- The problem
- Vehicle description: crew cab pickup trucks. 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.
- The risk
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1996 GMC C15 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 1996 GMC C15 with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (3) and the brakes (1). It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in August 1998 for the tank assembly. For comparison, the 1995 has 10.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical C15 year, for its age
#202 most complained-about 1996 vehicle
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1996 GMC C15 problems
Share of all 4 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1996 GMC C15 recalls 6
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Vehicle description: extended cab and 2-door utility vehicles equipped with reclining seats and the easy-entry feature. 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The problem
- The four u-bolts nuts on either side of the rear axle were under-torqued.
- The risk
- 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.
- The problem
- 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."
- The risk
- 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.
- The problem
- The seat recliner to seat frame attaching bolts on these vehicles could loosen, fatigue and fracture, allowing the seat back to suddenly recline.
- The risk
- 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 the driver's and passenger's seats.
- The problem
- Certain trucks have fuel rail assemblies with an improperly crimped end retainer clip that results in a fuel leak.
- The risk
- 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.
What owners say
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4 complaints about the 1996 GMC C15
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Recall #97v037000, when contacting dealer to schedule an appointment for recall work, dealer stated that the recall was rescinded. Dealer waiting to hear from manufacturer, son's finger was cut by mechanism. Vehicle was finally fixed on 04/30/97. *Ak
Owner states while driving driver's side seatback will fall. Owner notes that dealres keep repairing problem with the same parts, but problem returns. *Ak
The dealer cannot repair the vehicle because the recall needs a new remedy. Please describe details. *Ak
When braking, vehicle pulls to the right which causes a loss of control of vehicle. *Ak
GMC C15: every year compared
All C15 years1996 GMC C15 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 GMC C15 | 4 | 6 | F | |
| 1996 GMC 1500 | 24 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1996 GMC C1500 | 15 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1996 GMC C2500 | 6 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1996 GMC C Series | 4 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1996 GMC C/K Series | 4 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1996 GMC 3500 | 3 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1996 GMC C/K Suburban (GMC) | 3 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1996 GMC C25 | 2 | 5 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1996 GMC C15
Does the 1996 GMC C15 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 1996 GMC C15: tank assembly (August 1998); seats (March 1997); u-bolt, leaf spring to axle (May 1996); vehicle speed control (April 1996) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 GMC C15?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (3), brakes (1).
How many complaints has the 1996 GMC C15 had?
4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 2, 1996 and the latest on April 24, 1997. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1996 GMC C15 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 23 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical GMC C15 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which GMC C15 years have the most complaints?
1995 (10), 1993 (7), 1994 (7). See every GMC C15 year compared.
What should I do if my 1996 GMC C15 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data