Most common 1996 GMC 1500 problems
Share of the 24 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC 1500 complaints by model year
What 1996 GMC 1500 owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof
GMC sierra truck windshield wipers only work sometimes. Will stop for no reason or will not stop at all. No washer working. GMC gave recall #98043 and service request #1-55077659. Dealer refused to fix, said it was not a recall. Driving as-is for now. GMC will not respond. Model year 1996
Consumer complained about windshield wipers working intermittently. Took vehicle to the dealer and had them repaired. He then showed the dealer that there was a recall. He was told by the mechanic that this vehicle was not on recall, and advised consumer to contact the manufacturer. Consumer then contacted the manufacturer, and was told the same thing. Consumer felt since windshield wipers were not working during rainy times it was a safety hazard. Also, consumer was told that the problem was a cracked solder joint on the control board. Consumer insisted on being reimbursed.
Brakes
Brake system operated normally for some time and then at or around 2/14/2005 I begun to experience in all weather conditions at slow speed stopping the ABS would engage and over ride the normal braking system causing much longer stopping distances. It caused at least 10 near collisions with the car in front of me, and several times I swerved off the road to avoid contact. To correct the problem, I disabled the ABS system by removing the ABS fuse, this was suggested by a local tire and repair shop.
Vehicle was involved in an accident. Vehicle pulled to the left and right while braking. One moment it had brake, the next moment brakes were gone; brake pedal went down to the floor, and did not stop vehicle. . Dealer/mfr. Was not notified.
Air bags
Dt: consumer bought a vehicle "as is", and for the first time I drove it, 3 hours after I bought it, the radiator blew. The garage that serviced the vehicle said the ball joints were ready to fall apart. The steering was very dangerous and the rear end made a humming noise. In addition, the engine light and air bag light came on. He said the vehicle should not have been on the road. The seller will not repair or reimburse for any of the defects.
The vehicle hit mud, spun out striking a concrete bridge on interstate-75. Airbag did not deploy it was a head on hit with concrete. Same vehicle struck a deer the previous year and no airbag deployed. This also did major front damage to this vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 GMC 1500 a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the 1500 to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 GMC 1500?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 7 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about windshield wiper/washer › motor. Next are the brakes (3) and air bags (3).
How many recalls does the 1996 GMC 1500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1996 GMC 1500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 1996 GMC 1500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 78,000 miles; 0% 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.