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 1997 GMC Jimmy owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1997 GMC Jimmy. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle flipped over on its passenger side. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the upper and lower ball joints failed, which caused other damage to the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 01V200000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint), although the failures were similar. The manufacturer further stated that they were not liable for the repairs. The failure mileage was 51,402.
Experienced left upper ball joint separation (failure) while moving resulting in loss of control, damage, disablement. Failure is identical to that described in NHTSA recall # 01V200000, and, also GM bulletin 01048a. However, vehicle VIN # is not within the breakpoints specified by 01048a bulletin and manufacturer refuses to correct.
The dealer knew about the defects to this vehicle and refused to fix them after receiving 3 separate estimates. 2 days after I repeatedly went back to the dealership to report these safety hazards the dealer continued to refuse to fix the problems and I had a car accident due to the defective vehicle. The dealer compliance board has a current case against the dealer and he has only agreed to take his vehicle back. The dealer has requested the damage from the motor vehicle accident not be fixed by the insurance company. The damage prior to the sale was so extensive from water or flood damage that the engine is completely ruined. It will not pass emissions. My fear is that the next unsuspecting consumer will be deceived by this dealer and this vehicle and I believe the next person will not be as lucky. I should be dead right now. …
Dt:the contact stated the upper and lower ball joints on both sides broke while driving in a parking lot. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership, where the ball joints and the anti lock brake sensors were replaced. Contacted the manufacturer, there were NHTSA recalls 01i018000 and 01V200000, but this vehicle was not included in the recalls due to VIN. In addition, this vehicle experienced several other problems as well. The left door broke off while in the driveway, the male joint of the door broke when shutting the door. Also, the transmission and anti lock brakes were replaced. The anti lock brake sensor was replaced twice.
1997 GMC Jimmy battery drain. After vehicle sits for a couple hours it will not start. Has new (not rebuilt) alternator, starter, battery. Still won't start most of the time. Battery drains completely if vehicle sits overnight. As soon as I jump the vehicle, it starts immediately. Nothing I do will help.vehicle has done this for8years and I can't fix it so I don't even put license it anymore. I can't sell it because nobody wants a broke down car. It still looks and drives great. I would like GM to fix it. There are also other things that appear to be factory defaults like front suspension and more I won't go into now.
Transmission failure / replaced transmission - upper & lower ball joint failure / replaced upper & lower ball joints - rear window wiper failure / inoperable at this point - extremely expensive replacements with no old parts available at this point. Events leading up to failure I can only attribute to severely poor manufacturing of products, there was no operating misuse or abuse. Also other parts that have failed and have since been replaced are the: alternator, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator and cooling system failures.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, there was a squeaking noise from the front suspension and upon turning any direction the steering wheel was difficult to steer. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. There was a NHTSA recall, #01V200000, regarding the suspension. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 9/13/2006 -
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 GMC Jimmy. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the front suspension. The steering was difficult to maneuver when turning the vehicle. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. An independent mechanic stated that the front end needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.
Consumer was going to the supermaket and she heard a loud pop. Got out of vehicle, and looked down at wheels, and the driver's side wheel was caved in at about 45 degree angle. She had to have vehicle towed to the dealership. Mechanic at the dealership told her that she needed ball joints.
I have had to replace 1 upper ball joint and two lower ones , I was told my VIN number did not match for the recall listed on your site. I have also had to replace both of my oil cooling lines that started leaking badly, this is part of the towing package offered by GMC.
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…
Suspension complaints in other Jimmy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1997 GMC Jimmy?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 GMC Jimmy, 20% of the model year's 274 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm › upper ball joint (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 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 1997 GMC Jimmy suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 5 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.