Most common 1996 GMC Sierra problems
Share of the 246 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Sierra complaints by model year
Best Sierra years: 2020, 2018, 2009. Years to avoid: 1999, 2000, 1995, 1996, 1997. Compare all years →
1996 GMC Sierra recalls (2)
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
Vehicle speed control
These vehicles were assembled with the throttle cable contacting the dash mat which could bind the throttle. This does not meet with the maximum return times required by federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 124, "accelerator control systems."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for adequate throttle cable to dash mat clearance, and if there is insufficient clearance, cut out a portion of the dash mat to provide proper clearance.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 1996 GMC Sierra:
HEADLIGHT
Based on the reports received by odi from consumers, failure of the headlight electrical circuit May occur in the subject vehicles, and May result from repeated adjustment ofthe tilt steering wheel in the subject vehicles.repeated adjustment of the steering wheel position May strain the wiring in the headlight circuit to the point of failure where they are attached to the multi-function switch, resulting in the…
Windshield wiper failure
As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, GM has expanded the population of safety recall 98v-150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my m/l vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached technical report for details.
HEADLIGHT
What 1996 GMC Sierra owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 83 →
Windshield wipers get stuck, move, and will stop. Then, they will start up again, and stop. A module was installed. Currently, windshield wipers do not work at all. Dealership stated that vehicle had another problem, a burning smell, that was not related to the recall, and they won't do any other repairs.
My windshield wipers only work intermitedly and I found the recal for it on this site. 996 GMC Sierra pickup..the dealorship is saying even though my wipers are broken they cannot repair for free because my particular VIN # isn't on the list.
Brakes all 47 →
Traveling on dry pavement at ~ 30 MPH, sudden stop due to traffic. Brake pedal initially had good brake then went to the floor. All brake lost, collided into vehicle ahead of me and pushed them into vehicle ahead of them. Vehicle stalled due to collision, restarted truck and all brake operation appeared to be good. Took vehicle to dealer for analysis, contacted GM customer support filed complaint, dealer inspection showed no failure of ABS or other components. GM field tech went to dealer inspection report found no reason for failure could not duplicate failure. GM denies any responsibility or suggestions for repair.
"refer to prior complaint- id vq-528687-yn-pdf" when a wheel skids a very,very,very short distance while braking, ABS does not engage but locks out conventional braking! No brakes, no stop. When towing a 7000+ pound load it gives you a very negative thrill. No fix from dealer or GMC, tried many, many times. Removed 60 amp ABS fuse! Truck stops but it is not what should be done. I have driven the truck 116000 miles, 40000 with the fuse removed. Do you have any suggestions other than junking it, replacing the fuse and killing myself and others, etc. Please advise. It appears to be very similar to the ABS problem on 1995 and earlier trucks that prompted a (mfg?) recall but GMC denies it. At that time I spoke with the representative that was investigating the ABS problem. Explained to him what I thought would give him the best chance to duplicate the problem. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 24 →
While towing trailer with 2 quads (4 wheelers) on expressway with a group of co-workers, I was attempting to pass another vehicle when my truck would not shift into passing gear. It made a loud "reving" noise and began rapidly decreasing in speed. I pulled off the expressway bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. I then gradually accelerated and shifted manually, but was only able to acheive 1st gear. I had to have the vehicle towed 150 miles to my house where it still sits three months later with only reverse and 1st gear operable at this time.
Vehicle jerks and violently vibrates when shifting up and down, increasing and decreasing speeds. Also, noticed greasy spots from fluid leaking. First time vehicle was sent for repairs problem was never done. It was taken taking back a second time. Dealer's service technician pointed out that it leaked while it was still up on the lift. Please provide more information.
1996 GMC Sierra engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 6.5L 8-cyl turbo diesel | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
| 6.5L 8-cyl turbo diesel | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 GMC Sierra a good car?
Based on 246 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Sierra rates avoid: 2.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the Sierra at the same age. It is one of the Sierra 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 GMC Sierra?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 83 complaints, 34% of all complaints for this model year, most often about windshield wiper/washer › motor. Next are the brakes (47) and transmission & drivetrain (24).
How many recalls does the 1996 GMC Sierra have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1996 GMC Sierra, the most recent from July 1, 1998 (windshield wiper/washer). 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 GMC Sierra?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2018 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 2000, 1995, 1996 and 1997. See the full GMC Sierra years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 GMC Sierra problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 84,000 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.