1996 GMC Suburban 1500
1GKFK16R2TJ729586
Vehicle history report for the 1996 GMC Suburban 1500 (VIN 1GKFK16R2TJ729586). Black, sport utility vehicle [suv]/multipurpose vehicle [mpv], 5.7L 8-cyl, gasoline. 178,488 mi reported. Registered in Nv. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history
![Stock photo of a 1996 GMC Suburban 1500, Black, Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] — not the actual vehicle with VIN 1GKFK16R2TJ729586](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/%2795-%2796_GMC_Suburban_1500_GMT425.jpg)
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 4 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report service brakes trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 1GKFK16R2TJ729586, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 4 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1996 GMC Suburban data →
📋 All factory specifications on file4 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
⚙️ Engine, fuel & battery
📐 Body, chassis & dimensions
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1996 GMC Suburban with this engine.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions with this engine; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1996 GMC Suburban costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1996 GMC Suburban — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 5
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE Closed
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDING INVESTIGATION, 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.
NHTSA #EA02006 · Visibility · opened May 2002 · closed Jul 2003HEADLIGHT Closed
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 OF THE 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 UNA…
NHTSA #PE00017 · Exterior Lighting · opened Apr 2000 · closed Sep 2000OEM HITCH RECEIVER PLATFORM CRACKING Closed
THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION WAS PETITIONED TO COMMENCE A DEFECT INVESTIGATION BY A RECREATION VEHICLE (RV) CLUB SAFETY COMMITTEE MEMBER IN A LETTER SIGNED BY DAVE BLUM AND DATED 7-JAN-00. THE PETITION ALLEGES THAT SOME OF THE HITCH PLATFORM AND RELATED TOWING EQUIPMENT MAY NOT MEET NATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY STANDARDS FOR MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATION. SPECIFICALLY, CRACKS WERE FOUND IN…
NHTSA #DP00001 · Equipment · opened Jan 2000 · closed Sep 2000BATTERY LEAKS ACID Closed
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 FRONT BRAKE LINE AS A RESULT OF SULFURIC ACID CONTAMINATION. THE REMAINING 11 COMPLAINTS PERTAIN PRIMARILY…
NHTSA #PE99073 · Electrical System · opened Dec 1999 · closed May 2000POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE Closed
POOR PERFORMANCE OF ABS BRAKES
NHTSA #EA95026 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Sep 1995 · closed Sep 2001An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 29
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 29.
This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Bulletin 17-NA-073 · Equipment · Feb 2023This 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 Record…
Bulletin PIP4723F · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2022This 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 Record…
Bulletin PIP4723D · Electrical System · Jan 2020This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
Bulletin 19NA273 · Electrical System, Equipment · Dec 2019This 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…
Bulletin PIC4696E · Equipment · Nov 2019This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Sep 2019This 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…
Bulletin PIC4696D · Equipment · Sep 2019This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Feb 2019This 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 th…
Bulletin PIC4696C · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · May 2018This 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 Recorde…
Bulletin PIP4723C · Electrical System, Equipment, Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2017Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SUBURBAN. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1996 GMC Suburban. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Other
Certain vehicles (not involved in recall 98-150), may experience a windshield wiper failure due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. If this were to occur in a severe weather situation, driver's visibility could be reduced, which could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning. Correction: Dealer will replace defective wiper motor until 7 years or 112…
Transport Canada #2003064 · Mar 2003Other
Certain vehicles may not comply with CMVSS 124 - Accelerator Control Systems. Vehicles may have been assembled with the throttle cable contacting the dash mat. The dash mat may bind the throttle cable such that the throttle return time may not meet the requirements of the standard. Correction: Dealers will inspect for adequate throttle cable to dash mat clearance, and if there…
Transport Canada #1996062 · Apr 1996Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the GMC Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban is a series of SUVs built by Chevrolet since 1934. The longest-produced automobile nameplate in the world, the Suburban is currently in its twelfth generation, in production since the 2021 model year. Beginning life as one of the first metal-bodied station wagons, the Suburban is the progenitor of the modern full-size sport utility vehicle, combining a wagon-style body with the chassis and powertrain of a pickup truck. Alongside its Advance Design, Task Force, and C/K predecessors, the Chevrolet Silverado currently shares chassis and mechanical commonality with the Suburban and other trucks.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 AP…
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).
NHTSA Campaign #06E043000 · 19/05/2006VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
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.
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 A
NHTSA Campaign #03V159000 · manufacturer #03023 · 28/04/2003VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.
NHTSA Campaign #98V150001 · manufacturer #98043 · 01/07/1998VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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."
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.
NHTSA Campaign #96V057000 · 04/04/1996These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 4 Nov 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 186 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 GMC Suburban, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 12 involved a crash 🔥 2 involved a fire 🚑 18 reported injuries
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 186
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1996 GMC Suburban.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1996 GMC SUBURBAN, CAUGHT ON FIRE. BF OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT #10-0580-91 UPDATED 05/03/10 *BF
Fire · NHTSA ODI #10321947TIRES
TRAVELING UP FROM VA, THE RIGHT REAR FIRESTONE TIRE WHICH IS A LT245/75R16 MOUNTED ON A 1996 2500 SUBURBAN LOAD RANGE E TIRE RATED AT MAX 80 PSI, WAS INFLATED TO 65 PSI. I FELT A BOBBLING THEN THE TREAD CAME OFF THE CASING, DAMAGING THE SIDE OF MY SUBURBAN, RIPPING OFF THE MUD FLAP AND DAMAGE THE PAINT AS IT FLOPPED AROUND AND JUST RIPPED ITSELF OFF. FO…
NHTSA ODI #10183227ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON THE GMC 6.5 THE PMD, OR PUMP MOUNTED DRIVER FAILS DUE TO HEAT FAILURE, ALSO FAILING FOR NO REASON IN 8 DEGREE TEMPERATURES. WHEN IT FAILS THERE ARE NO SIGNS, WARNINGS JUST STALLING THE POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES GONE. NOW PUT YOURSELF ON A 2 MILE HILL OF AN INSANE DESCENT, AND YOURSELF BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL WHAT WOULD YOU DO? THIS IS INSANITY THAT T…
NHTSA ODI #10182187FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER STALLING, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EASILY RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE FUEL INJECTOR PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE INITIAL REPLACEMENT, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DE…
NHTSA ODI #10174069SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
LIMITED RECALL LIMITS MY SAFETY! I HAD A RECENT CLOSE CALL IN MY 1996 GMC SUBURBAN. THE BRAKES BEGAN TO ANTI-LOCK ON DRY PAVEMENT WHEN ANTI-LOCK ASSISTANCE WAS NOT REQUIRED, THUS GREATLY INCREASING MY STOPPING DISTANCE. THE BRAKES WERE NOT PRESSED HARD; THE ANTI-LOCK SHOULD NOT HAVE ENGAGED. IT WAS A CLOSE CALL BETWEEN MY TRUCK AND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF M…
NHTSA ODI #10150785SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
DT: 1996 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 05068 CONCERNING ABS BRAKES ON THE 1999 THROUGH 2002 MODELS. WAS ISSUED. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ALTHOUGH THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER HAD NOT TAKEN VEHICLE TO THE DEALER YET, BUT THE CONSUMER KNEW THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL…
NHTSA ODI #10136238TIRES
I HAD A FIRESTONE TIRE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF MY SUBURBAN. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WHEN WITHOUT WARNING THE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE STEEL BELT AND CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO MY SUBURBAN. MY SUBURBAN IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY BUT THE RENTAL COVERAGE HAS ALREADY BEEN EXCEEDED. I AM LEGALLY DISABLED AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY FOR T…
NHTSA ODI #10138580ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 GMC SUBURBAN. WHEN HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IT HAD 26,000 MILES ON IT. HE WAS PULLING A TRAILER, WITH THE TRAILER AND THE TRUCK IT WEIGHS FROM ANY WHERE 10-15,000 POUNDS. THERE IS A BOLT THAT 3 QUARTERS INCH LONG . PUT THE TWO CABLES TOGETHER AND BOLTED IT INTO THE SIDE BATTERY. THE BOLT BECAME LOOSE. HAD ALL THE POWER NECESSARY…
NHTSA ODI #10129182+ 178 more complaints on record.
Recently searched vehicles
2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
JN8AZ1FY3EW301092
2014 Lincoln MKT
2LMHJ5FK3EBL50167
2013 Ford E-Series Van
1FTNE1EW4DDA01256
2010 Chevrolet Malibu
1G1ZA5E02A4102834
2005 Chrysler Sebring
1C3EL46X45N560286
2002 Mazda 626
1YVGF22C325303614
2003 Ford Explorer
1FMZU63K23ZA59753
2014 Nissan NV Cargo
1N6AF0LY2EN101374