1996 Chevrolet Explorer Problems & Complaints

Average1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Explorer at the same age

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Explorer with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the Explorer at the same age. The most reported problem area is the speed control & acceleration (2 complaints).

7complaints
0recalls
1crashes
0fires
2injuries
0deaths

Most common 1996 Chevrolet Explorer problems

  • Speed control & acceleration
    229%
  • Brakes
    229%
  • Engine & cooling
    114%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof
    114%
  • Wheels & tires
    114%

Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Chevrolet Explorer complaints by model year

199519961997199819992002579557
Owner complaints per model year, Chevrolet Explorer. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Explorer years: 1995, 1998, 1999. Compare all years →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1996 Chevrolet Explorer a good car?

Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Explorer rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Explorer at the same age. 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 Explorer?

The speed control & acceleration — 2 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (2) and engine & cooling (1).

How many recalls does the 1996 Chevrolet Explorer have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1996 Chevrolet Explorer. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Explorer?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995, 1998 and 1999. See the full Chevrolet Explorer years comparison.

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.