1996 Chevrolet Caprice: common problems and reliability
84 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about suspension. 8 recalls.
Should I buy a 1996 Caprice?The 1996 Chevrolet Caprice has 84 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are suspension and engine and engine cooling.
Safety record for the 1996 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1996 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1996 a good year for the Caprice?
Across the 4 Caprice model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2011) to 84 (1996). With 84 complaints, the 1996 Caprice sits above the model's median of 17.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1996 Caprice
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 09E025000DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
exterior lighting
Campaign 09E012000SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
exterior lighting
Campaign 06E065000CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
exterior lighting
Campaign 06E026000CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Show 4 more recalls
wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Campaign 96V245000THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION DURING ASSEMBLY.
suspension:rear
Campaign 96V020000THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM CAN CRACK AT THE REAR STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENT.
suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint
Campaign 96V018000DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED AND CAN LOOSEN.
air bags
Campaign 95V215000THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH BOTH THE SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT CAUTION LABEL AND A ROOF RACK CAUTION LABEL INSTALLED ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE SUN VISOR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO.208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is bifurcated by generation. For the classic, full-size "B-body" Caprices (produced roughly through 1996), owner feedback is overwhelmingly positive, characterizing them as iconic, solid, reliable, and comfortable workhorses.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Caprice. See the full Caprice owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Caprice listings typically run $10,995–$19,945 across 1987 to 2017 model years.
Other Caprice model years
Compare every Caprice year side by side to see how 1996 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Caprice against its rivals
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