reported components →Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“I was driving the speed limit of 50mph when a car did a u-turn in front of me, after hitting the car I was spun around and hit a sign and then a pole before stopping, the front end was totaled and the airbags did not deploy, no injuries.*tr”
Air Bags · filed Dec 21, 2010
“Fortunately while still in my garage, I attempted to open the passenger side front door from outside the vehicle by lifting the door handle. Upon doing so the door unlatched and immediately fell into my chest at a 45 degree angle with my right hand still on the door handle. After supporting the door with a foot stool…”
Structure · filed Apr 28, 2005
“Wire plug inside gas tank overheated an melted the wires and the plug. The pump of course stopped working so truck would not start. About 3 years ago the fuel pump was replaced under warranty by hubler chevrolet on us31 in greenwood. I do not know if this was the same problem then. The bill says they replaced the pump…”
Electrical System · filed Feb 2, 2003
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- FUEL LEAKS FROM THE VAPOR CANISTER
Engineering Analysis EA98024 · opened Nov 10, 1998 · closed Apr 20, 2000 · led to recall 00V110000
- UNINTENDED RELEASE OF THE REAR HATCH
Investigation SQ97020 · opened Oct 6, 1997 · closed Nov 19, 1997
- STEERING SHAFT SEPARATIONS
Engineering Analysis EA97007 · opened Apr 17, 1997 · closed Mar 12, 1998
Technical service bulletins
7 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1996 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck.
This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
17-NA-073 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 21, 2023
Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
130089009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 2013
Some customers may comment on a harsh 1-2 upshift and the check engine light or service engine soon indicator is illuminated and diagnostic trouble code p1870 set. *tt
010730023B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 1, 2002
Information regarding harsh 1-2 upshift, service engine soon, malfunction indicator lamp, or cel illuminated, diagnostic trouble code p1870 set. (1996-2000 chevrolet and gmc light duty truck models) *yh
010730023A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 1, 2001
Subject regarding repeat automatic transmission repairs on light duty trucks. *tt
061000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 6, 2000
Experiencing engine noise. *yc
9709016114B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 1997
Experiencing intermittent steering column snap or click noise when turning. *yc
9709013202B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 1997
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1996 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1996 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.