1996 Chevrolet C30 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 6, 2000 · 5 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other C30 years
Not enough data 2nd of 4 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996 Chevrolet C30. That ranks 2nd out of 4 C30 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (4 complaints, 80%). Complaints mention 2 crashes. There are 5 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 1996 Chevrolet C30 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Equipment1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Service Brakes, Hydraulic480%———
Equipment120%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 1997, with 3 complaints
1997: 3199732000: 220002

n = 5 complaints · Source: NHTSA

1996 Chevrolet C30 recalls (5)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

SeatsMar 7, 1997 · NHTSA campaign 97V037000 · 624,433 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: extended cab and 2-door utility vehicles equipped with reclining seats and the easy-entry feature. These vehicles exhibit a condition in which a pinch point exists in the recliner mechanism that can trap and pinch a person's hand or finger(s) when the easy-entry feature is activated.

Risk: This pinching can cut the hand or possibly sever the finger(s) without prior warning.

Fix: Dealers will install a protector cover over the recliner mechanism.

Tires:beadJul 1, 1996 · NHTSA campaign 96V117000 · 5,773 vehicles

Problem: These tires have bead damage which occured during tire mounting.

Risk: This damage to the tire reinforcing structure in the bead "toe" area causes a bulge in the sidewall after the tire is inflated. This condition will result in a slow air loss causing the tire to go flat. However, it is possible for the damage to result in a rapid air loss causing injuries to anyone if they were handling the tire when this occurred.

Fix: Dealers will demount each tire and inspect for bead damage. If bead damage is found, the tire will be replaced.

Suspension:rear:springs:leaf spring assembly:u-bolt, leaf spring to axleMay 7, 1996 · NHTSA campaign 96V082000 · 16,918 vehicles

Problem: The four u-bolts nuts on either side of the rear axle were under-torqued.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Dealers will check the u-bolt nut torque and re-torque any loose u-bolts to specification.

Vehicle speed controlApr 4, 1996 · NHTSA campaign 96V057000 · 379,004 vehicles

Problem: 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."

Risk: Consequence of non-compliance: the engine speed may not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.

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.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 28, 1995 · NHTSA campaign 95V243000 · 623 vehicles

Problem: Certain trucks have fuel rail assemblies with an improperly crimped end retainer clip that results in a fuel leak.

Risk: If fuel leakage occurs and an ignition source is present, an engine compartment fire could occur.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel rail assembly and replace any fuel rail assembly with a julian date code of 95318 through 95338.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

I have a recall letter from gm canada concerning antilock brakes. When i took the van to be fixed, the dealer would not do it because the van was converted to an rv by roadtrek and it would require 16 hours labor to repair the brakes. Neither gm or roadtrek would cover the cost. How can i get this…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Aug 29, 2000 · NHTSA complaint 729459

No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak( dot number: )

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Jan 27, 2000 · NHTSA complaint 717964

Vehicle used for police use. Consumer stated when traveling at 30 mph the rear brakes grab and also lock up, causing the vehicle to freeze. Consumer also stated when the problem occurs the occupants inside the vehicle being forced into the windshield. Consumer has contacted the dealer. *ak

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Sep 9, 1997 · NHTSA complaint 816175

Short in cigarette lighter caused interior lights and door locks to fail.

Equipment · received Apr 17, 1997 · NHTSA complaint 603111

The abs braking system malfunctioned when applying the brakes hard and quickly. Had an accident, applied the brakes quickly and they malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to roll 30 feet and run into another vehicle. Dealer said that was how the brakes worked. *ak

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Apr 14, 1997 · NHTSA complaint 810948

Other Chevrolet C30 years

← 1995 C30 · 1997 C30 →

YearComplaintsRecalls
1998 C3021
1997 C3041
199655
1995 C3097

See all Chevrolet C30 problems by year, every Chevrolet model, or the Chevrolet VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Chevrolet C30?

Owners most often report service brakes, hydraulic, equipment problems. The top one, service brakes, hydraulic, accounts for 4 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Chevrolet C30?

Yes, 5 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 1996 Chevrolet C30 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other C30 model years, the 1996 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.