1996 Chevrolet C30 problems

General information about Chevrolet-C30
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Chevrolet C/K is a series of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors from the 1960 to 2002 model years. Marketed by both the Chevrolet and GMC divisions, the C/K series encompassed a wide range of vehicles. While most commonly associated with pickup trucks, the model line also included chassis-cab trucks and medium-duty trucks and served as the basis for GM full-size SUVs. Through its entire production, the model line competed directly against the Ford F-Series and the Dodge D series (later the Dodge Ram pickup).

Used for both the model branding and the internal model code, "C" denoted two-wheel drive, while "K" denoted four-wheel drive. Four generations of the C/K series were produced, including the GM monikered second-generation "Action Line" and third-generation "Rounded Line" vehicles (colloquially aka Square-Body trucks). For the fourth-generation (colloquially also known as OBS trucks), Chevrolet kept using the C/K designation while GMC revised its branding, changing to a singular GMC Sierra nameplate (C/K remained as an internal model code).

For South America, the model line was manufactured by General Motors de Argentina from 1960 to 1978, Sevel Argentina from 1986 to 1991, and General Motors Brazil, who produced versions of the model line for Brazil, Argentina, and Chile from 1964 to 2001.

As GM entered the 1990s, the company revised its truck ranges, replacing the medium-duty C/K trucks with the Chevrolet Kodiak/GMC TopKick for 1990. For 1999, GM replaced the fourth-generation C/K pickup trucks with an all-new model line; in line with GMC, Chevrolet dropped the C/K nameplate (in favor of a singular Chevrolet Silverado nameplate). Initially marketed with its successor, the final C/K pickup trucks were produced for the 2000 model year. From 2001 to 2002, the final vehicles of the C/K model line were medium-duty chassis cab trucks.

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Common 1996 Chevrolet C30 problems

The 1996 Chevrolet C30 is known to have several common problems, primarily related to its transmission, lighting, seats, and fuel system.

Lighting Problems: The windshield wipers on models made between 1990 and 1999 may stop working intermittently due to a defective wiper motor control board. This issue can cause the blades to stop working, fail to turn on, keep running after being turned off, or only work on one speed setting. Additionally, the headlights and other lighting systems may experience issues, leading to potential safety hazards.

Seat Problems: The 1996 Chevrolet C30 has experienced issues with seats, with 675661 vehicles affected by seat-related problems. These issues can include seat failures, such as the seatback not staying locked in place, which can cause safety concerns during accidents.

Fuel System Problems: The fuel system in the 1996 Chevrolet C30 has also experienced issues, with 988587 vehicles affected by problems related to the fuel system. These issues can lead to engine performance problems, including stalling and rough idling.

These problems are based on the information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other sources. It is important to note that not all vehicles of this model will experience these issues, and some problems may be more prevalent in certain production years or under specific conditions. If you own a 1996 Chevrolet C30 or are considering purchasing one, it is essential to be aware of these common issues and address them promptly if they arise.

How much is a Chevy C30 worth?

Q: What was the lowest recorded sale price for a Chevrolet C30 - 3rd Gen? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $3,500 for a 1984 Chevrolet 3500 Pickup on Jul 26 2023. Q: What is the average sale price of a Chevrolet C30 - 3rd Gen? A: The average price of a Chevrolet C30 - 3rd Gen is $20,047.

What engine is in a Chevy C30?

The C30, which was a one ton, rear wheel drive pickup truck, was offered with two inline six engines, as well as V8 powerplants, which included small or big block options. These engines ranged from 155hp to 325hp in power, with drive sent to the rear wheels through manual or automatic transmissions.

Is C30 reliable?

The Volvo C30 generally has a decent reliability reputation considering its age, but there are a few things to look out for. Have a good listen for any dashboard rattles, while the air-con and climate control are quite prone to faults, so make sure they're blowing cold air out like they should.

Is a C30 fast?

"The C30 T5 is respectably fast -- 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 6.4 seconds and a top speed of perhaps 149 mph," says Car and Driver.

How much is a Chevy C30 worth?

How many tons is a Chevy C30?

Pricing & Values. Prices shown are the prices you can expect to pay for a 1983 Chevrolet C30 Pickup 1 Ton LWB across different levels of condition.

Is C30 reliable?

That said, the C30 still makes a strong case for itself despite its age. The car comes with an engine to suit most budgets and tastes, a good reliability record and even a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating from 2009.

What engine is in a Chevy C30?

1996 Chevrolet C30 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet C30 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Equipment problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Chevrolet C30 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1996 Chevrolet C30 complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Chevrolet C30.

2000-08-29

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1GBGG39K2TF
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: I HAVE A RECALL LETTER FROM GM CANADA CONCERNING ANTILOCK BRAKES. WHEN I TOOK THE VAN TO BE FIXED, THE DEALER WOULD NOT DO IT BECAUSE THE VAN WAS CONVERTED TO AN RV BY ROADTREK AND IT WOULD REQUIRE 16 HOURS LABOR TO REPAIR THE BRAKES. NEITHER GM OR ROADTREK WOULD COVER THE COST. HOW CAN I GET THIS RESOLVED.

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2000-01-27

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-02-01
Crash: 1
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK( DOT NUMBER: )

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1997-09-09

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-07-17
VIN: 1GCHG35Y2TF
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: VEHICLE USED FOR POLICE USE. CONSUMER STATED WHEN TRAVELING AT 30 MPH THE REAR BRAKES GRAB AND ALSO LOCK UP, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FREEZE. CONSUMER ALSO STATED WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS THE OCCUPANTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE BEING FORCED INTO THE WINDSHIELD. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK

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1997-04-17

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
VIN: 1GBGG39K7S0
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: SHORT IN CIGARETTE LIGHTER CAUSED INTERIOR LIGHTS AND DOOR LOCKS TO FAIL.

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1997-04-14

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-02-26
Crash: 1
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES HARD AND QUICKLY. HAD AN ACCIDENT, APPLIED THE BRAKES QUICKLY AND THEY MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL 30 FEET AND RUN INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. DEALER SAID THAT WAS HOW THE BRAKES WORKED. *AK

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1996 Chevrolet C30 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1996 Chevrolet C30.

1997-03-07

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: SEATS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: THIS PINCHING CAN CUT THE HAND OR POSSIBLY SEVER THE FINGER(S) WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTOR COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.

1996-07-01

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: TIRES:BEAD
Summary: THESE TIRES HAVE BEAD DAMAGE WHICH OCCURED DURING TIRE MOUNTING.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL DEMOUNT EACH TIRE AND INSPECT FOR BEAD DAMAGE. IF BEAD DAMAGE IS FOUND, THE TIRE WILL BE REPLACED.

1996-05-07

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:U-BOLT, LEAF SPRING TO AXLE
Summary: THE FOUR U-BOLTS NUTS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE REAR AXLE WERE UNDER-TORQUED.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE U-BOLT NUT TORQUE AND RE-TORQUE ANY LOOSE U-BOLTS TO SPECIFICATION.

1996-04-04

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: 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."
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
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.

1996-03-25

Manufacturer: VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS
Components: SEATS
Summary: THE SEAT RECLINER TO SEAT FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS ON THESE VEHICLES COULD LOOSEN, FATIGUE AND FRACTURE, ALLOWING THE SEAT BACK TO SUDDENLY RECLINE.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.

1995-12-28

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: CERTAIN TRUCKS HAVE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES WITH AN IMPROPERLY CRIMPED END RETAINER CLIP THAT RESULTS IN A FUEL LEAK.
Consequence: IF FUEL LEAKAGE OCCURS AND AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY AND REPLACE ANY FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY WITH A JULIAN DATE CODE OF 95318 THROUGH 95338.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1996 Chevrolet C30 problems:

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