1996 Chevrolet SIERRA PU: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
4 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
127,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1996 model year. Data updated: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
Air Bags:Frontal is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 4 complaints (25.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 1 | 25.0% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 25.0% |
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.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Air Bags:Frontal | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump | 1 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Retractor | 1 |
| Steering | 1 |
| Tires:Tread/Belt | 1 |
Air Bags:Frontal: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump: 1; Seat Belts:Front:Retractor: 1; Steering: 1; Tires:Tread/Belt: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 3 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.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2003 | 1 |
1998: 1; 1999: 1; 2000: 1; 2003: 1
Pattern summary
Air Bags:Frontal leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 1 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.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10009937 · 2003-03-05 (March 5, 2003)
THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY MELTED AND BURNED THE INSIDE OF THE GAS TANK. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 127,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10009937 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 534826 · 1998-04-28 (April 28, 1998)
TWO TIRES WENT FLAT DUE TO PUNCTURE OF THE TREAD SIDE OF TIRE (WRANGLER 265/7R16 TIRES).
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 534826 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 848207 · 1999-09-21 (September 21, 1999)
PULLED OUT OF PARKING LOT ONTO THE HIGHWAY 29 IN LIBERTY HILL AND WENT OVER A OIL SPILL ABOUT A GALLON OF OIL.AFTER GOING OVER IT, THE VEHICLE LOST TOTAL CONTROL OF STEERING AND WENT TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD .THE STEERING SHOT TO THE RIGHT, AND COULN'T MOVE THE WHEEL. VEHICLE RAN INTO THE DITCH AND HIT A TREE. DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. DRIVING SPEED 40 TO 45MPH EVEN ROAD.TOOK THE VEHICLE 4 TIMES TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, AND HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 848207 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 861612 · 2000-05-08 (May 8, 2000)
RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT SUCKS BACK IN AFTER IT'S LOCKED IN BUCKLE. KEEPS TIGHTENING IF A BUMP IS HIT OR A PERSON MOVES. TOOK TO DEALER & WAS INFORMED IT'S FOR A CHILD RESTRAINT. CAN PULL OUT BELT, BUT IT KEEPS TIGHTENING. HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. *AK *ML
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 861612 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
03V159000 · Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
Reported: 2003-04-28 (April 28, 2003)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
4 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
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 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 327.3%ODI 716077ON 14 DEC 99, SUBJECT VEHICEL FAILED TO START. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO PRIOR INDICATION OF POTENTIAL FAILURE. INITIAL ASSESSMENT BY OWNER WAS THE STARTER FAILED TO OPERATE. LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP, "JIM RATHMANN CHEVROLET" WAS CONTACTD AND SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD OF INITIAL VEHICLE ASSESSMENT OF FAILURE. SERVICE ADVISOR AGREED WITH INITAIL ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE BE TOWED INTO SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR EXAMINATION. FINAL ASSESSMENT BY AUTHORIZED/CERTIFIED CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP WAS THE "STARTER FAILED TO OPERATE AND REQUIRED REP… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 19.1%ODI 528384FUEL INJECTION PUMP FAILED SEVERAL TIMES, CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES, ALSO ENGINE FAILURE. | 125.0%ODI 10009937 · 127,000 miTHE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY MELTED AND BURNED THE INSIDE OF THE GAS TANK. *JB |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 218.2% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 848207PULLED OUT OF PARKING LOT ONTO THE HIGHWAY 29 IN LIBERTY HILL AND WENT OVER A OIL SPILL ABOUT A GALLON OF OIL.AFTER GOING OVER IT, THE VEHICLE LOST TOTAL CONTROL OF STEERING AND WENT TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD .THE STEERING SHOT TO THE RIGHT, AND COULN'T MOVE THE WHEEL. VEHICLE RAN INTO THE DITCH AND HIT A TREE. DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. DRIVING SPEED 40 TO 45MPH EVEN ROAD.TOOK THE VEHICLE 4 TIMES TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, AND HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. *AK |
| Electrical System:Starter Assembly | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 19.1%ODI 716077ON 14 DEC 99, SUBJECT VEHICEL FAILED TO START. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO PRIOR INDICATION OF POTENTIAL FAILURE. INITIAL ASSESSMENT BY OWNER WAS THE STARTER FAILED TO OPERATE. LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP, "JIM RATHMANN CHEVROLET" WAS CONTACTD AND SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD OF INITIAL VEHICLE ASSESSMENT OF FAILURE. SERVICE ADVISOR AGREED WITH INITAIL ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE BE TOWED INTO SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR EXAMINATION. FINAL ASSESSMENT BY AUTHORIZED/CERTIFIED CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP WAS THE "STARTER FAILED TO OPERATE AND REQUIRED REP… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System:Wiring | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 19.1%ODI 524072DESIGN OF WIRING MATERIAL IN ENGINE ATTRACTS RODENTS, CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 19.1%ODI 10222838 · 171,289 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. HE WAS ABLE TO USE THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171289 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 171374. RK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal:Switch | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 19.1%ODI 10222838 · 171,289 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. HE WAS ABLE TO USE THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171289 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 171374. RK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
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 | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump | Too few reports for a range | 127,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10009937 · 127,000 miTHE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY MELTED AND BURNED THE INSIDE OF THE GAS TANK. *JB |
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
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
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | 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.
1995: 3 complaints · 1996: 1 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 1996 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 9 | 2 | 0 |
| 1996 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
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 | Air Bags:Frontal | Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump | Seat Belts:Front:Retractor | Steering | Tires:Tread/Belt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags:Frontal | — | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 848207PULLED OUT OF PARKING LOT ONTO THE HIGHWAY 29 IN LIBERTY HILL AND WENT OVER A OIL SPILL ABOUT A GALLON OF OIL.AFTER GOING OVER IT, THE VEHICLE LOST TOTAL CONTROL OF STEERING AND WENT TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD .THE STEERING SHOT TO THE RIGHT, AND COULN'T MOVE THE WHEEL. VEHICLE RAN INTO THE DITCH AND HIT A TREE. DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. DRIVING SPEED 40 TO 45MPH EVEN ROAD.TOOK THE VEHICLE 4 TIMES TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, AND HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. *AK | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Retractor | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1ODI 848207PULLED OUT OF PARKING LOT ONTO THE HIGHWAY 29 IN LIBERTY HILL AND WENT OVER A OIL SPILL ABOUT A GALLON OF OIL.AFTER GOING OVER IT, THE VEHICLE LOST TOTAL CONTROL OF STEERING AND WENT TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD .THE STEERING SHOT TO THE RIGHT, AND COULN'T MOVE THE WHEEL. VEHICLE RAN INTO THE DITCH AND HIT A TREE. DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. DRIVING SPEED 40 TO 45MPH EVEN ROAD.TOOK THE VEHICLE 4 TIMES TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, AND HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. *AK | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Tires:Tread/Belt | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
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.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.