Owners have filed 14 complaints
about the 1996 Chevrolet C Series with NHTSA between 2000 and 2008.
The largest single group is the windows, mirrors & wipers.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 36
Against the median year of the Chevrolet C Series. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
35.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 1996 compares with every other Chevrolet C Series
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1996 Chevrolet C Series
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
428.6%
Brakes
214.3%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Airbags
214.3%
Median failure at 169,302 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
214.3%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Engine & Cooling
214.3%
Tires
17.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 161,000 mi
Electrical System
17.1%
0 crashes, 1 fires
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2000peak 3Jul 2008
Recalls on the 1996 Chevrolet C Series
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19981596,089 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain crew cab pick ups, the front inner corner of the fuel tank may contact the body sill and over time wear a hole in or crack the fuel tank at the point of contact. This condition could result in fuel leakage and in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur. Correction: Tank will be inspected for wear and a spacer will be installed between the fuel tank and the front crossmember, or if necessary, the fuel tank will be replaced.
Recall 199815071,500 units in Canada
Visual System
Certain vehicles may have windshield wiper motors with solder joints near the wiring harness connector that could crack. This could cause the windshield wiper to work intermittently and ultimately result in inoperative wipers. This could reduce driver visibility in inclement weather and result in a crash. Correction: Wiper motor circuit board and cover will be replaced.
Recall 199804089,752 units in Canada
Emissions
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 1103 - Exhaust Emissions. Vehicles may been built with the ignition coil wire too close to metal brackets or the transmission fluid fill tube (M/L van only). If the coil wire is too close to these metal objects, arcing may occur and cause failure of the wires which can in turn lead to a stalling/no start condition and/or catalytic converter failures. Correction: coil wire will be repositioned to assure adequate clearance from metal brackets and/or transmission fluid fill tubes.
Recall 199704958,031 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles exhibit a condition in which a pinch bolt exists in the recliner mechanism that could trap and pinch a person's hand or finger(s) when the easy entry feature is activated. This pinching could cut the hand or possibly sever the finger(s) without prior warning. Correction: a protector will be installed over the recliner mechanism.
Recall 199619341 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles, the crankshaft balancer centre attaching bolt was under-torqued. This bolt secures the balancer, which is pressed onto the crankshaft, and the accessory drive pulley which is attached to the balancer, to the engine crankshaft. If this bolt were to loosen, the balancer and drive belt pulley would eventually loosen and the drive belt could come off the pulley or break, causing a loss of drive to engine accessories such as the alternator and power steering pump. Correction: Crankshaft balancer centre bolt will be torqued to specification.
Recall 1996100249 units in Canada
Suspension
Certain vehicles may have a bead damage to the tires which occurred during tire mounting. The damage to the tire reinforcing structure in the bead "toe" area would likely manifest itself as a bulge in the sidewall after the tire is inflated. This damage could result in rapid air loss, which could cause injuries to anyone if they were handling the tire when this occurred. Correction: Tires will be demounted and inspected for bead damage. If bead damage is present, the tire will be replaced.
Recall 19960691,476 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the four u-bolt nuts on either side of the rear axle may be under torqued. This could cause the bolts to loosen and eventually fall off the u-bolt. Should this occur, the axle would eventually be free to provide steering inputs to the vehicle and a crash could occur. Correction: Dealers will check the u-bolt nut torque and torque any loose u-bolts to specification.
Recall 199606224,746 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles may not comply with CMVSS 124 - Accelerator Control Systems. Vehicles may have been assembled with the throttle cable contacting the dash mat. The dash mat may bind the throttle cable such that the throttle return time may not meet the requirements of the standard. Correction: Dealers will inspect for adequate throttle cable to dash mat clearance, and if there is insufficient clearance, a portion of the dash mat will be cut out to provide clearance.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 161,000 milesRiverside, CACrash
TIRES
DRIVING @ 60MP WEST BOUND 210FRWY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. REAR TIRE BLEW AND UPON LOOKING AT TIRE THE TIRE "THREW TOP TREAD" AND SEPARATED.
NHTSA complaint #10236152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,302 milesNorman, AR1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10126735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, COFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
VEHICLE BEEN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH BRAKES FAILING TO STOP VEHICLE PROPERLY WHENEVER BRAKES WERE APPLIED IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. DEALER NOTIFIED. *ALSO, FRONT BEARING FAILED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO MOUNTING BRACKET AND WIRING WHICH RESULTED IN A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #857438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, COFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
VEHICLE BEEN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH BRAKES FAILING TO STOP VEHICLE PROPERLY WHENEVER BRAKES WERE APPLIED IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. DEALER NOTIFIED. *ALSO, FRONT BEARING FAILED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO MOUNTING BRACKET AND WIRING WHICH RESULTED IN A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #857438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, COFire
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE BEEN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH BRAKES FAILING TO STOP VEHICLE PROPERLY WHENEVER BRAKES WERE APPLIED IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. DEALER NOTIFIED. *ALSO, FRONT BEARING FAILED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO MOUNTING BRACKET AND WIRING WHICH RESULTED IN A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #857438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 161,000 milesRiverside, CACrash
TIRES
DRIVING @ 60MP WEST BOUND 210FRWY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. REAR TIRE BLEW AND UPON LOOKING AT TIRE THE TIRE "THREW TOP TREAD" AND SEPARATED.
NHTSA complaint #10236152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,302 milesNorman, AR1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10126735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PAW PAW, MI
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
INTERMITTENTLY WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOME INOPERABLE OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVER'S VIEW. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10042074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hyndman, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THE TRUCK HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS TODAY MAKES THE 4TH TIMES TO HAVE THE BRAKES FIXED ALSO THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON SINCE THE TRUCK WE PURCHASED IT HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS AT LEAST 6 TIMES AND THE SERVICE ENGINE STILL IS ON. TALKED TO THE CHEVY CO THAT SAID TO MILES ON TRUCK FOR THEM TO DO ANYTHING EVEN THOUGH IT STARTED AT 2899 MILES. CASE # CO5800032 CAN YOU HELP IN ANY WAY? ALSO, THE ENGINE LITE STILL COME ON STATING REPAIR ENGINE SOON IT HAS BEEN LOOKED 6 DIFFERENTS TIMES AND IS STILL NOT FIXED THIS ALSO STARED AT 2899 MILES. JUST TALKED TO THE GM COMPANY THAT SAID THE TRUCK HAD TO MANY MILES ON FOR THENM THEY TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILIY EVEN THOUGHT THE STARTED THE YEAR THE TRUCK WAS BOUGHT.
NHTSA complaint #754490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hyndman, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
THE TRUCK HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS TODAY MAKES THE 4TH TIMES TO HAVE THE BRAKES FIXED ALSO THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON SINCE THE TRUCK WE PURCHASED IT HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS AT LEAST 6 TIMES AND THE SERVICE ENGINE STILL IS ON. TALKED TO THE CHEVY CO THAT SAID TO MILES ON TRUCK FOR THEM TO DO ANYTHING EVEN THOUGH IT STARTED AT 2899 MILES. CASE # CO5800032 CAN YOU HELP IN ANY WAY? ALSO, THE ENGINE LITE STILL COME ON STATING REPAIR ENGINE SOON IT HAS BEEN LOOKED 6 DIFFERENTS TIMES AND IS STILL NOT FIXED THIS ALSO STARED AT 2899 MILES. JUST TALKED TO THE GM COMPANY THAT SAID THE TRUCK HAD TO MANY MILES ON FOR THENM THEY TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILIY EVEN THOUGHT THE STARTED THE YEAR THE TRUCK WAS BOUGHT.
NHTSA complaint #754490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT I HAVE TWO OF THESE TRUCKS AND NEITHER MATCH THE RECALL AND TOLD TO FIX IT MYSELF...I HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR OTHER PEOPLE WITH THESE TRUCKS AS WELL, THE VIN NUMBER ON THE OTHER IS [XXX], IT IS A 1996 K SERIES. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #739149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wellfleet, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING A SEVERE OIL LEAKAGES. DEALER UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THEY THINK IT MAY BE CAUSED BY THE ENGINE REAR SEAL. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #871685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chico, CA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 20MPH & DRIVER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED. AIRBAG EMBRACED THE CONSUMER IN THE SEAT. DEALER DOESN'T HAVE MUCH TO SAY ABOUT THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #865779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holden, LA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
WINDSHIELD WIPERS INTERMITTENTLY WORKED. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MANUFACTURER'S RECALL DUE TO VIN. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #864149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zachary, LA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVEREDUNDER MANUFACTURER'S RECALL DUE TO VIN.
NHTSA complaint #864158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, COFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
VEHICLE BEEN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH BRAKES FAILING TO STOP VEHICLE PROPERLY WHENEVER BRAKES WERE APPLIED IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. DEALER NOTIFIED. *ALSO, FRONT BEARING FAILED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO MOUNTING BRACKET AND WIRING WHICH RESULTED IN A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #857438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, COFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
VEHICLE BEEN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH BRAKES FAILING TO STOP VEHICLE PROPERLY WHENEVER BRAKES WERE APPLIED IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. DEALER NOTIFIED. *ALSO, FRONT BEARING FAILED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO MOUNTING BRACKET AND WIRING WHICH RESULTED IN A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #857438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, COFire
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE BEEN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH BRAKES FAILING TO STOP VEHICLE PROPERLY WHENEVER BRAKES WERE APPLIED IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. DEALER NOTIFIED. *ALSO, FRONT BEARING FAILED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO MOUNTING BRACKET AND WIRING WHICH RESULTED IN A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #857438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Land O Lakes, FL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION HAS HARD SHIFT AFTER ZERO THROTTLE COASTDOWN. ACTS AS THOUGH LINE PRESSURE IS LATCHED HIGH. TWO DEALERS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIX EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. ONE DEALER TOLD ME GM KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM, BUT IS UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO FIX IT.
NHTSA complaint #717243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.