1996 GMC C35 Problems: 3 Complaints, 5 Recalls

The worst 1996 GMC C35 problems

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

Brakes
1
Seats
1
Tires
1

Problems by type

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

Brakes
1
Seats
1
Tires
1

Recalls 5

SeatsReported March 7, 1997 · 624,433 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: extended cab and 2-door utility vehicles equipped with reclining seats and the easy-entry feature. These vehicles exhibit a condition in which a pinch point exists in the recliner mechanism that can trap and pinch a person's hand or finger(s) when the easy-entry feature is activated.
Risk: This pinching can cut the hand or possibly sever the finger(s) without prior warning.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protector cover over the recliner mechanism.

Recall number 97V037000 · Recall details

Tires: beadReported July 1, 1996 · 5,773 vehicles affected

What is wrong: These tires have bead damage which occured during tire mounting.
Risk: This damage to the tire reinforcing structure in the bead "toe" area causes a bulge in the sidewall after the tire is inflated. This condition will result in a slow air loss causing the tire to go flat. However, it is possible for the damage to result in a rapid air loss causing injuries to anyone if they were handling the tire when this occurred.
Remedy: Dealers will demount each tire and inspect for bead damage. If bead damage is found, the tire will be replaced.

Recall number 96V117000 · Recall details

Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly: u-bolt, leaf spring to axleReported May 7, 1996 · 16,918 vehicles affected

What is wrong: The four u-bolts nuts on either side of the rear axle were under-torqued.
Risk: Vehicle usage could cause the nuts to loosen and eventually fall off the u-bolt. This could result in sudden loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will check the u-bolt nut torque and re-torque any loose u-bolts to specification.

Recall number 96V082000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed controlReported April 4, 1996 · 379,004 vehicles affected

What is wrong: These vehicles were assembled with the throttle cable contacting the dash mat which could bind the throttle. This does not meet with the maximum return times required by federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 124, "accelerator control systems."
Risk: Consequence of non-compliance: the engine speed may not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for adequate throttle cable to dash mat clearance, and if there is insufficient clearance, cut out a portion of the dash mat to provide proper clearance.

Recall number 96V057000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported December 28, 1995 · 623 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Certain trucks have fuel rail assemblies with an improperly crimped end retainer clip that results in a fuel leak.
Risk: If fuel leakage occurs and an ignition source is present, an engine compartment fire could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel rail assembly and replace any fuel rail assembly with a julian date code of 95318 through 95338.

Recall number 95V243000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 1996 GMC C35

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 GMC C35 2

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

Feb 21, 2023 Service bulletinThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy...
Sep 1, 2013 Service bulletinExpanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

What 1996 GMC C35 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 15, 1998 · Brakes · FL

During any speed on wet roads with heavy loads the brakes when they are applied they will instantly engage and then disengage. The brakes have to be reapplied several times in order for the brakes to operate correctly.

Filed Jul 29, 1996 · Seats · TX

The dealership will not honor his recall letter regarding interior seats.

Filed Jul 18, 1996 · Tires · LA

Recall 96v117000, two weeks is too long to wait for tire to come in.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1996 GMC C35 before you buy

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Other model years

19941996

Questions about the 1996 GMC C35

Is the 1996 GMC C35 reliable?

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 1996 GMC C35, close to a typical C35 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 GMC C35?

Brakes, with 1 complaint. Next is seats (1).

How many recalls does the 1996 GMC C35 have?

5 recalls, covering seats, tires and suspension.

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1996 GMC C35 problems