Most common 1996 Chevrolet Caprice problems
Share of the 65 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Caprice complaints by model year
Best Caprice years: 2012, 2011, 2013. Years to avoid: 2014, 1995, 1996. Compare all years →
1996 Chevrolet Caprice recalls (4)
Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
The wheel lug nuts were not tightened to the proper specification during assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the vehicle's wheel lug nuts to the proper specification.
Suspension › Rear
The rear lower control arm can crack at the rear stabilizer bar attachment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both rear lower control arms and rear stabilizer bar attachments.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Defective lower control arm ball joint attachment nuts were not properly torqued and can loosen.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm ball joint attachment nuts for proper torque. If the ball joint has loosened, both the ball joint and the knuckle will be replaced.
Air bags
These vehicles were shipped with both the supplemental inflatable restraint caution label and a roof rack caution label installed on the same side of the sun visor. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS no.208, "occupant crash protection."
Remedy: A new roof rack caution label, with installation instructions, will be sent directly to owners. Owners will install the label or have their dealer install the label for them.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice:
Rear wheel separation
Information obtained from GM indicates that further investigation to determine the cause of wheel separations is warranted.in GM's response dated April 26, 1996, GM stated that:GM has not identified any defect in the manufacture of the subject vehicles whih May contribute to wheel separation.investigation as to the root cause of wheel separations is continuing.the results of these further investigations are required…
Coolant fires
There is no summary currently available
Rear wheel separation
GM notified odi that they are conducting a recall to retorque the wheel lug nuts on vehicles built between August and September of 1995.it is anticipated that most vehicles will require the wheel lug nuts to be retorqued to 135 n.m(100 lb.
What 1996 Chevrolet Caprice owners say
Suspension
Suspension causing excessive tire wear---replaced tires at 18,000 and now at 29000 miles. Dealer claims I need another alignment even though they just fixed it. Two tsbs associated with the steering and suspension. Steering has always been loose and sometimes locks up completely. Suspension has always pulled to the right front. Brakes have squealed since around 10000 miles. Engine has severe hesitation, but dealer cannot reproduce.( dot number: )
While driving at any speed consumer heard a loud knocking noise and the vehicle started to jerk. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.
Engine & cooling
The vats system is the problem on my 96 Impala it just shut my car off for the past 3 mos
Suspension causing excessive tire wear---replaced tires at 18,000 and now at 29000 miles. Dealer claims I need another alignment even though they just fixed it. Two tsbs associated with the steering and suspension. Steering has always been loose and sometimes locks up completely. Suspension has always pulled to the right front. Brakes have squealed since around 10000 miles. Engine has severe hesitation, but dealer cannot reproduce.( dot number: )
Transmission & drivetrain
Vehicle experiencing ongoing/ intermittent problem with engine stalling. Whenever vehicle is put in reverse the vehicle would cut off. Dealer notified and made some repairs. Replaced computer module. However, problem has reoccurred.
Insufficient lubrication of the differential unit caused vehicle to fishtail and loss of control(lockup). Owner's manual does not state that vehicle lock up can occur if the fluid is not changed within the first 6,000 miles. Mjs
1996 Chevrolet Caprice engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 24 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice a good car?
Based on 65 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Caprice rates avoid: 7.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the Caprice at the same age. It is one of the Caprice years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice?
The suspension — 12 complaints, 18% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front. Next are the engine & cooling (12) and transmission & drivetrain (9).
How many recalls does the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice have?
There are 4 recalls for the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice, the most recent from December 10, 1996 (lugs/nuts/bolts/studs). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Caprice?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2011 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2014, 1995 and 1996. See the full Chevrolet Caprice years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet Caprice problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 59,000 miles; 27% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.