The cable release for the rear seats freeze up and the cables break. This could trap someone in the back if riding in rear, or 3rd row seats. If the car catches on fire and a person who can't climb forward over the seats, it would be devastating on what could happen. I feel as this should be a recall on general motors. Mine broke and I am unable to fold my seats forward. This is a bad design and the cables rust and snap when bottom of seat is folded forward, which is supposed to release this way.
The worst 1996 GMC Yukon 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.
- Brakes15
- Visibility13
- Engine9
- Airbags8
- Transmission8
- Seats6
- Body5
- Fuel system4
- Electrical3
- Locks3
- Seat belts3
- Steering2
- Acceleration1
- Lights1
- Suspension1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 GMC Yukon
Recalls 3
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer
- What is wrong
- On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all.
- Risk
- If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began on june 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.
Recall number 03V159000 · Recall details
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 3 recalls for the 1996 GMC Yukon
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
Seat belt anchorage separation
EA01018
Seat belt anchorage separation
Odi has received one (1) complaint alleging that the 2nd row passenger-side seat belt release buckle anchor detached from seat frame during a side impact crash.during the crash, the occupant was thrown from his seat, partially ejected through the rear quarter window of the vehicle.occupant sustained injury.gm has subsequently changed seat belt anchoring design in my 2000. Odi has completed a preliminary investigation and has determined that further information is needed to determine whether a safety defect exists.
PE01023
Headlight
EA00024
Battery leaks acid
There is no summary currently available
EA00013
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
Battery leaks acid
Odi has received 21 complaints where owners allege that the standard gm factory supplied AC delco battery case failed, resulting in the leakage of sulfuric acid.of the 21 complaint vehicles, six suburban, three tahoes, and one yukon owner(s) complained about a loss of brake fluid from deterioration of the right frontbrake line as a result of sulfuric acid contamination.the remaining 11 complaints pertain primarily to sulfuric acid leakage from the battery case.at least one complainant stated that the replacement battery also failed.several of the complainants note that the leaking acid had come in contact with a wire harness at the frame in the vicinity of the steel brake line.a field inspection by odi indicates that the described harness is the ABS connection to the right front wheel speed sensor.prior to the battery case failure, there is usually no warning (short of an underhood inspection), and the ensuring damage (sulfuric acid contamination) is progressive.of the known battery failures, there may be a temperature correlation, as 60% of the owner complaints came from four states; california, florida, georgia and texas.there is also a product improvement program and engineering change notice to add 1% silver to the battery's positive side terminall, with the earliest implementation date for this being feb 2, 1998.the effect of this design change is as yet unknown; further review is warranted.an ea is being opened to gather further appropriate information, clarify any defect trends, and to assess the safety implications and risks concerning these failures.
PE99073
Front seat recliner bolt failure
RQ99015
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 GMC Yukon 35
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...
- Fuel system, gasoline
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco...
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- Equipment
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy...
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- Engine and engine cooling
- Left front axle shaft difficult to remove
1996 GMC Yukon 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5L 8‑cyl Diesel | 4WD | 14 | 17 | 15 |
| 5.7L 8‑cyl | RWD | 12 | 16 | 14 |
| 5.7L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 12 | 16 | 14 |
What 1996 GMC Yukon owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
This vehicle has been sold to people by scamming they out of vehicle been sold four times.
This vehicle only had 68,000 miles on the odometer and the intake manifold gasket went out allowing coolant to enter the engine. This happens on alot of these 5.7 liter 350 engines. Repair was approximately 500 dollars. Crazy.
When driving in the rain rear windshield wipers failed. Consumer contacted the dealership, but problem recurred.
While driving and hitting a bump in the road electrical seat disconnected and fell to the floor. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
Vehicle does not engage into reverse.
Consumer states while driving in a down pour of rain windshield wipers stopped working. Consumer had to coast to a safe stop.
Rear windshield wiper failure to work intermittently and park.
Vehicle stalled without warning while attempting to extract a boat from the water.
Fuel pump and fuel line failed without warning, while driving.
Compare the 1996 GMC Yukon
Yukon vs Chevrolet TahoeYukon vs Ford ExpeditionYukon vs Chevrolet SuburbanYukon vs Toyota SequoiaYukon vs Nissan Armada
Other model years
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Questions about the 1996 GMC Yukon
Is the 1996 GMC Yukon reliable?
Owners have filed 70 complaints about the 1996 GMC Yukon, fewer than a typical Yukon model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 GMC Yukon?
Brakes, with 15 complaints. Next is visibility (13).
How many recalls does the 1996 GMC Yukon have?
3 recalls, covering visibility and vehicle speed control.
What year does the GMC Yukon have bad brakes?
The GMC Yukon model years with the most brakes complaints are 1999 (113 complaints), 2001 (92 complaints) and 2015 (90 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1996 GMC Yukon get?
Official estimates for the 1996 GMC Yukon range from 14 to 15 mpg combined. The most efficient version (6.5L 8-cyl diesel, 4WD) gets 14 city and 17 highway.
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