Most common 1996 Chevrolet Silverado problems
Share of the 186 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Silverado complaints by model year
Best Silverado years: 2016, 2010, 2013. Years to avoid: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 1999. Compare all years →
What 1996 Chevrolet Silverado owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 73 →
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Chevrolet Silverado. While operating the vehicle, the windshield wipers operated intermittently without warning. The contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 03V159000 (visibility/wiper). The contact took the vehicle to wittmeier Chevrolet (2292 forest ave, chico, ca 95928, [phone]) and was informed that the parts for the recall repair were currently on backorder. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Intermittently windshield wipers failed to operate or function properly due to the defect described in recall 03V159000. But this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. The windshield wiper motor had to be replaced.
Brakes all 31 →
Dt: while the caller was driving at 30 MPH the brake failed, resulting in an accident. Another vehicle stopped in front of the caller's vehicle, and when he applied the brakes they did not work. The insurance adjuster said the main brake line to the back brakes was rusted through and caller said it was leaking fluid. The brake pedal went to the floor. There was a crash. One passenger w in callers vehicle sustained injuries. Upon impact, the air bags did not deploy. There were no warning lights on the dashboard. The police came and a report was taken. Dealer has not been contacted yet. Manufacturer was called, but they have not called him back. The other vehicle had some damage to the rear, but caller's vehicle was totaled.
The brakes on our 1996 Chevy Silverado 4x4 pick up fail to work properly. There is a delay between applying pressure on the brake & the truck actually braking. This problem seems to happen more often when braking & turning. I first noticed it when pulling into a parking space. The truck makes the same sound & vibration that happens when the anti lock brakes kick in if you're sliding on a slippery surface. This makes it impossible for us to trust that the vehicle will stop completely when needed. Caution is required to operate this vehicle. We don't dare tow anything or even load the bed of the truck with anything to heavy since we're worried that the brakes will not handle the extra weight. We're also worried about operating it in inclement weather which is fast approaching in the northeast. A mechanic told us that alot of Chevy pick-ups have this same problem. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 22 →
Since purchased from maher Chevrolet in 2001, the "c clip" in the "transfer case" has broken three times and we have never used the 4 wheel drive. This occurs during normal driving! The first time was within months after owning the vehicle. The second time was 30,000 miles after it replaced. Now less than 20,000 miles later, its broke again. There must be something defective internally in the transfer case. When driving and the "c clip" breaks, the gears start grinding loudly. You can not exceed 3 - 5 miles per hour. Since this is an instant movement, this can cause an accident wehn travling on the interstate. Which my husband frequently does while driving to work. The warranty has expired on the vehicle and I don't understand why this problem has not been fixed since it was brought back to the dealer on two occasions and supposedly, fixed then. …
Transmission started slipping and stopped shifting into 3rd gear at 50,000 miles. Was rebuilt at trans service shop. Cause was lack of ground wire between control module and transmission causing erratic fluid pressures. I paid the $1470.00 repair bill. TSB described the defect, I was not notified. This was preventable from Chevy's perspective.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Chevrolet Silverado a good car?
Based on 186 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Silverado rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Silverado 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 Silverado?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 73 complaints, 39% of all complaints for this model year, most often about windshield wiper/washer › motor. Next are the brakes (31) and transmission & drivetrain (22).
How many recalls does the 1996 Chevrolet Silverado have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1996 Chevrolet Silverado. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Silverado?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2010 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 1999. See the full Chevrolet Silverado years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet Silverado problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 12% 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.