1996 Chevrolet Explorer problems
The Chevrolet Express (also known as the GMC Savana) is a series of full-size vans produced by General Motors since 1996. The successor to the Chevrolet G-series van, the Express is produced in passenger and cargo variants. Alongside the standard van body, the line is offered as a cutaway van chassis; the latter vehicle is a chassis cab variant developed for commercial-grade applications, including ambulances, buses, motorhomes, and small trucks.
In production for a single generation since 1995, over 2.5 million examples of the Express and the Savana have been produced. One of the longest-produced designs in American automotive history, the Express/Savana are rivaled only by the Jeep Wagoneer and Dodge Ram Van for longevity.
Since 1995, General Motors has assembled the Express and Savana at its Wentzville Assembly facility (Wentzville, Missouri). Also, since 2017, GM has sourced commercial cutaway-chassis production from Navistar through its Springfield Assembly Plant (Springfield, Ohio).
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Common 1996 Chevrolet Explorer problems
The 1996 Chevrolet Explorer, like any other vehicle, has its share of common problems that owners have reported over the years. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Hard Starting: If the engine does not start or cranks for a long time and then stalls, the idle air-control valve may be sticking, causing hard starting issues in the 1996 Ford Explorer.
- Heater Core Leaks: Leaks in the heater core may occur in the 1996 Ford Explorer. These leaks can be repaired by installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose.
- Keyless Entry Failure: The keyless entry system in the 1996 Ford Explorer may fail to operate due to damage from static electricity to the Remote Anti-theft Personality (RAP) module. If damage has occurred, a redundant ground must be added on the passenger seats.
- Radiator Leaks: The radiator in the 1996 Ford Explorer may leak in cold weather due to a bad seal between the tank and core.
- Suspension Problems: The sway bar links in the 1996 Ford Explorer may bend or break due to the original bushings being too rigid. This can lead to a less stable and comfortable ride.
- Vehicle Noise: A chattering noise felt coming from the rear during tight turns after highway driving may be caused by a lack of friction modifier or over-shimming of the clutch packs in the Traction-Lok limited-slip differential. Synthetic-rubber radius-arm bushings may also separate internally, causing noise and degraded steering control.
- Loose Frame Rivets: Loose frame rivets in the 1996 Ford Explorer should be replaced with bolts, as welding is not approved.
- Cruise Control Cable Clip Failure: The accelerator pedal may stick to the floor while driving because the cruise control cable clip fell off and entangled with the accelerator, causing the vehicle to take off out of control.
These problems are not an exhaustive list, and individual experiences may vary. It is essential to address any issues promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and prevent potential problems before they become more significant issues.
1996 Chevrolet Explorer car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Explorer problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Tires problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Chevrolet Explorer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Chevrolet Explorer complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Chevrolet Explorer.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE ABS ENGAGED WITHOUT CAUSE. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FMDV34X1T2
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT 35 MPH VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. DRIVER HAD TO APPLY EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE, AND TURN VEHICLE OFF TO STOP. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-15
- VIN: 1GBFG15R7T1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION. BRAKES WERE WARPED AFTER SLAMMING ON BRAKES. CONSUMER NOTICED THAT AT HIGH SPEED BRAKING TO SLOW DOWN VEHICLE WOBBLED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN TO BE CHECKED, BUT DEALER SAID IT AFFECTED SAFETY OF VEHICLE.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-12
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMDU32P6TZ
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING IN THE LEFT LANE ON I-85 JUST NORTH OF ATLANTA. THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE WAS 70 MPH. THE LEFT REAR TIRE OF THE VEHICLE MADE A NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE THE TREAD CAME OFF OF IT. THE TIRE BLEW A FEW SECONDS LATER. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE TRAVELED FROM THE LEFT LANE TO THE GUARD RAIL WHICH WAS ON THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE HIT THE GUARD RAIL, CAUSING THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY, THEN IT JUMPED OVER THE GAURD RAIL. THE VEHICLE OVERTURNED SEVERAL TIMES AND HIT SEVERAL TREES. THE VEHICLE CAME TO REST IN A TREE APROXIMATELY 73 FROM WHERE IT ORIGINALLY STRUCK THE GUARDRAIL. THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER WHERE BOTH INJURED AND WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED TO BE TOTALED BY AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER. *AK( DOT NUMBER: )
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-27
- VIN: 1GBFG15M6T1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR WHILE DRIVING BECAUSE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CLIP FELL OFF AND INTANGLED WITH THE ACCELERATOR CAUSING THE VAN TO TAKE OFF OUT OF CONTROL. YH
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-01
- VIN: 1FMDU32PXTZ
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: POWER WINDOW MOTOR FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-01
- VIN: 1FMDU32P8TZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Chevrolet Explorer problems:
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