1996 Chevrolet G20 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. 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 C…
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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).
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1996 G20.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 06E043000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-890-2075.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: 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).
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET FRAM FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. 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…
What could happen: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1996 G20.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07E088000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-890-2075.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: 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.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
3. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. WATER INTRUSION INTO THE KICK PANEL AREAS IN FRONT OF BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS CAN CAUSE A CORROSION PATH BETWEEN THE BATTERY FEED AND THE ELECTRICAL GROUND.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT LEADING TO IGNITION AND COMBUSION OF THE PLASTICS IN THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE 25 AMP CIRCUIT BREAKERS WITH 25 AMP FUSES IN THE FUSE BLOCK; REMOVE A TEMPORARY PAPER FUSE-BLOCK COVER; INSTALL A PLASTIC SHIELD OVER THE FUSE BLOCK; REPLACE AND REORIENT THE POWER DOOR LOCK RELAY (IF EQUIPPED); INSPECT THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY MODULE (IF EQUIPPED) FOR SIGNS OF CORROSION, REPL…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1996 G20.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V186000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Summary: WATER INTRUSION INTO THE KICK PANEL AREAS IN FRONT OF BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS CAN CAUSE A CORROSION PATH BETWEEN THE BATTERY FEED AND THE ELECTRICAL GROUND.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT LEADING TO IGNITION AND COMBUSION OF THE PLASTICS IN THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE 25 AMP CIRCUIT BREAKERS WITH 25 AMP FUSES IN THE FUSE BLOCK; REMOVE A TEMPORARY PAPER FUSE-BLOCK COVER; INSTALL A PLASTIC SHIELD OVER THE FUSE BLOCK; REPLACE AND REORIENT THE POWER DOOR LOCK RELAY (IF EQUIPPED); INSPECT THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY MODULE (IF EQUIPPED) FOR SIGNS OF CORROSION, REPLACE IF CORRODED, AND REORIENT IT; AND APPLY ADDITIONAL BODY SEALER IN KEY AREAS.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 1996. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1800-424-9393.
4. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OR MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH 3-SENSOR ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) EBC4 UNITS.
What could happen: THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING ABS STOPS ON CERTAIN MULTIPLE SURFACES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE COMPUTER PROGRAM WHICH OPERATES THE ABS UNIT ON SOME VEHICLES, OR REPLACE THE COMPUTER ON OTHERS TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ABS ON THESE SURFACES.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1996 G20.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 99I006000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Summary: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OR MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH 3-SENSOR ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) EBC4 UNITS.
Consequence: THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING ABS STOPS ON CERTAIN MULTIPLE SURFACES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE COMPUTER PROGRAM WHICH OPERATES THE ABS UNIT ON SOME VEHICLES, OR REPLACE THE COMPUTER ON OTHERS TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ABS ON THESE SURFACES.
Notes: ON VEHICLES WHICH REQUIRED THE COMPUTER PROGRAM TO BE MODIFIED, OWNER NOTIFICATION HAS BEGAN. FOR VEHICLES WHICH REQUIRE A NEW COMPUTER MODULE, GM HAS SCHEDULED OWNER NOTIFICATIION TO BEGIN DURING THE LAST WEEK OF MAY 2000. A PHASED MAILING WILL BE REQUIRED, WITH THE LAST MAILING SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED BY DECEMBER 2000. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
5. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. THE STEERING LINKAGE ASSEMBY CONTAINS A RELAY ROD TAPERED-STUD ATTACHMENT NUT THAT WAS NOT TORQUED TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.
What could happen: THE TAPERED STUD CAN LOOSEN AND THE DRIVER WOULD NOTICE A LAG IN THE RESPONSIVENESS TO STEERING WHEEL INPUTS. EVENTUALLY THE RELAY ROD STUD CAN FRACTURE RESULTING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING CRIMPED NUT AND INSTALL A NEW NUT TORQUED TO SPECIFICATIONS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1996 G20.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V187000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES
Summary: THE STEERING LINKAGE ASSEMBY CONTAINS A RELAY ROD TAPERED-STUD ATTACHMENT NUT THAT WAS NOT TORQUED TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.
Consequence: THE TAPERED STUD CAN LOOSEN AND THE DRIVER WOULD NOTICE A LAG IN THE RESPONSIVENESS TO STEERING WHEEL INPUTS. EVENTUALLY THE RELAY ROD STUD CAN FRACTURE RESULTING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING CRIMPED NUT AND INSTALL A NEW NUT TORQUED TO SPECIFICATIONS.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 1996. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 1996 Chevrolet G20 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (2), Visibility (wipers / glass) (2), Suspension (1), Body / structure (1), Airbags (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/06/2000 · Wheels / tires
4 FIRESTONE ATX LT225/75R15 INSTALLED AS A REPLACEMENT ON 02/12/1998, MILEAGE ON CHEV G20 CONVERSION VAN WAS 46327. BLOWOUT ON 06/22/1999, MILEAGE 69918. PURCHASED 1 NEW FIRESTONE ATX TIRE. BECAUSE OF ANOTHER BLOWOUT ON 03/02/2000, 2 NEW FIRESTONE ATX TIRES WERE PURCHASES, HOWEVER, RECEIPT NOW SHOWS P225/75R15. ON 04/21/2000 ANOTHER BLOWOUT OCCCURRE AND…
09/06/2000 · Wheels / tires
4 FIRESTONE ATX LT225/75R15 INSTALLED AS A REPLACEMENT ON 02/12/1998, MILEAGE ON CHEV G20 CONVERSION VAN WAS 46327. BLOWOUT ON 06/22/1999, MILEAGE 69918. PURCHASED 1 NEW FIRESTONE ATX TIRE. BECAUSE OF ANOTHER BLOWOUT ON 03/02/2000, 2 NEW FIRESTONE ATX TIRES WERE PURCHASES, HOWEVER, RECEIPT NOW SHOWS P225/75R15. ON 04/21/2000 ANOTHER BLOWOUT OCCCURRE AND…
11/23/1999 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
EXTERIOR SIDE VIEW MIRRORS - BOTH SIDES VIBRATE AT INCREASE IN SPEED, LOSS OF VISIBILITY TO REAR VIEW. *AK
06/30/1999 · Suspension
VAN IS VERY HARD TO CONTROL. IT WHIPS FROM SIDE TO SIDE EVEN ON SMOOTH ROADS. WHEN ON ROUGH ROAD THE FRONT END SHAKES VIOLENTLY AND SOUND LIKE THE FRONT END IS FALLING OUT. VAN HAS BEEN TAKEN TO ATZENHOFFER CHEVROLET IN VICTORIA, TX SEVERAL TIMES. OUTCOME IS ALWAYS THE SAME. "THAT IS THE WAY IT IS AND THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT IT." THANKFULLY WE HAVE…
05/03/1999 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE MIRRORS VIBRATE WHILE DRIVING, THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED PREVIOUSLY. NM
05/03/1999 · Body / structure
DOOR HINGES ON REAR AND SIDE FRONT CARGO DOORS FAIL TO KEEP DOORS OPEN WHEN ON AN INCLINE OR WHEN A SLIGHT WIND BLOWS. NM
06/11/1998 · Airbags · crash
WHILE PULLING FROM A STOP SIGN VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE LEFT SIDE CORNER PANEL SPEED WAS UNDER 20 MPH. DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT PASSENGER'S SIDE DID. *AK
05/27/1998 · Brakes
CONSUMER WAS COMING TO A STOP SIGN WHEN APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES FELT A QUICK POPPING SENSATION. THE BRAKE PEDAL STAYED HARD, BUT IT DID NOT STOP THE VEHCILE. VEHICLE KEPT ON GOING. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK