1996 GMC Sierra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 GMC Sierra: 2 recalls, 246 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Before 1999, Sierra was a trim level on GMC's C/K pickup, not a separate model. Owners often file these reports under the trim name. For the full picture, also see the 1996 C1500, 1996 K1500, 1996 C2500, 1996 K2500.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. 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.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #98V150001 · 1998 · 1,557,585 vehicles
What's wrong: Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
Why it matters: This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 14 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (84): the most common themes are electrical failure (8), fire / smoke (3).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (47): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (14), leaks (4).
- Transmission & drivetrain (24): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (8), noise or vibration (6), leaks (2).
- Seats (20): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2), electrical failure (2).
The 1996 GMC Sierra has 246 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 28 Sierra model years for complaints (1.8× the average Sierra year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (54 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 83,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (261 complaints, 6 recalls), 1997 (238 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 6.5 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Diesel |
| 6.5 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Diesel |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
FAQ
Does the 1996 GMC Sierra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1996 GMC Sierra. 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 Sierra problems?
Owners have filed 246 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (84), brakes (hydraulic) (47), transmission & drivetrain (24).
What gas mileage does the 1996 GMC Sierra get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 18 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 GMC Sierra 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.