Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
I was on the highway going at the speed of 45mph when the ball joint on the front passanger tire broke, causing me to go through 3 lanes without warning and almost flipping my car over. This is not the first time where I have almost lost my life due to manufacturer defects. Last year while driving on the highway, the wipers went out on me in the middle of a thunderstorm. The wipers died out on me a total of 6 times in the last 2 years with over 10 visits to dealers for repairs. The ball joint cracking caused the cv boot to be damaged, the stabilizer lines were damaged, the line cover was damaged, and the dealer found that all 4 ball joints were severly bad - not because fo driving but manufacturer defect. The car is only four years old how could so many things be bad on a car that isn't even 4 years old. The warrantly co. …
There was a recall of 96 GMC Jimmy's for independent front control arm upper: ball joints. We were advised that ours was not included in the recall. We experienced this problem at 53918 miles on jan. 8 2002. The lower ball joints were replaced along with 2 front tires that were worn and very dangerous because of the ball joint problem. Also replaced were: the belt tensioner, oil cooler lines, water and belt - at 54,000 miles. We received a 168.98 reimbursement from Pontiac GMC as a "goodwill adjustment"(half of the ball joint replacement charge). They never acknowledge that this vehicle should have been included in the recall. Please include this complaint on this vehicle for problems which should have been included in a recall. Documentation of repairs available if needed. Thank you. *dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut-over to artemis**761991
My 1996 GMC Jimmy has had ball joint problems (upper and lower replaced at 40K, 79K), ABS problems (recalled to change s/w, failed at 80K) and windshield wiper problems (intermittent failures at 80K). All of these problems have had recalls, but when I contact GMC they tell me my vehicle is not included (VIN [redacted]). What I don't understand is if my car is failing with the exact problems mentioned in the recall notice, then the problems seem to be more widespread then GM is willing to admit.
The front end of the vehicle vibrated while driving. The dealer determined that the front balls joints were worn out and had to be replaced. The dealer informed the consumer there was recall on the ball joints, however the consumer's vehicle identification number wa not included.
Had to replace all 4 ball joints nd according to shop that fixed it this is a common problem with jimmys like mine. Dealer said there were no recalls on mine but I checked on line myself and other 1996 jimmys had been recalled but they didn't include my VIN #. When trying to get information from GMC as to why they said it could be due to where the vehicle was made or that the ball joints used could be from a different manufacture. They refused to give out that info. Saying it was confidential. I tried going throught the bbb and when GMC got the complaint a lady called and said bbb would not help me and that there isn't a court in the country that could get the info. On where vehicle was produced or what ball joints were used on mine. …
On 12-21-99 as I was driving on the southern tier expressway in western ny, the right upper ball joint broke, causing me to lose control of my 1996 GMC Jimmy. Thankfully I was slowing down to prepare to exit from the 65 MPH speed limit at this time. At the time of the malfunction, I estimated my speed to be 45 MPH. I had my vehicle towed to the closest repair garage and on 12-22-99 the head mechanic told me that all of the ball joints (upper and lower) would need to be replaced on my vehicle. The cost of these repairs were $499.60. My vehicle is only 3+ years old with only 38,985 miles on the odometer. I also noticed that there were two other defect investigations on GMC ball joints on the 96 GMC Jimmy. I filed this report because I could have been severely injured or killed as a result of these defects in the ball joints.
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.
This is listed specifically on NHTSA as a safety recall for my vehicle (4wd 1996 GMC Jimmy). I was told on a recent safety inspection that these ball joints have failed and that a crash can result. However, the dealer says it is not applicable to my vehicle and that GMC will not pay for it. The NHTSA notice makes no mention of manufacturer's dates or particular vins, so it seems odd that there is a known problem with this class of vehicle and yet somehow it is not applicable to mine.
The front driver-side wheel assembly, as vehicle was moving, eventually sheared off . The ball joint broke away from the wheel. The vehicle has been regularly serviced, oil change/lube etc. All receipts retained. Probably would've been a very serious accident if I was on the highway. I feel this is a major defect in the vehicle, and people should be notified. The vehicle has never been off road and there are no "hard" miles on it.
Consumer was traveling 10 MPH on a side street, front passenger's tire belt broke, and tire turned inward and wouldn't move. Dealership was aware of problem. Consumer was traveling 10 MPH when the front right upper ball joint broke, the tire pitched into the vehicle leaving the vehicle inoperable, the other 3 ball joints were also replaced due to significant wear.
Related recalls
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
On certain sport utility vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin, and in the…
Remedy: Dealers will replace both upper ball joints. Owner notification began September 4, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
NHTSA investigations
Upper and lower control arm ball joint
There is no summary currently available
Suspension complaints in other Jimmy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1996 GMC Jimmy?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 GMC Jimmy, 12% of the model year's 407 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 GMC Jimmy suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 01V-200 (upper ball joint, Jun 28, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 GMC Jimmy suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.