1996 GMC C15 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 17, 1998 · 4 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other C15 years
Not enough data 2nd of 2 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996 GMC C15. That ranks 2nd out of 2 C15 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is seats (3 complaints, 75%). 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 GMC C15 problems

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

Seats3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Seats375%———
Service Brakes, Hydraulic125%———

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
1996: 1199611997: 319973

n = 4 complaints · Source: NHTSA

1996 GMC C15 recalls (5)

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

Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assemblyAug 10, 1998 · NHTSA campaign 98V187000 · 55,272 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: crew cab pickup trucks. The front, inner corner of the fuel tank can contact the body sill either intermittently or constantly. This movement can cause a discernible noise and, over time, can wear a hole in or crack the fuel tank at point of contact.

Risk: This condition can result in fuel leakage and a distinct fuel odor if the tank were filled above the level of the hole or crack. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could result.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank for wear and, either install a spacer between the fuel tank and the front crossmember, or if necessary, replace the fuel tank.

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.

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.

Recall #97v037000, when contacting dealer to schedule an appointment for recall work, dealer stated that the recall was rescinded. Dealer waiting to hear from manufacturer, son's finger was cut by mechanism. Vehicle was finally fixed on 04/30/97. *ak

Seats · received Apr 24, 1997 · NHTSA complaint 810526

Owner states while driving driver's side seatback will fall. Owner notes that dealres keep repairing problem with the same parts, but problem returns. *ak

Seats · received Apr 22, 1997 · NHTSA complaint 811505

The dealer cannot repair the vehicle because the recall needs a new remedy. Please describe details. *ak

Seats · received Apr 21, 1997 · NHTSA complaint 811386

When braking, vehicle pulls to the right which causes a loss of control of vehicle. *ak

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received May 2, 1996 · NHTSA complaint 983950

Other GMC C15 years

← 1995 C15

YearComplaintsRecalls
199645
1995 C15106

See all GMC C15 problems by year, every GMC model, or the GMC VIN decoder.

Similar GMC models

Embed this 1996 GMC C15 badge on your site

Copy this code into your blog or forum post. It shows live complaint and recall counts and links back here.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1996 GMC C15?

Owners most often report seats, service brakes, hydraulic problems. The top one, seats, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 1996 GMC C15?

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

Was the 1996 GMC C15 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other C15 model years, the 1996 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.