1996 Gmc K3500 problems

General information about Gmc-K3500
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 Gmc K3500 problems

Based on the information provided in the sources, here are some common problems with the GMC K3500 1996 based on complaints from owners:

Excessive Oil Consumption: One common issue experienced by owners of 2007-2013 GMC and Chevy trucks, including the K3500, is excessive oil consumption. This problem may occur around 90,000 miles and could lead to the need for frequent oil top-ups.
Coolant Leaks or Oil Leaks From Intake Manifold Gaskets: Owners have reported coolant or oil leaks from the intake manifold gaskets in the K3500. Repairing this issue may cost around $1,000 if done by a mechanic.
Restricted Secondary Air Injection Valves: Silverados and Sierras made between 1999 and 2007, including the K3500, are prone to issues with the secondary air injection check valves. This problem can lead to reduced airflow and trigger the check engine light. Replacing the check valves may cost between $100 and $150 per valve.
Failed Steering Wheel Position Sensor: Another common problem is a failed steering wheel position sensor, which can trigger a service stability message. This issue may occur around 90,000 miles and replacing the sensor could cost between $200 to $300.
Windshield Wiper Motor Component Failure: Models made between 1990 and 1999 may experience intermittent issues with the windshield wiper motor. This problem can cause the wipers to stop working, fail to turn on, or run continuously. A faulty wiper motor control board may need replacement for a permanent fix.

These are some of the common problems reported by owners of the GMC K3500 1996 model, based on the complaints and issues highlighted in the sources provided.

1996 Gmc K3500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc K3500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Power train problems
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Gmc K3500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1996 Gmc K3500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Gmc K3500.

1999-04-06

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-01-08
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: WHEN DRIVING DURING SNOW STORM ON A WET/SLIPPERY ROAD, THERMAL LINEAR ACTUATOR WHICH ACTIVATES THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM FAILED, DROPPING VEHICLE INTO TWO WHEEL DRIVE BEFORE DRIVERS FOOT WAS REMOVED FROM ACCELERATOR. RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. (IS NOTED IN A NEWS ARTICLE THAT COLD WEATHER TRIGGERS THIS CONDITION)

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1997-02-18

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-02-14
Crash: 1
Fire: 1
VIN: 1GCHC33JZTF
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE ,PROCESS OF CHANGING LANES APPROXIMATELY 35MPH, VEHICLE AHEAD CAME TO A STOP, SLAMMED ON BRKES AND IT DID NOT STOP. ANTI-LOCK BRAKES DID NOT CHATTER ,RAN INTO OTHE RVEHICLE. HAS HAD BRAKES REPLACED ONCE.VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR NOW. *AK

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1996 Gmc K3500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1996 Gmc K3500.

2007-10-24

Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

2006-05-19

Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).