1996 Chevrolet Sierra Pu recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
What could happen: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. 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, GMC AT 1-800-462-878…
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 SIERRA PU.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 03V159000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
- 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: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Summary: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. 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, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Notes: GM RECALL NO. 03023. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (1), Gasoline (1), Seat belts (1), Steering (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 (4)
03/05/2003 · Fuel system
THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY MELTED AND BURNED THE INSIDE OF THE GAS TANK. *JB
05/08/2000 · Seat belts
RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT SUCKS BACK IN AFTER IT'S LOCKED IN BUCKLE. KEEPS TIGHTENING IF A BUMP IS HIT OR A PERSON MOVES. TOOK TO DEALER & WAS INFORMED IT'S FOR A CHILD RESTRAINT. CAN PULL OUT BELT, BUT IT KEEPS TIGHTENING. HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. *AK *ML
09/21/1999 · Steering · crash
PULLED OUT OF PARKING LOT ONTO THE HIGHWAY 29 IN LIBERTY HILL AND WENT OVER A OIL SPILL ABOUT A GALLON OF OIL.AFTER GOING OVER IT, THE VEHICLE LOST TOTAL CONTROL OF STEERING AND WENT TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD .THE STEERING SHOT TO THE RIGHT, AND COULN'T MOVE THE WHEEL. VEHICLE RAN INTO THE DITCH AND HIT A TREE. DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. DRIVIN…
04/28/1998 · Wheels / tires
TWO TIRES WENT FLAT DUE TO PUNCTURE OF THE TREAD SIDE OF TIRE (WRANGLER 265/7R16 TIRES).