VehicleVerdict

1996 GMC G35 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1996 GMC G35 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other G35 years?

G35 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted2 complaints1973: 0 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 1 complaints1991: 2 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 1 complaints1994: 1 complaints1995: 2 complaints1996: 2 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 0 complaints
G35 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all G35 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 GMC G35 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System150%
Transmission150%

Does the 1996 GMC G35 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

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).

96V186000Electrical SystemSeptember 26, 1996 · 20,689 units

Defect

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.

96V187000SteeringSeptember 26, 1996 · 8,340 units

Defect

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.

96V117000Tires & WheelsJuly 1, 1996 · 5,773 units

Defect

THESE TIRES HAVE BEAD DAMAGE WHICH OCCURED DURING TIRE MOUNTING.

Consequence

THIS DAMAGE TO THE TIRE REINFORCING STRUCTURE IN THE BEAD "TOE" AREA CAUSES A BULGE IN THE SIDEWALL AFTER THE TIRE IS INFLATED. THIS CONDITION WILL RESULT IN A SLOW AIR LOSS CAUSING THE TIRE TO GO FLAT. HOWEVER, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE DAMAGE TO RESULT IN A RAPID AIR LOSS CAUSING INJURIES TO ANYONE IF THEY WERE HANDLING THE TIRE WHEN THIS OCCURRED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL DEMOUNT EACH TIRE AND INSPECT FOR BEAD DAMAGE. IF BEAD DAMAGE IS FOUND, THE TIRE WILL BE REPLACED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

CONSUMER INDICATED THAT TRANSMISSION WENT INTO LIMP MODE. WHEN THIS OCCURRED TRANSMISSION SWITCHED OVER TO SECOND GEAR AND STAYED IN THAT GEAR UNTIL VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THIS WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FUSE FAILURE RECALL 96V180000 WAS ISSUED, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 5, 2004

CONSUMER INDICATED THAT TRANSMISSION WENT INTO LIMP MODE. WHEN THIS OCCURRED TRANSMISSION SWITCHED OVER TO SECOND GEAR AND STAYED IN THAT GEAR UNTIL VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THIS WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FUSE FAILURE RECALL 96V180000 WAS ISSUED, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 5, 2004

1996 GMC G35 — common questions

Is the 1996 GMC G35 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1996 GMC G35 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 GMC G35. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.