- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1996 GMC C35 Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1996 GMC C35 have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in March 1997 for the seats.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical C35 year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1996 GMC C35 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
- These tires have bead damage which occured during tire mounting.
- The risk
- This damage to the tire reinforcing structure in the bead "toe" area causes a bulge in the sidewall after the tire is inflated. This condition will result in a slow air loss causing the tire to go flat. However, it is possible for the damage to result in a rapid air loss causing injuries to anyone if they were handling the tire when this occurred.
- The fix
- Dealers will demount each tire and inspect for bead damage. If bead damage is found, the tire will be replaced.
- 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
Be the first C35 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
No complaints about the 1996 GMC C35 yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
GMC C35: every year compared
All C35 years1996 GMC C35 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 GMC C35 | 0 | 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 C15 | 4 | 6 | 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 |
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 C35
Does the 1996 GMC C35 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 1996 GMC C35: seats (March 1997); bead (July 1996); 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.
How many complaints has the 1996 GMC C35 had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1996 GMC C35 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 18 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical GMC C35 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 C35 years have the most complaints?
1985 (1), 1988 (1). See every GMC C35 year compared.
What should I do if my 1996 GMC C35 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