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1996 Chevrolet K1500 problems

The most common problem on the 1996 Chevrolet K1500 is windows, wipers and visibility. It has 4.3 times the complaints of a typical K1500 model year.

Typical year4.3x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
94
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
3
Worst area
Visibility
Fuel economy
14-16mpg

The worst 1996 Chevrolet K1500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Visibility
    26
  • Brakes
    14
  • Tires
    10
  • Fuel system
    9
  • Seats
    8
  • Transmission
    8
  • Engine
    7
  • Electrical
    6
  • Seat belts
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Airbags
    3
  • Suspension
    3
  • Body
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Steering
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Chevrolet K1500

Wipers 19Fuel pump 5

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Chevrolet K1500 3

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

1996 Chevrolet K1500 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.3L 6‑cyl4WD14-151916
6.5L 8‑cyl Diesel4WD141715
5.0L 8‑cyl4WD131714
5.7L 8‑cyl4WD1216-1714

What 1996 Chevrolet K1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 12, 2020 · Seat belts · 196,000 miles · MA

My vehicle failed massachusetts seat belt test. They dont lock when pulled on quickly. I have removed and inspected them and it appears to me that the mechanism itself is not capable of passing this test I am believing that the test has been implemented after the manufacture of this particular design of seat belt, and am asking if this vehicle has been grandfathered for this test there are intertia weights in them that will lock them in a collision, and I have tested this in a wide open parking lot by slamming on the brakes and they do lock but my inspection station is unwilling to recognize this I wish to know what I need to do to get a passing inspection sticker on my vehicle is there a recall for and updated design of seat belt ? I find it hard to believe that both existing seat belts in the vehicle are "bad" will the federal safety agency assist me, please ? Thank you

Filed Sep 30, 2014 · Engine · OH

1996 chevrolet silverado. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle engine problems. *smd the consumer noticed anti-freeze on the ground toward the rear of the engine. He took the vehicle took the dealer, but they were unable to find a problem. A gm service manager stated, they were aware of coolant leaks. Especially intake lekas. The consumer stated one day it started raining, and he soo discovered the wiper didn't work. He drove to the dealer where he was informed there was a recall on some trucks for a wiper board defect. However, his vehicle was not included.

Filed May 31, 2014 · Tires · 234,000 miles · IL

Uniroyal laredo p245-r16 tires have dry-rot cracks next to tread blocks after less than five years and 24,000 miles on vehicle.

Filed Oct 8, 2013 · Seats · 225,000 miles · AZ

The driver side power bucket seat released and dropped while I was driving, it will not support the weight of a driver. I have since put a scissor lift jack underneath it to hold it up. This is a big safety issue. I being a licensed p&c insurance agent here in arizona - know all about risks/hazard's in the industry. I will not spend the $658 for a new power driver assembly with motor #15662432. As I have seen this is an issue that's posted on this site. I hope this issue can be resolved for everyone!

Filed Feb 23, 2011 · Airbags · 160,000 miles · ME

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet k1500. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he inspected the air bag sensor and discovered that it was severely rusted. The contact removed the part and contacted both the dealer and manufacturer in regards to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer informed the contact that the part was no longer available. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed Jan 11, 2011 · Acceleration · 2,000 miles · AZ

So far, I have replaced a cruise control four times in five years from salvage, in every case, the only parts to fail are the same two plastic gears worth about $5 retail. Since gm will not sell repair parts, the replacement of the unit is over $500. I would understand if I had four different failures however these are alike. My vehicle is a 1996 chevy, k1500, silverado, 5.7 l engine, cruise controller #25169208.

Filed May 27, 2008 · Fuel system · 107,000 miles · TX · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet k1500. The fuel pump assembly failed. The wires were too small a gauge for the load. The plastic insulation caused the wires to over heat and it burned down to the fuel tank. The contact showed the parts to the dealer and they stated that they have never seen this type of failure. He attempted to reach the manufacturer and was unable to speak with anyone. The contact is aware of the safety risk involved. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 106,000.

Filed Apr 8, 2007 · Fuel system · 85,000 miles · ID

Failing diesel injection pump on 1996 chevrolet k1500 pickup with 6.5l diesel engine causes engine to stall when approaching a stop, rendering power steering and power brakes inoperable. This is a common problem on 1994 through 1999 gm vehicles equipped with this engine. Dealer diagnosed the problem, but refused to repair under warranty, despite an 11-year, 120,000 mile extended warranty issued by chevrolet motor division due to numerous problems with this pump.

Filed Mar 24, 2007 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · MI

While taking off from a stop sign intersection the driveshaft broke. When the driveshaft broke it snapped in the middle, not the u joints, it cracked the transmission housing and put a dent in the gasoline tank.we were in process of getting the transmission rebuilt, and gettin a driveshaft made out of steel.

Filed Feb 19, 2007 · Transmission · 111,000 miles · MN

Transmission failure due to faulty sun shell I'm writing to inform you of a serious transmission problem which needs to be addressed. For the second time in 3 and a half years, I've had a gm 4l60-e transmission rebuilt because of the sun shell shearing off and damaging internal parts inside the housing on two separate vehicles. After doing a little research and finding 3 neighbors who had the same problem, it was clear there was a pattern. Additionally, information on the internet confirmed my suspicion, as gm is obviously aware of the inherent problem, and transmission centers are very aware of the problem, and hence routinely stock kits necessary to repair the damage from the failed shell, not to mention the tcc valve issue. I've owned a number of gm vehicles and own two now a 1996 k1500 pickup and a 1999 tahoe. As mentioned above, both had the same defect and consequently needed to be rebuilt not an inexpensive item. While I support american auto manufacturers, I am sadly disappointed in the failure of not only the defective part, but also in gms commitment to their loyal customers. In 2004, gm finally addressed the faulty sun shell and has begun putting in a stronger machined (not welded) part in those transmissions. However, for the majority of chevrolet truck owners pre 2004, we have been stuck with this defective part and consequently replaced/rebuilt the transmissions due to its failure.

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Questions about the 1996 Chevrolet K1500

Is the 1996 Chevrolet K1500 reliable?

Owners have filed 94 complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet K1500, 4.3 times a typical K1500 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Chevrolet K1500?

Windows, wipers and visibility, with 26 complaints. Next is brakes (14).

How many recalls does the 1996 Chevrolet K1500 have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Chevrolet K1500 have the most visibility problems?

The Chevrolet K1500 model years with the most visibility complaints are 1995 (53 complaints), 1994 (40 complaints) and 1996 (26 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1996 Chevrolet K1500 get?

Official estimates for the 1996 Chevrolet K1500 range from 14 to 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 14-15 city and 19 highway.

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