Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 GMC Sierra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While backing the vehicle the seat cushion frame fractured at the left forward attach point. This caused the seat to rock and possibly could cause remaining three fasteners to become overloaded and fail. Failure of the primary structural seat attachment could cause serious injury during an accident.
The vehicle's driver side seat back bolt broke without warning. The bolts attached the seat back to the seat frame broke which caused the seat to recline all the way back and not lock into position.
I contacted NHTSA several years ago and I was informed that GM had a large problem with the seat rails in their various vehicles. I understand that NHTSA has many-many vehicles to inspect. I have been fighting my GM dealer for the last 4 years with various problems-broken interior dor handle-failure(s) with the fuel injectors-fuel pump failures-burned wiring harnass(where I had to show them where the wiring harness was located-trained techs??-alternator failure-ac compressor failure-atc... The biggest problem of course is the seat rails. They could have been redisned and the metal should have been heat treated, the seat rails have a poor quality metal-heat treatment would have splved their problem{s}. I have taught auto repair for 30+ years and I have never dealt with such a bunch of non-caring ass holes. …
Seats->drivers and passengers seats (leather) cracked in less than three years. Expected more for the price of this option. Have had brakes replaced 1 - 1 1/2 months prior to failure. I was out in the back country, 40 miles from paved roads, when I heard the rotors being torn up by what was left of the brake pads. It ruined both rotors. I was told at an independant shop that the calipers failed. I went to the dealer and the service advisor insisted that the calipers didn't fail . It was just cheap brake pads. I know for a fact that wasn't the case.
This has been a major problem since day one. I have contacted NHTSA several times by e-mail and fax to frank borris to keep him up to date with my problem. There are 100's of thousands of trucks with unsafe seats-my fear is having my seat-or-wifes seat- breaking loose during a crash, and causing permanent disabilities. I certainly hope that NHTSA can get this problem solved-asap---thanks for listening.
The tailgate latch will not unlock the tailgate. The windshield wipers will not work, or will only work on high speed. Will sometimes work if turned to high first then to low speed. While starting to move from a stop sign the drivers seat broke from the adjustment rails, allowing the seat to fall to the rear, resulting in not being able to control the vehicle.
Received recall notice fom manufacturer for seat recliner hinge pinch point. Can't get dealer to repair because they don't have parts. Vehicle has been taken in twice, and several calls have been made , each time they say to call back. They do not have the parts yet.
Driver seat fragile wiring within the spring mechanism that holds seat in place broke, causing the seat to move back and forth/slides.this could result in an accident.
Seat track broke while consume was backing out of parking space causing the seat to tilt back several inches. Seat now exhibit rocking motion during normal driving. Nlm
While applying gas or brake pedal or even making a turn, the driver's side seat moves forward. Dealer stated vehicle is operating properly.
Seat complaints in other Sierra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat problems on the 1996 GMC Sierra?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the seats of the 1996 GMC Sierra, 8% of the model year's 246 complaints. The component named most often is front assembly › recliner (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 GMC Sierra seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats recall for the 1996 GMC Sierra, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 GMC Sierra seat problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 114,000 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.