1996 Chevrolet C10: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Chevrolet C10: 6 recalls, 16 owner complaints.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 5 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #95V243000 · 1995 · 623 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain trucks have fuel rail assemblies with an improperly crimped end retainer clip that results in a fuel leak.
Why it matters: If fuel leakage occurs and an ignition source is present, an engine compartment fire could occur.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel rail assembly and replace any fuel rail assembly with a julian date code of 95318 through 95338.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #96V057000 · 1996 · 379,004 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: the engine speed May not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The fix: 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #96V082000 · 1996 · 16,918 vehicles
What's wrong: The four u-bolts nuts on either side of the rear axle were under-torqued.
Why it matters: Vehicle usage could cause the nuts to loosen and eventually fall off the u-bolt. This could result in sudden loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will check the u-bolt nut torque and re-torque any loose u-bolts to specification.
Seats Vehicle recall #97V037000 · 1997 · 624,433 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles exhibit a condition in which a pinch point exists in the recliner mechanism that can trap and pinch a person's hand or finger(s) when the easy-entry feature is activated.
Why it matters: This pinching can cut the hand or possibly sever the finger(s) without prior warning.
The fix: Dealers will install a protector cover over the recliner mechanism.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #98V150001 · 1998 · 1,557,585 vehicles
What's wrong: Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
Why it matters: This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #98V187000 · 1998 · 55,272 vehicles
What's wrong: The front, inner corner of the fuel tank can contact the body sill either intermittently or constantly. This movement can cause a discernible noise and, over time, can wear a hole in or crack the fuel tank at point of contact.
Why it matters: This condition can result in fuel leakage and a distinct fuel odor if the tank were filled above the level of the hole or crack. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could result.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank for wear and, either install a spacer between the fuel tank and the front crossmember, or if necessary, replace the fuel tank.
5 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Seats Equipment recall #96E010000 · 1996 · 2,400 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat recliner to seat frame attaching bolts on these vehicles could loosen, fatigue and fracture, allowing the seat back to suddenly recline.
Why it matters: If this were to occur to the driver's seat, this could result in a sudden loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will remove all foam and/or fabric sandwiched between the recliner assembly and the seat frame, install washers between the seat recliner and the seat frame at each attachment point, and install new attaching bolts torqued to a higher specification. These corrections will be made to both…
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E060000 · 2006 · 87,745 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash
The fix: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #08E050000 · 2008 · 1,921 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility May be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (10): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seats (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 Chevrolet C10 has 16 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 12 C10 model years for complaints (1.7× the average C10 year). Complaints peaked in 2000 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 134,650 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (40 complaints, 7 recalls), 1997 (7 complaints, 3 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Chevrolet C10.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Chevrolet C10 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Chevrolet C10, plus 5 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Chevrolet C10 problems?
Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (10), seats (2), brakes (hydraulic) (2).
Where can I get a 1996 Chevrolet C10 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.