The wheel lug nuts were not tightened to the proper specification during assembly.
Risk: This condition could result in a fracture of the wheel studs causing the wheel to separate from the vehicle.
Sell your 1996 Chevrolet Caprice for cash
The 1996 Chevrolet Caprice is a wagon that came with a choice of 4.3L 8-cyl and 5.7L 8-cyl engines. At 30 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 1996 Caprice in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
ChevroletCAPRICE1996
1996 Chevrolet Caprice at a glance
| Body style | Large Cars, Midsize-Large Station Wagons |
|---|---|
| Engines | 4.3L 8-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 15–16 city / 24 highway / 18–19 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,550–$3,700 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 468–494 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 3 configurations: Caprice/Impala, Caprice/Impala Wagon |
| Age | 30 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 30 years old, most of a 1996 Caprice's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a wagon, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Recalls: NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1996 Caprice. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the tires, typically around 90,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
1996 Chevrolet Caprice recalls
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls covering the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
The rear lower control arm can crack at the rear stabilizer bar attachment.
Risk: This condition can be aggravated by the severe duty cycle of these vehicles and eventually cause the lower control arm to fracture completely causing a loss of vehicle control without prior warning.
Defective lower control arm ball joint attachment nuts were not properly torqued and can loosen.
Risk: The lower control arm ball joint can loosen, fatigue, and separate from the front suspension knuckle resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
These 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."
Risk: Consequence of non-compliance: operators could fail to notice and heed the warning labels.
Common 1996 Caprice problems
Owners have filed 153 complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice with NHTSA. 3 reports involved a crash and 2 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 1 injury.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Tires90,000 mi
- Steering40,000 mi
- Fuel System, Gasoline92,000 mi
1996 Chevrolet Caprice service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 32 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tes
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tes
This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get t
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA opened 3 defect investigations covering the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice.
Coolant fires
There is no summary currently available
Rear wheel separation
Gm notified odi that they are conducting a recall to retorque the wheel lug nuts on vehicles built between august and september of 1995.it is anticipated that most vehicles will require the wheel lug nuts to be retorqued to 135 n.m(100 lb. Ft.).customers who have had all four of their tires and wheels rotated should ha
Rear wheel separation
Information obtained from gm indicates that further investigation to determine the cause of wheel separations is warranted.in gm's response dated april 26, 1996, gm stated that:gm has not identified any defect in the manufacture of the subject vehicles whih may contribute to wheel separation.investigation as to the roo
Other Chevrolet Caprice years
- 1995
- 1996
‹ Sell a 1995 Caprice · All Chevrolet Caprice years
Other 1996 Chevrolet models
Selling a 1996 Caprice: questions
How much is a 1996 Chevrolet Caprice worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 1996 Caprice that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 1996 Caprices that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Can I sell a 1996 Caprice with open recalls?
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 1996 Caprice?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 1996 Caprice today
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