1996 GMC S15: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 GMC S15: 1 recall, 3 owner complaints.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #96V035000 · 1996 · 24,906 vehicles
What's wrong: Some of these trucks were built with transmissions containing parts which were not machined to gm's specifications.
Why it matters: These transmissions could seize and lock the rear drive wheels while the truck is being driven causing a loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the transmission main shaft output torque using a special tool. If the output torque does not meet specifications, the transmission will be replaced.
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
- Brakes (hydraulic) (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 GMC S15 has 3 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 11 S15 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 3). Neighboring years: 1995 (3 complaints, 1 recalls), 1997 (2 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 GMC S15.
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.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1996 GMC S15 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1996 GMC S15. 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 GMC S15 problems?
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (2), visibility (wipers, glass) (1).
Where can I get a 1996 GMC S15 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.