1996 Gmc C15 problems

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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.

1996 Gmc C15

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Common 1996 Gmc C15 problems

The GMC C15, built in 1996, is a reliable and popular pickup truck, but like any vehicle, it can experience certain issues over time. Here are some of the most common problems reported by GMC C15 owners based on the search results:

  • Coolant Leaks or Oil Leaks from Intake Manifold Gaskets: This issue can occur in older Sierras and Silverados, including the 1996 GMC C15. The leaks are typically caused by worn-out or damaged intake manifold gaskets. If left unaddressed, these leaks can lead to engine overheating, reduced performance, and even catastrophic engine failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of the intake manifold gaskets are crucial to prevent these issues.
  • Alternator Failure: The alternator in older Sierras and Silverados, including the 1996 GMC C15, can fail over time, causing the battery to die and potentially leading to an abnormal noise. This problem may or may not trigger a dash warning light. Replacing the alternator is the primary solution, which typically costs between $300 and $400. This issue tends to occur around 125,000 miles.
  • Internal Distributor Faults: Some GMC C15 owners have reported internal distributor faults, which can cause a squealing noise and lead to rough engine running or stalling. The check engine light may or may not come on in these cases. Overhauling or replacing the internal distributor is necessary to correct this problem, with issues typically starting around 130,000 miles.
  • Rear Axle Problems: The 1996 GMC C15 may experience issues with the rear axle, particularly the 8.5" and 8.625" axles. These problems can include worn-out components, such as axle shafts, bearings, and differential gears. Regular inspection and maintenance of the rear axle assembly are essential to prevent these issues and ensure the truck's longevity.
  • Differential Leaks: Leaks in the differential can occur in the 1996 GMC C15, leading to reduced performance and potential damage to the differential components. Regular inspection and maintenance of the differential and its seals are crucial to prevent these issues.

In summary, the 1996 GMC C15 can experience various issues, including windshield wiper motor failure, coolant or oil leaks from intake manifold gaskets, alternator failure, internal distributor faults, rear axle problems, and differential leaks. Regular inspection and maintenance can help prevent these issues and ensure the truck's longevity and reliability.

1996 Gmc C15 engine

1996 Gmc C15 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc C15 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Seats problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Gmc C15 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1996 Gmc C15 complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Gmc C15.

1997-04-24

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-03-30
  • VIN: GTEC19R0TE5
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: 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
1997-04-22

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2GPEC19R9T1
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: 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
1997-04-21

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2GCEK19M4T1
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: THE DEALER CANNOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE RECALL NEEDS A NEW REMEDY. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
1996-05-02

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-29
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHEN BRAKING, VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT WHICH CAUSES A LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *AK
1996-05-02

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-29
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHEN BRAKING, VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT WHICH CAUSES A LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *AK

1996 Gmc C15 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1996 Gmc C15.

1998-08-10
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: 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.
  • Remedy: 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.
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.
1996-05-07
  • 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.
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