Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 GMC Jimmy owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
During a repair of a main seal leak, mechanic removed the transfer case and did not put all the parts back together, a short while later, consumer noticed a strong fuel smell and after examination found that an unsecured fuel line had vibrated against the protruding edge of a body support brace causing it to sever and leak, dealer found 2 support brackets missing and 2 large steel rods missing that are designed to assist in preventing the transfer from cracking during extreme 4-wheel conditions, if mechanic would have put all parts together this incident would not have occurred, consumer is requesting reimbursement for rental car costs and costs of repairs. Vehicle also experienced a power steering leak.
Fuel pump was replaced by dealer on oct. 26, 1996. Since then, the gas leaks out when filling up tank. Told by dealer that this was under recall and to bring vehicle in for repairs. Fuel pump replaced under recall, service engine light illuminated after repairs, consumer took vehicle back , dealer stated problem was a loose gas cap, again the service engine soon light illuminated again, took back to dealer who stated the filler tube was split, repairs were made, about 2 weeks later the filler tube had split again causing gasolone to leak, dealer made repair again, that same day it leaked again and this time dealer stated that two sensor tubes were leaking, consumer is requesting a new vehicle.
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.
Negeligence during GMC factory authorized warranty repairs caused several parts not to be replaced. Absence of parts caused severing of fuel lines. Atomized fuel sprayed across 2/3 of undercarriage & within 6 inches to 1 foot of catalytic converter.
Vehicle is experiencing backfiring, having trouble starting in cold weather, and has a rough idle, the consumer states she received a recall about the fuel system in October of 99, however threw it away. (possible manufacturer's recall)
Defect in fuel injector is causing engine to completly die, loss of brakes, no power steering. Defect is still occurring . Dealer has replaced fuel injector twice.GMC has stated there is a problem, but cannot fix problem.
While driving the vehicle stalls out and dies. The dealer has replaced the starter, the starter solenoid/the electronic brain in the dash/ the fuel filter and the fuel pump. The vehicle continues to stall out.
Fuel smell is being released into cab of vehicle. Consumer was told by dealership vehicle was not a part of any recall. Consumer replaced fuel line at his expense.
Metal chafing sound coming from engine, causing the vehicle to stall. Dealer has replaced injector /fuel pump/oxygen sensor, and purge valve, defect is still occurring.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Vehicle description: 4-door, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive multi-purpose passenger vehicles. During development testing, the prop shaft contacted the inboard side of the fuel tank allowing fuel leakage. This leakage was in excess of the amount permitted by FMVSS 301, "fuel system integrity."
Remedy: Dealers will install additional shielding of the fuel tank. This will be added without removing or disassembling the fuel system.
Fuel System complaints in other Jimmy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1996 GMC Jimmy?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1996 GMC Jimmy, 5% of the model year's 407 complaints. The component named most often is delivery (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 GMC Jimmy fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-234 (tank assembly, Nov 14, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion 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.