1996 GMC Sierra 1500 problems

Filed Jul 17, 2011 · Body, Engine · 147,657 miles · MI

I'm going to list every safety defect with my 1996 gmc sierra since I purchased it used in 2008. When I first bought it I heard a swishing sound in the heater core and the airbag light was illuminated in the instrument panel, but I thought it was just low on anti freeze and that my repair facility could fix the air bag; but as it turns out the clock spring in the steering wheel was bad and I couldn't afford to get the air bag fixed. The swishing sound was caused by air in the cooling system due to a leaking intake manifold gasket; it had to be replaced for 600.00 $. A brake line rusted out (yes I know it's an old truck), the fuel lines are rusting and will have to be replaced soon, and the oil cooler lines are leaking because gm vehicles have fluid lines that are prone to failure. The wind shield wipers don't always turn on when it's raining because of cracked solder joints in the control module and I replaced a heater/fan motor. I pulled my ABS fuse and disabled the system because my ABS was activating on dry pavement at low speeds and causing an increased stopping distance; a real danger in parking lots where a child could run out in front of my truck. I don't have a grand to replace rusted hubs and sensors to make my ABS work again. The drivers side cast metal door handle broke and I replaced it myself with a dealer part for 80.00$ one would hate to be in a wreck and have the handle fail when that door is the only exit in an emergency! I'm on my third fuel pump and forth fuel pump sending unit which is the reason why I'm writing this complaint. My truck could stall out in traffic at any time and I no longer feel safe or confident driving it; I feel it's a bad design and a safety issue. The pump and sending unit are in the fuel tank, which in an inconvenient location at best. I can't spare 500.00 or 600.00 every year or so to have new components installed in my gas tank, if you want to buy an old gm or chevy truck'..you've been forewarned!

Filed Aug 30, 2010 · Tires · 125,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 gmc sierra 1500 with cooper discovery h/t p325 75/r15 tires. The dot number for the front tires was 3dhl and the rear passenger tire was uthl. The contact stated that three of the four cooper tires on the vehicle have experienced tread separation. The two front tires and the rear passenger tire had also failed. The contact purchased the front tires three years ago and the rear passenger side tire five years ago. The tire mechanic confirmed that the tires were defective. The front tires had 20000 miles and the rear passenger tire had 30000 miles. The VIN was not available when the complaint was filed.

Filed Mar 20, 2008 · Electrical · 140,000 miles · MN · fire

Vehicle had not been driven for two weeks. Received call at work that my vehicle was burning. Fire dept. Extinguished,no clue of what started it. Had only liability coverage. Purchased new 1st ever owned. Vehicle is still here have not touched it.

Filed Apr 24, 2007 · Brakes · 110,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 gmc sierra 1500 extended cab. When attempting to decelerate or stop the vehicle the antilock brakes activated, and the vehicle took longer to start. The contact mentioned recall # 05v379000 concerning service brakes, hydraulic: antilock. The dealer stated that the antilock sensor needed to be cleaned. The contact will have this procedure completed before the hard copy of the ivoq arrives and will submit a copy of the repair invoice. The current mileage is 130,000 , and failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Aug 5, 2006 · Brakes · NY · crash · 1 injury

I have noticed problems with my ABS in the front of my truck in the past year. Well my truck is now off the road so I have been driving my mothers truck and hers is starting to do the same thing its makes like a grinding noise in the front we took off the tires and the brakes were fine we can't figure out what else could be wrong and then a friend said its the ABS sensors system.