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1996 GMC C/K SeriesProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 1996 GMC C/K Series, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints40 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage87kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 10, 2006. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 GMC C/K Series has problems

4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train10
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Structure10
Visibility10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1996 GMC C/K Series 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

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer

Recall 03V-159 · Apr 28, 2003 · 1,755,876 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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 GMC.

Best & worst years

1996 vs. every other C/K Series 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 C/K Series median. How we score

'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1996 GMC C/K Series, and the recalls they led to.

  1. WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILUREEA02006 · closed Jul 23, 2003
    Led to recall 03V-159
In owners' words

What C/K Series owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 3 TRANSMISSIONS IN 3 YEARS ON MY GMC K1500 SIERRA. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT GMC KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND HAS NEVER TAKEN THE REQUIRED STEPS TO FIX IT OR INFORM THE OWNERS OF THIS PROBLEM. GMC DEALERS SAY TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. THAT DONE, IT WILL BREAK AGAIN. THE ONLY…
Complaint 10010179 · Mar 9, 2003 · 87,090 miles

Own a 1996 C/K Series?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.