I was traveling down the interstate and the throttle cable was stuck wide open and I reached speeds of almost 100 in heavy traffic
The worst 1996 GMC Sierra 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.
- Visibility84
- Brakes47
- Transmission24
- Seats20
- Fuel system19
- Airbags16
- Engine14
- Lights14
- Acceleration12
- Seat belts6
- Electrical5
- Steering5
- Suspension4
- Tires4
- Body3
- Locks2
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 GMC Sierra
Wipers 74Brake failure 11ABS 8No deployment 8Fuel pump 7Stalling 7Headlights 6
Recalls 2
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
- Risk
- This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
Recall number 98V150001 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- 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
See all 2 recalls for the 1996 GMC Sierra
Defect investigations
Windshield wiper failure
As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, gm has expanded the population of safety recall 98v‑150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my m/l vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached technical report for details.
EA02006
Headlight
EA00024
Headlight
Based on the reports received by odi from consumers, failure of the headlight electrical circuit may occur in the subject vehicles, and may result from repeated adjustment ofthe tilt steering wheel in the subject vehicles.repeated adjustment of the steering wheel position may strain the wiring in the headlight circuit to the point of failure where they are attached to the multi-function switch, resulting in the unanticipated loss of headlights while the vehicle is in motion.odi has concerns regarding the high rate of warranty repairs for problems potentially associated with the alleged defect in the subject vehicles, with the recognition the each incident of headlight failure represents a condition of vehicle disablement.in addition, the manufacturer's evaluation of the alleged defect has not been received, and this office has interest in the details of the methodologies and results of that assessment.
PE00017
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 GMC Sierra 20
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy...
- This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline...
- Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds
- Supplement to bulletin 99-06-04-047A for fuel system cleaning
- Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case
- Replacement of connector when replacing fuel tank module/fuel pump module
- Service engine soon light and P0300 when towing, cruising uphill or on hard acceleration
- Rattle noise in engine
- Spring slap noise from the rear of the gmt 400 series truck
1996 GMC Sierra fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15-16 | 20-21 | 17-18 |
| 5.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 17-19 | 15-16 |
| 6.5L 8‑cyl Diesel | RWD | 15 | 18-19 | 16 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14-15 | 19 | 16 |
| 5.7L 8‑cyl | RWD | 11-14 | 16-18 | 13-15 |
| 5.0L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 13 | 17 | 14-15 |
| 6.5L 8‑cyl Diesel | 4WD | 14 | 17 | 15 |
| 5.7L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 12 | 16-17 | 14 |
What 1996 GMC Sierra owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Dt*: the contact stated the ABS activated at various low speeds and there were increased stopping distances. There is a the federal safety agency recall, # 05v379000, regarding the antilock brakes. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Although these problems persisted, the vehicle was not seen by a dealer.
While towing trailer with 2 quads (4 wheelers) on expressway with a group of co-workers, I was attempting to pass another vehicle when my truck would not shift into passing gear. It made a loud "reving" noise and began rapidly decreasing in speed. I pulled off the expressway bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. I then gradually accelerated and shifted manually, but was only able to acheive 1st gear. I had to have the vehicle towed 150 miles to my house where it still sits three months later with only reverse and 1st gear operable at this time.
Dt: the windshield wipers do not work properly they have a strange pattern to them. They quit, and had a humming noise from the wiper motor.*ak had windshield wiper recall performed. Motor and circuit board were replaced. Repairs at gmc dealership on 6/13/05. *tt
1996 gmc sierra lost its cables as well as the remaining parts holding the tailgate is rusting and the catch on the drivers side does not pop open automatically.*mr....remaining parts holding tailgate are rusting. Also, catch on driver's side doesn't pop open automatically. Warranty expired within trhee yeras of purchase.
Vehicle leaks anti-freeze from vicinity of upper intake manifold. Chronic problem. Occurs after vehicle has set for 3-5 hours after running. Does not appear to be leaking into crankcase. Had system pressure tested. Told to monitor to see if it is getting into oil. Leaks about 1-2 tablespoons per shut down. Enough to be noticeable
My windshield wipers only work intermitedly and I found the recal for it on this site. 996 gmc sierra pickup..the dealorship is saying even though my wipers are broken they cannot repair for free because my particular VIN # isn't on the list.
The brake line above the gas tank rusted and failed while it was being driven. There was no forewarning of this and as it was above the gas tank, would not have been noticed. The gas tank had to be dropped and the brake line replaced. Thank goodness the vehicle stopped before rearending the vehicle in front of me and thank goodness my one year old wasn't in the vehicle at the time. Old part has been retained. Repair cost was $458.21.
The windshield wipers worked intermittently the dealer refused to replace them.
Complaint rusted brake lines to rear brakes in behind fuel tank.
Compare the 1996 GMC Sierra
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Questions about the 1996 GMC Sierra
Is the 1996 GMC Sierra reliable?
Owners have filed 246 complaints about the 1996 GMC Sierra, 4.2 times a typical Sierra model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 GMC Sierra?
Windows, wipers and visibility, with 84 complaints, typically around 72,000 miles. Next is brakes (47).
How many recalls does the 1996 GMC Sierra have?
2 recalls, covering visibility and vehicle speed control.
Was there a recall on the 1996 GMC Sierra visibility?
Yes, 1 recall: 98V150001. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the GMC Sierra have the most visibility problems?
The GMC Sierra model years with the most visibility complaints are 1995 (140 complaints), 1994 (115 complaints) and 1996 (84 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1996 GMC Sierra get?
Official estimates for the 1996 GMC Sierra range from 13 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15-16 city and 20-21 highway.
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