1996 GMC Pickup Problems & Complaints

Average29% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Pickup at the same age

Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 1996 GMC Pickup with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the Pickup at the same age. The most reported problem area is the windows, wipers & sunroof (3 complaints).

8complaints
0recalls
1crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 1996 GMC Pickup problems

  • Windows, wipers & sunroof
    338%
  • Brakes
    225%
  • Engine & cooling
    113%
  • Steering
    113%
  • Electrical system
    113%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    113%

Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

GMC Pickup complaints by model year

199519961997199819992000200120021482214231255
Owner complaints per model year, GMC Pickup. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Pickup years: 2002, 2001, 1996. Years to avoid: 1999, 1997. Compare all years →

What 1996 GMC Pickup owners say

Windows, wipers & sunroof

Talked with GM customer care about rcall #98043 exact problem I am having. Said my VIN was not covered even though same problem appears in my vehicle. Safety issue as wipers are intermittent during use. GM customer service said they would not cover the issue or provide GM district manager names or provide any further escalation on this issue.

Windshield wiper/washer · Aug 2001

While driving in inclement weather windshield wipers came on and went off on their own. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The dealer told the consumer the vehicle was too old to honor the recall.

Windshield wiper/washer › Motor · Aug 2004

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1996 GMC Pickup a good car?

Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Pickup rates average: 29% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Pickup at the same age. It is one of the best Pickup years by this measure. 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 GMC Pickup?

The windows, wipers & sunroof — 3 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year, most often about windshield wiper/washer › motor. Next are the brakes (2) and engine & cooling (1).

How many recalls does the 1996 GMC Pickup have?

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

What are the best and worst years of the GMC Pickup?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 2001 and 1996. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999 and 1997. See the full GMC Pickup 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.