Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 GMC Jimmy owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Complaint received via e-mail. I am writing in regard to my 1996 GMC Jimmy. It caught on fire a few days ago, and was totaled. The fire department had to come to put the blaze out. The fire investigator said there was a short in the fuse panel. They claimed it was a factory defect. I am quite aware that the vehicle was 10 years old. However, I do not believe after 10 years it was alright for them to catch fire due to defect. I have been christmas shopping and lost everything that was in the vehicle. I was very upset. Fire investigator indicated it was a factory defect that took 10 years to surface. Vehicle was totaled, and remained on consumer's property.
(1)no events leading to failure. (2) dome light quit working when doors are open. Power mirrors quit working. Power seats quit working. I checked the fuse (a 20 amp) and it was burned out. When I replace the fuse it immediately blows the fuse, I've tried multiple 20 amp fuses and all have instantly blown when I try to replace it. I'm not sure if this is a related problem but the rear hatch will also not open by pressing either the button on the dash or the button on the tailgate. (3) haven't had the money to repair the laundry list of problems with this vehicle.
Second failure of brake vacuum booster on 1996 GMC Jimmy 4wd - actual milage 38,910. The brakes on this vehicle have never worked properly since new. I have had it to the dealership numerous times - no better."a rolling non-braking nightmare to drive !! Second alternator, 4th battery, rust in automatic transmission,driver's power-window motor @ 30,000 miles his vehicle never been used "off-road. It is driven by an older woman to and from work, shopping, & pleasure.
Stopped at local restaurant, ignition would not turn off and we were unable to remove the key. At this time, the vehicle is not driveable at all. We are unable to start or shut off the vehicle. The vehicle is not recognizing that the key is in the ignition. All dash lights are on, brakes do not work. This is a safey concern.
My Jimmy caught on fire. The fire department stated that it was a defect in the fuse box system. It was a total loss. I am saddened to think that this happened. Just because the vehicle was 10 years old, doesn't mean that it should catch on fire. I had been christmas shopping and lost it all.
Have had many smaller problems, took in for alternator they replace battery cost to me $70 month or so later need new alternator . And had gauges checked gas gauge not reading true, next week or so window wipers start acting up and stopping mid- window and wiper fluid wont spray.
The consumers vehicle experienced the same problems as stated in recalls 01i018000 lower ball joint; recall 03V159000 windshield wiper motor, and transmission. Recall number unknown. Dealer will not repair because VIN was not included. The dealer replaced the left lower ball joint due to a cracking noise. While driving through the snow, the consumer wasn't able to use the 4wd because the transfer case needed to be replaced. The windshield wipers were intermittent, a loud cracking noise had come from the right side of the vehicle when turning the steering wheel. The service dealer stated that the only problem was the transmission which had a leak and the ignition switch.
The ABS system has malfunctioned many times. At first I did not pay attention to it, because I thought it was just light brake pressure. Then it started to loose pressure and keep going forward when stopping. I took it to the dealer and paid for a new master cylinder. Then it started malfunctioning again. I contacted the bbb and was told it wasn't covered under warranty and I had too much milage. Went back to dealer and they reprogrammed the computer unit, no charge. The ignition started locking and they repaired that for a fee. It too has gone back to locking when trying to start. Safety is a concern, still.
I would like to suggest that the entire 1996 GMC- Jimmy series made need to be recalled because the owner has to many repairs to be done on the vehicle. The services engine light comes very often to indicate repairs on the truck and their are to be problems with this 1996 Jimmy. I suggest a total recall of this vehicle and this vehicle is unsafe to be on the road. It has a very bad braking system ABS.
Recall 01V200000; ignition switch locked and malifunctioned. Dealership has inspected, and will repair vehicle. Dealership supervisor was mike montaya 4240 b street ankorage ak 99503 [phone]. Consumer has contacted dealership, and vehicle was on recall.
Electrical complaints in other Jimmy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1996 GMC Jimmy?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 GMC Jimmy, 6% of the model year's 407 complaints. The component named most often is wiring › interior/under dash (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 GMC Jimmy electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1996 GMC Jimmy, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 GMC Jimmy electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 129,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 7 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.