general problems of the 1996 GMC Sierra

13 problems related to seats have been reported for the 1996 GMC Sierra. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Seats problem

Failure Date: 05/04/2003

While backing the vehicle the seat cushion frame fractured at the left forward attach point. This caused the seat to rock and possibly could cause remaining three fasteners to become overloaded and fail. Failure of the primary structural seat attachment could cause serious injury during an accident.

2 Seats problem

Failure Date: 04/06/2000

I contacted NHTSA several years ago and I was informed that gm had a large problem with the seat rails in their various vehicles. I understand that NHTSA has many-many vehicles to inspect. I have been fighting my gm dealer for the last 4 years with various problems-broken interior dor handle-failure(s) with the fuel injectors-fuel pump failures-burned wiring harnass(where I had to show them where the wiring harness was located-trained techs??-alternator failure-ac compressor failure-atc. . . The biggest problem of course is the seat rails. They could have been redisned and the metal should have been heat treated, the seat rails have a poor quality metal-heat treatment would have splved their problem{s}. I have taught auto repair for 30+ years and I have never dealt with such a bunch of non-caring ass holes. Made in America-purhaps I should purchase something from japan-at least they treat their customers correctly-driving a vehicle with loose seats makes me feel like im driving a found on the road dead car-Ford (pinto). . I hope that NHTSA will take action on gm and stick it to them. Thanks for listening.

3 Seats problem

Failure Date: 04/07/1999

This has been a major problem since day one. I have contacted NHTSA several times by e-mail and fax to frank borris to keep him up to date with my problem. There are 100's of thousands of trucks with unsafe seats-my fear is having my seat-or-wifes seat- breaking loose during a crash, and causing permanent disabilities. I certainly hope that NHTSA can get this problem solved-ASAP---thanks for listening.

4 Seats problem

Failure Date: 10/17/1998

Driver seat fragile wiring within the spring mechanism that holds seat in place broke, causing the seat to move back and forth/slides. This could result in an accident.

5 Seats problem

Failure Date: 01/01/1998

Seats->drivers and passengers seats (leather) cracked in less than three years. Expected more for the price of this option. Have had brakes replaced 1 - 1 1/2 months prior to failure. I was out in the back country, 40 miles from paved roads, when I heard the rotors being torn up by what was left of the brake pads. It ruined both rotors. I was told at an independant shop that the calipers failed. I went to the dealer and the service advisor insisted that the calipers didn't fail . It was just cheap brake pads. I know for a fact that wasn't the case.

6 Seats problem

Failure Date: 01/01/1997

Passenger seat failed.

7 Seats problem

Failure Date: 10/10/1996

Driver's seat bracket broke.

8 Seats problem

Failure Date: 10/01/1996

Seat track spring defective.

9 Seats problem

Driver seat frame runners failed.

10 Seats problem

Seat brackets failed.

11 Seats problem

Front bucket seat riser has been replaced several times, however each replacement contained same defect, loose at the mounts.

12 Seats problem

Right front bucket seat mounts loose, constantly makes noise when it is sat in, replace seat riser twice.

13 Seats problem

No summary listed for above vehicle.


Other Seats related problems of the 1996 GMC Sierra


Fuel Economy of Sierra Vehicles
Sierra Service Bulletins
Sierra Safety Recalls
Sierra Defect Investigations