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1996 GMC Yukon problems

The most common problem on the 1996 GMC Yukon is brakes. It has fewer complaints than a typical Yukon model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
70
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
35
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
14-15mpg

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.

  • Brakes
    15
  • Visibility
    13
  • Engine
    9
  • Airbags
    8
  • Transmission
    8
  • Seats
    6
  • Body
    5
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Electrical
    3
  • Locks
    3
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Steering
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 GMC Yukon

Wipers 11

Recalls 3

Visibility: windshield wiper/washerReported April 28, 2003 · 1,755,876 vehicles affected
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/washerReported July 1, 1998 · 1,557,585 vehicles affected
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 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

See all 3 recalls for the 1996 GMC Yukon

Defect investigations

Windshield wiper failureOpened May 31, 2002, closed July 23, 2003

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 separationOpened December 20, 2001, closed December 9, 2002

EA01018

Seat belt anchorage separationOpened July 17, 2001, closed December 20, 2001

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

HeadlightOpened September 26, 2000, closed December 21, 2001

EA00024

Battery leaks acidOpened May 2, 2000, closed June 28, 2002

There is no summary currently available

EA00013

HeadlightOpened April 11, 2000, closed September 26, 2000

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 acidOpened December 3, 1999, closed May 2, 2000

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 failureOpened July 14, 1999, closed December 28, 2001

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.

See all 35 bulletins for the 1996 GMC Yukon

1996 GMC Yukon fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
6.5L 8‑cyl Diesel4WD141715
5.7L 8‑cylRWD121614
5.7L 8‑cyl4WD121614

What 1996 GMC Yukon owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 13, 2016 · Seats · 240,000 miles · OH

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.

Filed Feb 22, 2012 · 85 miles · LA

This vehicle has been sold to people by scamming they out of vehicle been sold four times.

Filed Jun 30, 2004 · Engine · 68,000 miles · OH

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.

Filed Jun 16, 2004 · Visibility · IN

When driving in the rain rear windshield wipers failed. Consumer contacted the dealership, but problem recurred.

Filed Apr 26, 2004 · Seats · 117,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Sep 11, 2003 · Transmission · WI

Vehicle does not engage into reverse.

Filed Aug 11, 2003 · Visibility · 75,000 miles · NH

Consumer states while driving in a down pour of rain windshield wipers stopped working. Consumer had to coast to a safe stop.

Filed Jul 11, 2003 · Visibility · 94,380 miles · NY

Rear windshield wiper failure to work intermittently and park.

Filed May 28, 2003 · Engine · TX

Vehicle stalled without warning while attempting to extract a boat from the water.

Filed May 28, 2003 · Fuel system · 88,000 miles · NE

Fuel pump and fuel line failed without warning, while driving.

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

Compare the 1996 GMC Yukon

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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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