1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Tahoe › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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).
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
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."
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
283 complaints27 involved a crash5 involved a fire32 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet tahoe equip with dexteero DHT2 tires, sized: p265/75r/16, dot 01bthbac00420, and line: not available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph and making a left turn the front drivers side tire suddenly experienced a blow out causing the…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet tahoe equip with dexteero DHT2 tires, sized: p265/75r/16, dot 01bthbac00420, and line: not available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph and making a left turn the front drivers side tire suddenly experienced a blow out causing the driver to loose control of the steering and crashed into a guard rail. No injuries were reported. No police report was taken and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer walmart located at 10404 6TH st ranch cucamonga ca. Notified. The manufacturer was not notified. The same failure mileage was approximately 100 for the tire. *Ln* *bf *tr
- Air bags
I have a 1996 chevy tahoe which I have been the original owner since new. I recently had maintenance performed on the vehicle and had the shop check the drivers side air bag because the check air bag indicator light was coming on during the operation of the vehicle. the repair shop indicated to…
I have a 1996 chevy tahoe which I have been the original owner since new. I recently had maintenance performed on the vehicle and had the shop check the drivers side air bag because the check air bag indicator light was coming on during the operation of the vehicle. the repair shop indicated to me that the sensor needed to be replaced but the sensor was no longer available even after a states wide search was performed. I contacted general motors only to find out the part has been discontinued and no replacement part IS available. the part number from gm IS #16162465 and there IS no after market parts. IS general motors still responsible for a replacement part for this required safety item or what do you suggest I do to correct this problem? *tr
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet tahoe. While driving approximately 5 mph and pushing another vehicle, the brakes failed when the brake pedal was depressed. As a result, both vehicles crashed into a wall. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries.…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet tahoe. While driving approximately 5 mph and pushing another vehicle, the brakes failed when the brake pedal was depressed. As a result, both vehicles crashed into a wall. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
- Electrical system · Visibility/wiper
My husband was driving our 1996 tahoe when it just stopped! we found that the key had shut off while driving. we were in the middle of a thruway when everyone was driving 60 mph. a very dangerous situation indeed. this has happened 3 times in the year I've owned the vehicle. we are also…
My husband was driving our 1996 tahoe when it just stopped! we found that the key had shut off while driving. we were in the middle of a thruway when everyone was driving 60 mph. a very dangerous situation indeed. this has happened 3 times in the year I've owned the vehicle. we are also having a problem with the wipers working intermittently and sometimes get stuck in the middle of the windshield or jumping across the windshield pop, pop, pop.etc. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Vehicle stop shut down complete with jerking before shutting down stop pulling and lost all power now service engine light IS on and anti-lock brake light IS on and want shift into second gear as if something IS wrong with transmission. *tr
- Structure › Body
Paint started chipping/peeling off from drivers front finder and hood in approx. 2009 to todays date (08/21/2013). ps we are the original owners and our tahoe has been kept up in top condition. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Unwanted antilock brake activation at low speed started intermittent now consistent in unwanted activation resulting in increased stopping distance. there IS a current campaign for 1999-2002 that should be expanded to include 1996 vehicles. campaign no. 05V379000. *tr
- Seats
Driver power seat will not operate . I have read similar complaints on the web about the failure of seat working properly and has there been a recall? I have owned the vehicle new and the only driver. I only weight 90lbs. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet tahoe. while driving approximately 25 mph the brakes were applied and the pedal extended to the floor. The vehicle was taken to his residence and the contact could see brake fluid leaking from the brake lines. The failure was not diagnosed and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 53,000.
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet tahoe. While the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that the front right and left frame rails for the air bag sensor were separating and rotting. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the parts for repair were no longer manufactured. The vehicle had not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 140,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
My '96 chevrolet tahoe 2-door suffered complete brake system loss when a brake line burst while in-service. the tahoe, used primarily in illinois in the winter, suffered the failure in may of 2008 with about 102,000 miles accumulated and with no with no prior indications of a problem prior to…
My '96 chevrolet tahoe 2-door suffered complete brake system loss when a brake line burst while in-service. the tahoe, used primarily in illinois in the winter, suffered the failure in may of 2008 with about 102,000 miles accumulated and with no with no prior indications of a problem prior to the complete failure. the brake line simplyburst/ failed completely when the line (mounted to the firewall below the radiator) completely failed, leaving blown out gap about an inchlong in the line. The truck was slowing to a stop sign when then line failed and the brake pedal went down to the floor, so there was no collateral damage. The vehicle was towed immediately to a repair shop for estimation and repairs (not a chevy garage). These repairs required complete vehicle brake line replacement (except to the front ant-lock unit) and complete system component replacement (except for the master cylinder). I thought the failure was random until I recently saw an article on the topic in print by jerry hirsch, staff writerfor the los angeles times, business section where other similar failures on similar models were noted. The repairs cost close to $2,000 and, if there are other campaigns on this model, I would like to research them to determine if poor design by general motors/chevrolet division IS responsible for these repairs and how to go about adding my vehicle to that campaign. I have kept the vehicle registered in my name and currently own a 2004 chevrolet, so my contact information would have been on-file with gm such that proper notifications could have been made. I had no idea that this type of failure was part of gms faulty design history or that any campaign was underway pertaining to brake line failures until I saw the article printed by mrjerry hirsch as note d above. *Tr
- Visibility
1996 chevrolet tahoe. The left windshield wiper works and the right windshield wiper does not. This began while my husband was driving in the rain and resulted in very limited visibility. He went to auto zone to replace the wipers and when they replaced the right wiper, it did not correct the problem. I am taking it in for repair today. I have been told that it IS probably the wiper transmission. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
I had a 1996 tahoe that occasionally sped up while on cruise control. I sol this vehicle about four y ears ago. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet tahoe. While driving 55 mph, the four wheel drive light illuminated and began flashing. There was smoke underneath the hood and the vehicle stalled. After opening the hood, the smoke continued to multipy; however, there was no fire present. A police report was…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet tahoe. While driving 55 mph, the four wheel drive light illuminated and began flashing. There was smoke underneath the hood and the vehicle stalled. After opening the hood, the smoke continued to multipy; however, there was no fire present. A police report was filed. The contact provide more details after receiving a copy of the police report. The vehicle was towed to an auto repair shop. The failure and current mileage was 168,000.
- Engine and engine cooling · Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Tl*the contact's mother owns a 1996 chevrolet tahoe. The windshield wipers were not operating normally. They were repaired in 2001. Recall 03v159000 component: visibility:windshield wiper/washer IS related to the failure. The dealer confirmed that the vin IS not related to the recall. The dealer…
Tl*the contact's mother owns a 1996 chevrolet tahoe. The windshield wipers were not operating normally. They were repaired in 2001. Recall 03v159000 component: visibility:windshield wiper/washer IS related to the failure. The dealer confirmed that the vin IS not related to the recall. The dealer also wrote on the invoice that the windshield wipers are working temporarily and can fail at anytime. The corporate office of gm was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 147956 and current mileage was 148114. updated 01/08/09 *bf the consumer stated the problems started when the vehicle would not start. It was determined the problem was the fuel pump. The headlights were not coming on. The consumer requested that the headlight switch be looked at. the vehicle began to shake and stall and white smoke emitted from the muffler. The check engine light also illuminated. Updated 01/09/09. *Jb
- Tires
I purchased 5 toyo proxies 285/60/18 and have had a blow out on the side wall of two within the last year with premature cracking on all of the tires. The first tire that blew out I thought was just an accident. But after purchasing the 5TH tire and then having a blow out on 4/2/2008, within 6 mos…
I purchased 5 toyo proxies 285/60/18 and have had a blow out on the side wall of two within the last year with premature cracking on all of the tires. The first tire that blew out I thought was just an accident. But after purchasing the 5TH tire and then having a blow out on 4/2/2008, within 6 mos of them, where the sidewall was affected, I decided to look online and found where the proxies were having issues with other consumers with blowing out the sidewalls. co wanted a four wheel drive business that deals with their product and have them inspected. They were inspected and showed the tire depth, premature cracking, etc. After having them inspected, business condemned the tires tire manf then decided that they had to have the tires back before they would issue any warranty or prorating on them. Did say that they would issue a prorate of 78% on each tire, but I had to send the tires to them via ups which they would pick up the cost of having the tires shipped up to them. as I explained I had no problem sending the tires as in good conscience, I could not sale these tires to anyone else as being in this field for 13 years and knowing the safety issues regarding tires having these issues, I did not feel that they were safe for anyone to have on their vehicles. Ups picked up the tires and after a few phone calls I finally received a letter from tire co stating that they were not going to warranty or prorate the tire as they did not see anything wrong with them. I travel the interstate quite a bit and after having two of the sidewalls blow out as they did I was very fortunate that I didn't cause a severe accident and I would consider this to be a safety hazard for interstate travelers at high rates of speed. This IS something as a consumer, that I feel should be looked into more closely as it could cause a serious accident. *tr
- Electrical system
Occasionally when starting the truck there IS a misfire/backfire from the engine where grey smoke permeates through the dashboard into the cabin of the truck. smoke also comes from under the hood of the truck. dealership could not duplicate misfire/backfire. this happens a few times a month. *jb
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
1996 tahoe headlight failure. When flipping the switch to turn o headlights they do not turn on. Spent almost $200 in diagnostic time. The repair shop says the wiring in the steering column IS fatigued and frayed most likely due to repeated adjustments with the tilt steering wheel. Very expensive…
1996 tahoe headlight failure. When flipping the switch to turn o headlights they do not turn on. Spent almost $200 in diagnostic time. The repair shop says the wiring in the steering column IS fatigued and frayed most likely due to repeated adjustments with the tilt steering wheel. Very expensive to repair. Using middle position with daytime running lights until I can get it repaired. This IS a serious safety issue as the light cut out while I was driving home in the dark. Good thing the drl work. *jb
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Dt*: the contact stated the headlights would not illuminate. the contact had replaced the headlights and the headlight switch but that had not resolved the issue. the vehicle had not been to a service dealer.
- Tires › Tread/belt
Let me start by saying that I am a ase certified master truck technician with 16 years of experience. After learning of the safety recall on the 285/75/16 dick cepek radial fcii, I inspected all 5 of my tires. Four of the tires had matching dot codes and looked fine. The fifth tire was bought at a…
Let me start by saying that I am a ase certified master truck technician with 16 years of experience. After learning of the safety recall on the 285/75/16 dick cepek radial fcii, I inspected all 5 of my tires. Four of the tires had matching dot codes and looked fine. The fifth tire was bought at a later date from the original four. This fifth tire IS showing the sidewall separation that IS noted in the recall. When I contacted the manufacturer directly and read them the dot codes off of the tires I was told that none of them matched the manufacturing codes of the recall. I would like to have someone contact me in order to investigate this further. *jb
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Driver door latch failure. *Jb
- Power train
My 3 year old daughter was able to shift the vehicle from park into neutral without the key in the ignition and without depressing the brake causing the vehicle to roll backward into the street. no accident or injuries occurred as my father was able to reach over and hit the brakes. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Anti-lock brakes are coming on frequently. *Jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Dt: the consumer stated that there IS a faulty fuel pressure regulator in 1996 chevrolet tahoe truck. This was noted on 7-12-05. a representative from the gm call center told the consumer that there was an upcoming recall on this part and that the fuel lines melt causing the fuel pressure regulator to go bad. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
The key switch on some ford and general motors vehicle can be turned one notch or click forward, allowing the vehicle to be shifted out of park without applying the brake, 1996 chevrolet tahoe. *nm *sb *nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Windshield wiper failure
As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, gm has expanded the population of safety recall 98v-150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my M/L vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached technical report for details.
- Seat belt anchorage separation
Odi has received one (1) complaint alleging that the 2ND row passenger-side seat belt release buckle anchor detached from seat frame during a side impact crash.during the crash, the occupant was thrown from his seat, partially ejected through the rear quarter window of the vehicle.occupant sustained injury.gm has…
Odi has received one (1) complaint alleging that the 2ND row passenger-side seat belt release buckle anchor detached from seat frame during a side impact crash.during the crash, the occupant was thrown from his seat, partially ejected through the rear quarter window of the vehicle.occupant sustained injury.gm has subsequently changed seat belt anchoring design in my 2000. Odi has completed a preliminary investigation and has determined that further information IS needed to determine whether a safety defect exists.
- Headlight
- Battery leaks acid
There is no summary currently available
- Headlight
Based on the reports received by odi from consumers, failure of the headlight electrical circuit may occur in the subject vehicles, and may result from repeated adjustment ofthe tilt steering wheel in the subject vehicles.repeated adjustment of the steering wheel position may strain the wiring in the headlight circuit…
Based on the reports received by odi from consumers, failure of the headlight electrical circuit may occur in the subject vehicles, and may result from repeated adjustment ofthe tilt steering wheel in the subject vehicles.repeated adjustment of the steering wheel position may strain the wiring in the headlight circuit to the point of failure where they are attached to the multi-function switch, resulting in the unanticipated loss of headlights while the vehicle IS in motion.odi has concerns regarding the high rate of warranty repairs for problems potentially associated with the alleged defect in the subject vehicles, with the recognition the each incident of headlight failure represents a condition of vehicle disablement.in addition, the manufacturer's evaluation of the alleged defect has not been received, and this office has interest in the details of the methodologies and results of that assessment.
- Battery leaks acid
Odi has received 21 complaints where owners allege that the standard gm factory supplied ac delco battery case failed, resulting in the leakage of sulfuric acid.of the 21 complaint vehicles, six suburban, three tahoes, and one yukon owner(s) complained about a loss of brake fluid from deterioration of the right…
Odi has received 21 complaints where owners allege that the standard gm factory supplied ac delco battery case failed, resulting in the leakage of sulfuric acid.of the 21 complaint vehicles, six suburban, three tahoes, and one yukon owner(s) complained about a loss of brake fluid from deterioration of the right frontbrake line as a result of sulfuric acid contamination.the remaining 11 complaints pertain primarily to sulfuric acid leakage from the battery case.at least one complainant stated that the replacement battery also failed.several of the complainants note that the leaking acid had come in contact with a wire harness at the frame in the vicinity of the steel brake line.a field inspection by odi indicates that the described harness IS the ABS connection to the right front wheel speed sensor.prior to the battery case failure, there IS usually no warning (short of an underhood inspection), and the ensuring damage (sulfuric acid contamination) IS progressive.of the known battery failures, there may be a temperature correlation, as 60% of the owner complaints came from four states; california, florida, georgia and texas.there IS also a product improvement program and engineering change notice to add 1% silver to the battery's positive side terminall, with the earliest implementation date for this being feb 2, 1998.the effect of this design change IS as yet unknown; further review IS warranted.an ea IS being opened to gather further appropriate information, clarify any defect trends, and to assess the safety implications and risks concerning these failures.
- Front seat recliner bolt failure
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10139019This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10020874Left front axle shaft difficult to remove. Axle differential leak seal shaft.
- 10014959Replacement of connector when replacing fuel tank module/fuel pump module.
- 100135724WD models with noise, vibration on dry pavement.
- 10010375Service engine soon light and p0300 when towing, cruising uphill or on hard acceleration.
- 1000888393-00 full size utilities (gmt 400 old style only) ac blows warm and the high side pressure IS too high.
- 10007838Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan.
- 10005439Malfunction indicator lamp on with a p0300 set and a misfire. Various models including 1996 - 1999 P32 models. Sit bulletin 1416475.
- 10004223Malfunction indicator lamp on with a p0300 set and a misfire. Various models including the 1996-1999 P32 and the 1996-2002 GMC c/k truck.
- 10004214Poor performance from a stop in 2WD, auto or 4WD hi. 2003, 2003 cadillac ext also included.
- 100041356.5L L49 L56 L57 L65 diesel engine requiring fuel injection pump replacement. Models p32/p42 1994-1999 included.
- 10002567Windshield wiper failure due to cracked boulder joints on the controller circuit board. This special policy covers the condition for a period of seven years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service regardless of ownership or for these vehicles currently outside of this coverage until february 29, 2004.
- 10001125Special policy adjustment - windshield wiper motor failures.
- 10000749Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds on various models including the 1995 and 1996 envoy.
- 10000062Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds.
- 615106Product recall campaign involving windshield wiper motor replacement.
- 52105Transmission fluid leak from pump body (replace bushing).
- 51298Manual transmission rattle noise at idle (install conventional flywheel).
Every Chevrolet Tahoe model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.