1996 Chevrolet Silverado
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 15 |
| 1989 | 22 |
| 1990 | 25 |
| 1991 | 17 |
| 1992 | 40 |
| 1993 | 69 |
| 1994 | 210 |
| 1995 | 263 |
| 1996 | 186 |
| 1997 | 272 |
| 1998 | 279 |
| 1999 | 1660 |
| 2000 | 1305 |
| 2001 | 877 |
| 2002 | 710 |
| 2003 | 695 |
| 2004 | 622 |
| 2005 | 316 |
| 2006 | 182 |
| 2007 | 183 |
| 2008 | 162 |
| 2009 | 76 |
| 2010 | 62 |
| 2011 | 75 |
| 2012 | 68 |
| 2013 | 64 |
| 2014 | 124 |
| 2015 | 76 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 125 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
39% of complaints: visibility — 73 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing motor and windshield wiper/washer.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING AT APPROX 55 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE CAME FROM RIGHT STOPPING AT STOP SIGN, SUDDENLY PULLED OUT FROM RIGHT SIDE OF CONSUMER VEHICLE, ENDING UP HITTING DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. HIT HEAD ON.
NHTSA ODI report, 19971030
Also filed under AIR BAGS and STEERING
17% of complaints: service brakes — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURY13% of complaints: power train — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
FIRE8% of complaints: seats — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner.
INJURY8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIRE INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Chevrolet Silverado — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (73 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (24 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Chevrolet Silverado is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Chevrolet Silverado?
The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Chevrolet Silverado have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.