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U.S. public vehicle records

1996 Chevrolet K1500 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

94 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

111,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1996 model year. Data updated: . 15 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer is the most frequently named component, appearing in 15 of 94 complaints (16.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior1414.9%
Fuel system concerns66.4%
Transmission and shifting55.3%
Electrical and battery issues55.3%
Steering behavior44.3%
Engine operation33.2%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
15
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor
11
Tires
7
Seats
6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
6
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
4
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
4
Tires:Tread/Belt
3
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer15
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor11
Tires7
Seats6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip6
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump4
Power Train:Automatic Transmission4
Tires:Tread/Belt3

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer: 15; Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor: 11; Tires: 7; Seats: 6; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 6; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump: 4; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 4; Tires:Tread/Belt: 3

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
2
75,000 to 99,999
2
100,000 to 149,999
5
150,000 and above
5
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9992
75,000 to 99,9992
100,000 to 149,9995
150,000 and above5

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 5; 150,000 and above: 5

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 79 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1996
2
1997
4
1998
14
1999
13
2000
17
2001
14
2002
11
2003
6
2004
2
2005
1
2007
3
2008
1
2011
2
2013
1
2014
2
2020
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19962
19974
199814
199913
200017
200114
200211
20036
20042
20051
20073
20081
20112
20131
20142
20201

1996: 2; 1997: 4; 1998: 14; 1999: 13; 2000: 17; 2001: 14; 2002: 11; 2003: 6; 2004: 2; 2005: 1; 2007: 3; 2008: 1; 2011: 2; 2013: 1; 2014: 2; 2020: 1

Pattern summary

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 14 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 6 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 5 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10004940 · 2003-01-30 (January 30, 2003)

ABS BRAKE FAILURE

Owner-reported narrative. 57,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10004940 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10051769 · 2003-12-18 (December 18, 2003)

UPON MAKING A LEFT TURN BRAKES LOCKED UP, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND WENT INTO A DITCH. THIS WAS DUE TO THE BRAKE ROTORS BREAKING AND JAMMING INTO THE BRAKE. THIS FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY POOR DESIGN OF THE ROTORS, PER THE DEALERSHIP.

Owner-reported narrative. 82,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10051769 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10012507 · 2003-03-26 (March 26, 2003)

THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THE THE VEHICLE FUEL SENDING UNIT SHORTED OUT IN THE GAS TANK. THE CONSUMER FELT IF THERE WAS ANY AIR IN TANK THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN EXPLOSION. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. 118,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10012507 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10075265 · 2004-06-22 (June 22, 2004)

THIS LETTER IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION REGARDING A HAZARDOUS AND POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC MATERIEL DEFECT ON THE 1996 CHEVROLET PICKUP (MODEL: K1500 1/2 TON 4.3 L F/I V6). THE VEHICLE HAD 112231 ORIGINAL MI. AND WAS OPERATED CONSISTENT WITH ITS INTENDED USE. THE VEHICLE IS PRODUCTION REPRESENTATIVE WITH NO MODIFICATIONS OR HISTORY OF DAMAGE. ON 20 APR 04 WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MI/HR THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING WITH NO IMPENDING INDICATIONS OF A FAILURE. SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION AND REPAIR WAS CONDUCTED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AT RON'S FIRE…

Owner-reported narrative. 112,231 miles reported. Look up ODI 10075265 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10011066 · 2003-03-26 (March 26, 2003)

AT 70,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 1996 CHEVY Z71 WENT OUT, WHICH ALSO TOOK THE TRANSFER CASE OUT. THE TRUCK WAS ALWAYS MAINTAINED ON TIME AND BABIED. I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE IT WAS NEW. OF COURSE THE WARRANTY IS UP SO I AM STUCK WITH THE BILL. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING ONLINE AND I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THESE PROBLEMS SEEM TO BE VERY COMMON AMONG 96-98 OWNERS. CALLING GM DOES NOTHING. PLEASE FORCE THEM TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 70,207 miles reported. Look up ODI 10011066 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10182978 · 2007-02-19 (February 19, 2007)

TRANSMISSION FAILURE DUE TO FAULTY SUN SHELL I'M WRITING TO INFORM YOU OF A SERIOUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WHICH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 3 AND A HALF YEARS, I'VE HAD A GM 4L60-E TRANSMISSION REBUILT BECAUSE OF THE SUN SHELL SHEARING OFF AND DAMAGING INTERNAL PARTS INSIDE THE HOUSING ON TWO SEPARATE VEHICLES. AFTER DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH AND FINDING 3 NEIGHBORS WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, IT WAS CLEAR THERE WAS A PATTERN. ADDITIONALLY, INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET CONFIRMED MY SUSPICION, AS GM IS OBVIOUSLY AWARE OF THE INHE…

Owner-reported narrative. 111,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10182978 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10048345 · 2003-11-19 (November 19, 2003)

VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE DRIVER OPENED THE DOOR BY REMOTE CONTROL AND NOTICED SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THE REMOTE INSIDE OF THE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. DRIVER EXTINGUISHED FIRE, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS. THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10048345 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10187285 · 2007-04-08 (April 8, 2007)

FAILING DIESEL INJECTION PUMP ON 1996 CHEVROLET K1500 PICKUP WITH 6.5L DIESEL ENGINE CAUSES ENGINE TO STALL WHEN APPROACHING A STOP, RENDERING POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES INOPERABLE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON 1994 THROUGH 1999 GM VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THIS ENGINE. DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM, BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY, DESPITE AN 11-YEAR, 120,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUED BY CHEVROLET MOTOR DIVISION DUE TO NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS PUMP.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 85,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10187285 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 734562 · 2000-10-17 (October 17, 2000)

WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HORN WORK INTERMITTENTLY. SAFTEY ISSUE WHEN THE WIPERS WON'T WORK IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, AND HORN WON'T WHEN NEEDED. ALSO CRUISE CONTROL WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. ALL THREE HAVE WIRES GOING THROUGH THE STEERING COLUMN, POSSIBLY LINKING THE THREE INTO ONE BIGGER PROBLEM.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 734562 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 820318 · 1998-01-06 (January 6, 1998)

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENTOIN SEVERAL OCCASIONS. BEEN TO DLR 4 TIMES. DLR REPLACED FUEL FILLER/FUEL PUMP/IGNITION SWITCH. PROBLEM IS REOCCURRING. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 820318 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

94 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

16.0%Usable mileage15 / 94 records
78.7%Valid incident date74 / 94 records
100.0%Valid filing date94 / 94 records
78.7%Ordered incident and filing dates74 / 94 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component198819891990199119921993199419951996
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.3%
ODI 872196

ALL OF A SUDDEN WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT WORKING IN MIDDLE OF OPERATION. SOMETIMES WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON, AND SOMETIMES THEY WILL NOT. IF DRIVER TAPS ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD OPERATION CONTINUES FOR A WHILE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP. OWNER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL CAMPAIGN ON WINDSHIELD WIPER WIRING DUE TO VIN. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED.*AK

Look up ODI 872196 at NHTSA ↗

29.1%
ODI 10014094 · 155,000 mi

10321000 VISUAL SYSTEMS,WINDSHIELD WIPER: MOTOR WIPERS START AND STOP AT ANY TIME FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME UNEXPECTEDLY RESULTING IN DECREASED HAZARD VISIBILITY. *JB

Look up ODI 10014094 at NHTSA ↗

2323.0%
ODI 10020599 · 100,000 mi

WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WORKING AND THEN THEY WOULD START AGAIN AND STOP AGAIN. SOMETIMES I WOULD HAVE TO PULL OVER UNTIL THEY WOULD START AGAIN OR UNTIL IT STOPPED RAINING. THIS HAS BEEN DOING THIS EVERY SINCE I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK. *TT

Look up ODI 10020599 at NHTSA ↗

3529.7%
ODI 534219

WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WORKS OCCASIONALLY DUE TO A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION.

Look up ODI 534219 at NHTSA ↗

1111.7%
ODI 550567

WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MODULE FAILED. YH

Look up ODI 550567 at NHTSA ↗

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

29.1%
ODI 708445

NO SUMMARY

Look up ODI 708445 at NHTSA ↗

1212.0%
ODI 10048604

THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR QUIT. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PULL OVER, TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART IT IN ORDER FOR THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO OPERATE. PLEASE DESCRIBE IN FURTHER DETAIL. *JB

Look up ODI 10048604 at NHTSA ↗

1613.6%
ODI 518214

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY. *AK

Look up ODI 518214 at NHTSA ↗

1516.0%
ODI 701301

FUEL PUMP FAILED. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY, ESPECIALLY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, AFFECTING VISIBILITY/ FRONT BUCKET SEAT LATCH FAILED, CAUSING SEAT TO FALL BACKWARD. *MJS

Look up ODI 701301 at NHTSA ↗

Seats
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

114.3%
ODI 508151

RIGHT SIDE SEAT TRACK BROKE.

Look up ODI 508151 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

212.5%
ODI 10579223

I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEAT. THE DEALER CLAIM THEY WOULD FIX IT. BUT THEY DID NOT FIX IT CORRECTLY AND I STILL HAVE A PROBLEM. THE SEATS JUST UNLOCK WHILE YOU'RE DRIVING AND SLIDE AROUND FREELY, NOT HELD IN PLACE WHILE THE TRUCK IS IN OPERATION. RESULTS HAVE CAUSED WHIPLASH AND PERSONAL BACK STRAIN. THIS OCCURS AT RANDOM. THE DEALERSHIP AND GENERAL MOTORS REFUSED TO CORRECT THEIR FAILED REPAIR AND DAMAGE TO SEATS AND SEATBELTS. I WENT TO THE GMC DEALERSHIP AND HAD THE SEATBELTS REPAIRED AND THEY ARE FAILING AG…

Look up ODI 10579223 at NHTSA ↗

418.2%
ODI 516280

FRONT SEAT BOLTS BROKE, PREVENTING SEAT FROM LOCKING ON TRACK, ALLOWING SEAT TO SLIDE BACK AND FORTH.

Look up ODI 516280 at NHTSA ↗

1111.0%
ODI 527507

WHILE DRIVING, DRIVER FELT SEAT ROCKING DURING TURNS. UPON REMOVAL OF SEAT, FOUND MULTIPLE CRACKS IN SEAT FRAME WHERE THE FORWARD, LEFT ATTACHING BOLD SECURES SEAT TO RAILS.

Look up ODI 527507 at NHTSA ↗

2016.9%
ODI 10001590

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE EXITING VEHICLE, THE BRACKET THAT RETAINS DRIVER'S SEAT "EXPLODED" CAUSING SEAT TO COLLAPSE BACKWARD. TS

Look up ODI 10001590 at NHTSA ↗

66.4%
ODI 10547230 · 225,000 mi

THE DRIVER SIDE POWER BUCKET SEAT RELEASED AND DROPPED WHILE I WAS DRIVING, IT WILL NOT SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF A DRIVER. I HAVE SINCE PUT A SCISSOR LIFT JACK UNDERNEATH IT TO HOLD IT UP. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE. I BEING A LICENSED P&C INSURANCE AGENT HERE IN ARIZONA - KNOW ALL ABOUT RISKS/HAZARD'S IN THE INDUSTRY. I WILL NOT SPEND THE $658 FOR A NEW POWER DRIVER ASSEMBLY WITH MOTOR #15662432. AS I HAVE SEEN THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT'S POSTED ON THIS SITE. I HOPE THIS ISSUE CAN BE RESOLVED FOR EVERYONE! *TR

Look up ODI 10547230 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
440.0%
ODI 805286

WHEN APPYING THE ABS BRAKES IN ANY TYPE OF WEATHER, THE VEHICLE BRAKES FAILED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK CONSUMER STATES BRAKE SYSTEM TAKES TOO LONG TO STOP VEHILCE, MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF PROBLEM BUT THEY REFUSE TO CORRECT IT.*JB

Look up ODI 805286 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

212.5%
ODI 525378

TRANSMISSION FAILED.

Look up ODI 525378 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

77.0%
ODI 524309

FAILURE OF THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM, CAUSES BRAKES TO LOCK UP/PULSATE, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.

Look up ODI 524309 at NHTSA ↗

97.6%
ODI 10065173

ABS SYSTEM WOULD ACTIVATE UNDER NORMAL BRAKING CONDITIONS. *PH THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE ABS SENSOR WAS DROPPING TO ZERO AND CORROSION ALSO CAUSED THE EXCESSIVE RESISTANCE. *JB

Look up ODI 10065173 at NHTSA ↗

66.4%
ODI 742989

DON'T KNOW THE DATE OF OR MILEAGE AT FAILURE! NO SAFETY DEFEC TMENTIONED. *AK

Look up ODI 742989 at NHTSA ↗

Tires
220.0%
ODI 10130154

ALL FOUR OF MY SEARS GUARDSMAN TRAILHANDLER AP SIZE LT265/75R16 LOAD RANGE C TIRES HAVE SEPERATED. TWO OCCURED WHILE DRIVING AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THE OTHER TWO TIRES WERE VERIFIED BY BIG O TODAY THAT THEY HAVE SEPERATED AND CREATED AIR POKETS IN THE TIRES, AND TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A HAZARD. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED AND THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS. SEARS TOOK THE FIRST TIRE BACK AND PAID ME FOR THE LIFE LEFT ON THE TRED. THE FIRST TIRE DEFLATED, WHILE THE LAST THREE ARE STILL INFLATED.

Look up ODI 10130154 at NHTSA ↗

110.0%
ODI 10197840 · 190,245 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 CHEVROLET K1500. THE VEHICLE HAS A SET OF FTS YKS LT, SIZE 265/75/R16 TIRES (NA). THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED ON JUNE 4, 2007. ON JULY 30, 2007, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE TIRES. WHEN THE TIRES HAD APPROXIMATELY 1,500 MILES, HE NOTICED THAT THEY SEEMED UNBALANCED. HE STATED THAT HE WILL HAVE THE TIRES INSPECTED BY A LOCAL DEALER. THE TIRES ARE STILL ON THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 190,245. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ

Look up ODI 10197840 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.3%
ODI 10343749 · 20,000 mi

FOUR 265/75-16 PATHFINDER RADIAL ATR TIRES ARE ON A 1992 CHEVY K1500 PICKUP. ON 7-16-2010 ONE FRONT TIRE HAD ALMOST TOTAL TREAD SEPARATION AFTER A 25 MINUTE DRIVE AT 25-35 MPH -- ALL CITY DRIVING WITH NO LOAD. THE TRUCK WAS ABLE TO PULL OUT OF TRAFFIC SAFELY. A SECOND, REAR TIRE NOW SHOWS SIGNS OF IMPENDING FAILURE WITH 1/4 INCH CRACKS WHERE THE TREAD MEETS THE SIDEWALL. APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MILES WITH PROPER INFLATION PRESSURE. TWO TIRES OUT OF FOUR OBVIOUSLY A MAJOR DEFECT AND VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

Look up ODI 10343749 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

44.0%
ODI 10089578 · 72,880 mi

FAILURE WITH LEHMANS A/T TIRES EXPLODING AND TREAD SEPARATION.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE TIRE EXPLODED AND THE TREAD SEPARATED. THE TIRE DEALER REFUSED TO ACCEPT FINANCIAL RESPONSIBLY FOR THE TIRE STATING THAT THE FAILURE WAS AN IMPACT RELATED FAILURE. *NM

Look up ODI 10089578 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

77.4%
ODI 10595325 · 234,000 mi

UNIROYAL LAREDO P245-R16 TIRES HAVE DRY-ROT CRACKS NEXT TO TREAD BLOCKS AFTER LESS THAN FIVE YEARS AND 24,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10595325 at NHTSA ↗

Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

313.6%
ODI 10180798 · 51,500 mi

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 CHEVROLET K1500. CHEVROLET SENT THE CONTACT RECALLS 95075 AND 94011. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE THE PASSENGER FRONT ASSEMBLY RECLINER RELEASED AND THE SEAT RECLINED. AFTER HE RESET THE SEAT RECLINER AND BEGAN TO DRIVE THE SEAT RECLINED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED FOR 3 DAYS, AND HE COULD PUSH THE SEAT BACK WITH HIS FINGER. THE CONTACT STATED THIS WAS A SAFETY CONCERN SINCE THIS FAILURE COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A COLLISION. *AK

Look up ODI 10180798 at NHTSA ↗

55.0%
ODI 804447

THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE SEATBACK BROKE AND SEAT RECLINED BACKWARD, THIS HAPPENED FOR THE SECOND TIME . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

Look up ODI 804447 at NHTSA ↗

43.4%
ODI 805730

DRIVER'S BUCKET SEATBACK COLLAPSED WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 805730 at NHTSA ↗

22.1%
ODI 701301

FUEL PUMP FAILED. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY, ESPECIALLY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, AFFECTING VISIBILITY/ FRONT BUCKET SEAT LATCH FAILED, CAUSING SEAT TO FALL BACKWARD. *MJS

Look up ODI 701301 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

110.0%
ODI 505126

TRANSMISSION FAILED, REPLACEMENT FAILED ALSO.

Look up ODI 505126 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.3%
ODI 525378

TRANSMISSION FAILED.

Look up ODI 525378 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

22.0%
ODI 561552

TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS, CV JOINT WENT OUT DUE TO NO GREASE FROM FACTORY, CLUNKING NOISE, SLIPPING, SYNCHO-RING FORK AND SPROCKET ASSEMBLY BROKE IN THE TRANSFER CASE, RATED TO PULL 7000 LBS, OUTSIDE EXPERTS RECOMMEND NOT PULLING OVER 1000 LBS, TRANSFER CASE WENT OUT, CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TRANSMISSIONS ARE RATED AT A FAR HIGHER CAPACITY THAN WHAT THEY ARE CAPABLE OF HANDLING. *SLC

Look up ODI 561552 at NHTSA ↗

43.4%
ODI 10128236 · 119,000 mi

LOSS OF 2ND AND 4TH GEAR ON THE 4L60E TRANSMISSION IN THE 1995 K1500 Z71 W/5.7 LITER ENGINE

Look up ODI 10128236 at NHTSA ↗

44.3%
ODI 10011066 · 70,207 mi

AT 70,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 1996 CHEVY Z71 WENT OUT, WHICH ALSO TOOK THE TRANSFER CASE OUT. THE TRUCK WAS ALWAYS MAINTAINED ON TIME AND BABIED. I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE IT WAS NEW. OF COURSE THE WARRANTY IS UP SO I AM STUCK WITH THE BILL. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING ONLINE AND I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THESE PROBLEMS SEEM TO BE VERY COMMON AMONG 96-98 OWNERS. CALLING GM DOES NOTHING. PLEASE FORCE THEM TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *JB

Look up ODI 10011066 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.3%
ODI 889597

LEFT BRAKE ROTOR HAD SEPARATED FROM HUB WHILE DRIVING. HAD APPLIED BRAKES AND VEHICLE HAD PULLED SEVERELY TO RIGHT. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. BRAKES W ERE INSPECTED BY MECHANIC, AND FOUND OUT THEY HAD BROKEN. ROTORS COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. *AK BRAKE SYSTEM WAS REPAIRED BUT NOT AT DEALER, THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 92C34 AT 43000 MILES, THE CORROSION PROTECTED ROTORS FAILED AT 105000 MILES, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE ROTORS WOULD NOT HAVE FAILED IF THEY WERE SOLID (1 PIECE) ROTORS. NLM

Look up ODI 889597 at NHTSA ↗

14.5%
ODI 814616

THE HUB FROM ROTOR BROKE. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE CONDITON. *AK

Look up ODI 814616 at NHTSA ↗

11.0%
ODI 827185

THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE ROTORS CRACKED IN HALF WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY WARNING, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 827185 at NHTSA ↗

32.5%
ODI 10043562 · 125,000 mi

RIGHT FRONT BRAKE ROTOR SEPARATED DURING A LOW SPEED STOP. THIS WAS A COMPOSITE STYLE BRAKE ROTOR THAT FAILED FOR NO VISIBLE REASON. IF THIS FAILURE HAD HAPPENED DURING A HIGH SPEED STOP LOSS OF CONTROL WOULD MOST LIKELY HAVE HAPPENED. *LA

Look up ODI 10043562 at NHTSA ↗

22.1%
ODI 10051769 · 82,000 mi

UPON MAKING A LEFT TURN BRAKES LOCKED UP, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND WENT INTO A DITCH. THIS WAS DUE TO THE BRAKE ROTORS BREAKING AND JAMMING INTO THE BRAKE. THIS FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY POOR DESIGN OF THE ROTORS, PER THE DEALERSHIP.

Look up ODI 10051769 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
TiresToo few reports for a range234,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10595325 · 234,000 mi

UNIROYAL LAREDO P245-R16 TIRES HAVE DRY-ROT CRACKS NEXT TO TREAD BLOCKS AFTER LESS THAN FIVE YEARS AND 24,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10595325 at NHTSA ↗

SeatsToo few reports for a range225,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10547230 · 225,000 mi

THE DRIVER SIDE POWER BUCKET SEAT RELEASED AND DROPPED WHILE I WAS DRIVING, IT WILL NOT SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF A DRIVER. I HAVE SINCE PUT A SCISSOR LIFT JACK UNDERNEATH IT TO HOLD IT UP. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE. I BEING A LICENSED P&C INSURANCE AGENT HERE IN ARIZONA - KNOW ALL ABOUT RISKS/HAZARD'S IN THE INDUSTRY. I WILL NOT SPEND THE $658 FOR A NEW POWER DRIVER ASSEMBLY WITH MOTOR #15662432. AS I HAVE SEEN THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT'S POSTED ON THIS SITE. I HOPE THIS ISSUE CAN BE RESOLVED FOR EVERYONE! *TR

Look up ODI 10547230 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpToo few reports for a range112,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10012507 · 118,000 mi

THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THE THE VEHICLE FUEL SENDING UNIT SHORTED OUT IN THE GAS TANK. THE CONSUMER FELT IF THERE WAS ANY AIR IN TANK THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN EXPLOSION. *NLM

Look up ODI 10012507 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10229033 · 107,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET K1500. THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE WIRES WERE TOO SMALL A GAUGE FOR THE LOAD. THE PLASTIC INSULATION CAUSED THE WIRES TO OVER HEAT AND IT BURNED DOWN TO THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT SHOWED THE PARTS TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. HE ATTEMPTED TO REACH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS UNABLE TO SPEAK WITH ANYONE. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.

Look up ODI 10229033 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic TransmissionToo few reports for a range105,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10011066 · 70,207 mi

AT 70,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 1996 CHEVY Z71 WENT OUT, WHICH ALSO TOOK THE TRANSFER CASE OUT. THE TRUCK WAS ALWAYS MAINTAINED ON TIME AND BABIED. I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE IT WAS NEW. OF COURSE THE WARRANTY IS UP SO I AM STUCK WITH THE BILL. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING ONLINE AND I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THESE PROBLEMS SEEM TO BE VERY COMMON AMONG 96-98 OWNERS. CALLING GM DOES NOTHING. PLEASE FORCE THEM TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *JB

Look up ODI 10011066 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10182978 · 111,000 mi

TRANSMISSION FAILURE DUE TO FAULTY SUN SHELL I'M WRITING TO INFORM YOU OF A SERIOUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WHICH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 3 AND A HALF YEARS, I'VE HAD A GM 4L60-E TRANSMISSION REBUILT BECAUSE OF THE SUN SHELL SHEARING OFF AND DAMAGING INTERNAL PARTS INSIDE THE HOUSING ON TWO SEPARATE VEHICLES. AFTER DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH AND FINDING 3 NEIGHBORS WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, IT WAS CLEAR THERE WAS A PATTERN. ADDITIONALLY, INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET CONFIRMED MY SUSPICION, AS GM IS OBVIOUSLY AWARE OF THE INHE…

Look up ODI 10182978 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10186078 · 105,000 mi

WHILE TAKING OFF FROM A STOP SIGN INTERSECTION THE DRIVESHAFT BROKE. WHEN THE DRIVESHAFT BROKE IT SNAPPED IN THE MIDDLE, NOT THE U JOINTS, IT CRACKED THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING AND PUT A DENT IN THE GASOLINE TANK.WE WERE IN PROCESS OF GETTING THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT, AND GETTIN A DRIVESHAFT MADE OUT OF STEEL.*AK

Look up ODI 10186078 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 223 reports

1995: 21 complaints · 1996: 23 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
19953921
199651323
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
199588300
199674200

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentVisibility:Windshield Wiper/WasherVisibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:MotorTiresSeatsService Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipFuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpPower Train:Automatic TransmissionTires:Tread/Belt
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer—00
1
ODI 711557

SEAT WILL NOT LOCK IN PLACE. SLIDES BACK AND FORTH. ACCIDENT COULD BE FATAL!!!

Look up ODI 711557 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 701301

FUEL PUMP FAILED. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY, ESPECIALLY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, AFFECTING VISIBILITY/ FRONT BUCKET SEAT LATCH FAILED, CAUSING SEAT TO FALL BACKWARD. *MJS

Look up ODI 701301 at NHTSA ↗

00
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor0—000000
Tires00—00000
Seats
1
ODI 711557

SEAT WILL NOT LOCK IN PLACE. SLIDES BACK AND FORTH. ACCIDENT COULD BE FATAL!!!

Look up ODI 711557 at NHTSA ↗

00—0000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip0000—000
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
1
ODI 701301

FUEL PUMP FAILED. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY, ESPECIALLY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, AFFECTING VISIBILITY/ FRONT BUCKET SEAT LATCH FAILED, CAUSING SEAT TO FALL BACKWARD. *MJS

Look up ODI 701301 at NHTSA ↗

0000—00
Power Train:Automatic Transmission000000—0
Tires:Tread/Belt0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 3.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 85,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10187285 · 85,000 mi

FAILING DIESEL INJECTION PUMP ON 1996 CHEVROLET K1500 PICKUP WITH 6.5L DIESEL ENGINE CAUSES ENGINE TO STALL WHEN APPROACHING A STOP, RENDERING POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES INOPERABLE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON 1994 THROUGH 1999 GM VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THIS ENGINE. DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM, BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY, DESPITE AN 11-YEAR, 120,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUED BY CHEVROLET MOTOR DIVISION DUE TO NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS PUMP.*AK

Look up ODI 10187285 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 820318

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENTOIN SEVERAL OCCASIONS. BEEN TO DLR 4 TIMES. DLR REPLACED FUEL FILLER/FUEL PUMP/IGNITION SWITCH. PROBLEM IS REOCCURRING. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM.

Look up ODI 820318 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 838136

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD UNEXPECTEDLY STALL WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. BEEN TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 838136 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 2.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 160,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10384143 · 160,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET K1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE INSPECTED THE AIR BAG SENSOR AND DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE PART AND CONTACTED BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PART WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Look up ODI 10384143 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 737629

ENGINE CHECK WARNING LIGHT WAS ON WHEN I PICKED UP VEHICLE AFTER ROUTINE SERVICE AT GMC DEALERSHIP. COMPUTER RESET FOUR TIMES, BUT LIGHT WOULD KEEP COMING ON AGAIN. NO PROBLEMS COULD BE FOUND WITH ANY SYSTEMS. DEALERSHIP REFLASHED COMPUTER AND UPDATED SOFTWARE VIA GM TSB ABOUT THIS, BUT PROBLEM STILL CONTINUES. EVERYTHING SEEMS TO WORK FINE, BUT THE WARNING LIGHT IS WORRISOME AND IF I IGNORE IT AS GM HAS SUGGESTED I FEAR THAT WHEN THE WARRANTY EXPIRES THEY WILL SAY IT IS MY FAULT IF SOMETHING REALLY IS WRONG. *AK

Look up ODI 737629 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 118,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10012507 · 118,000 mi

THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THE THE VEHICLE FUEL SENDING UNIT SHORTED OUT IN THE GAS TANK. THE CONSUMER FELT IF THERE WAS ANY AIR IN TANK THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN EXPLOSION. *NLM

Look up ODI 10012507 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 57,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10004940 · 57,000 mi

ABS BRAKE FAILURE

Look up ODI 10004940 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 85,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10187285 · 85,000 mi

FAILING DIESEL INJECTION PUMP ON 1996 CHEVROLET K1500 PICKUP WITH 6.5L DIESEL ENGINE CAUSES ENGINE TO STALL WHEN APPROACHING A STOP, RENDERING POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES INOPERABLE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON 1994 THROUGH 1999 GM VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THIS ENGINE. DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM, BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY, DESPITE AN 11-YEAR, 120,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUED BY CHEVROLET MOTOR DIVISION DUE TO NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS PUMP.*AK

Look up ODI 10187285 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b