no report yet
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A FRACTURE OF THE WHEEL STUDS CAUSING THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
1996 Chevrolet CapriceProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 65 owner complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 19, 2023. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice has problems
65 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
12Suspension
11Engine and engine cooling
9Power train1 crash/fire/injury
7Fuel system, gasoline
6Steering
5Vehicle speed control
5Electrical system
4Tires
4Visibility
138 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 12 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 11 | 0 |
| Power train | 9 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 7 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 |
| Tires | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility | 4 | 0 |
| 8 other systems | 13 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
1996 Chevrolet Caprice recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Suspension: rear
Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN BE AGGRAVATED BY THE SEVERE DUTY CYCLE OF THESE VEHICLES AND EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FRACTURE COMPLETELY CAUSING A LOSS OF…
no report yet
Control arm: lower ball joint
Risk. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN LOOSEN, FATIGUE, AND SEPARATE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION KNUCKLE RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
no report yet
Air bags
Risk. CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: OPERATORS COULD FAIL TO NOTICE AND HEED THE WARNING LABELS.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Best & worst years
1996 vs. every other Caprice year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Caprice median. How we score
'65'66'67'68'69'71'72'73'74'76'77'78'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'03'11'12'13'14
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
1996 Chevrolet Caprice safety ratings
1996 Chevrolet Caprice 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice, and the recalls they led to.
- REAR WHEEL SEPARATIONNo recall
- COOLANT FIRESNo recall
- REAR WHEEL SEPARATIONLed to recall 96V-245
In owners' words
What Caprice owners report
Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH ITS LOWER CONTROL ARM AS STATED IN RECALL 96 V 018 001; BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK
CONSUMER WAS GOING 60MPH AND FRONT END OF VEHICLE JUMPED SIDEWAYS AFTER HITTING A BUMP. SHOCKS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED TO RECTIFY PROBLEM. CONSUMER WAS AFRAID THAT HE COULD HIT SOMEONE. DEALERS DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH VEHICLE. *AK
Own a 1996 Caprice?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.