1996 Chevrolet K20: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Chevrolet K20: 2 recalls, 2 owner complaints.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #96V057000 · 1996 · 379,004 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles were assembled with the throttle cable contacting the dash mat which could bind the throttle. This does not meet with the maximum return times required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 124, "accelerator control systems."
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: the engine speed May not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will inspect for adequate throttle cable to dash mat clearance, and if there is insufficient clearance, cut out a portion of the dash mat to provide proper clearance.
Suspension Vehicle recall #96V082000 · 1996 · 16,918 vehicles
What's wrong: The four u-bolts nuts on either side of the rear axle were under-torqued.
Why it matters: Vehicle usage could cause the nuts to loosen and eventually fall off the u-bolt. This could result in sudden loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will check the u-bolt nut torque and re-torque any loose u-bolts to specification.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Seats Equipment recall #96E010000 · 1996 · 2,400 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat recliner to seat frame attaching bolts on these vehicles could loosen, fatigue and fracture, allowing the seat back to suddenly recline.
Why it matters: If this were to occur to the driver's seat, this could result in a sudden loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will remove all foam and/or fabric sandwiched between the recliner assembly and the seat frame, install washers between the seat recliner and the seat frame at each attachment point, and install new attaching bolts torqued to a higher specification. These corrections will be made to both…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 Chevrolet K20 has 2 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 9 K20 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 2). Neighboring years: 1995 (2 complaints, 2 recalls), 1997 (4 complaints, 0 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Chevrolet K20.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Chevrolet K20 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Chevrolet K20, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Chevrolet K20 problems?
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (1), brakes (hydraulic) (1).
Where can I get a 1996 Chevrolet K20 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.