Right lower ball joint appears to be shattered. Maintenance was above level required by book and seems to be a casting defect.
1996 GMC Jimmy suspension problems
49 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 80,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 49
- of this car's complaints
- 12%
- typical mileage
- 80,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Front: control arm17
- Front: control arm: upper ball joint11
- Front: control arm: lower ball joint11
- Front2
- Rear: springs: leaf spring assembly1
- Rear: shock absorber1
- Rear1
- Multiple axle1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
GMC Jimmy suspension problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 GMC Jimmy suspension
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint
- What is wrong
- 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 district of columbia. Failure of an upper control arm ball joint assembly could occur due to corrosion.
- Risk
- This can result in impaired steering or steering loss, or a partial or complete collapse of the front suspension, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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 reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.
Recall number 01V200000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Upper and lower control arm ball joint
There is no summary currently available
EA99022
What 1996 GMC Jimmy owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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. *ak the dealer informed the consumer there was recall on the ball joints, however the consumer's vehicle identification number wa not included. *jb
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. *ak 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. *scc
While driving a clicking noise could be heard, and vehicle would shake. Vehicle was taken to an independent auto repair shop, where mechanic determined the front upper and lower ball joints had to be replaced.
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 [xxx]). 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. *nlm information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
The front upper ball joint was damaged, which caused the wheel to lean inward.
Consumer state that the vehicle would vibrate and make some noise, causing by the lower ball joint. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information. Ts
While having vehicle serviced technician noticed that tires were wearing out due to lower ball joints needed to be replaced. Dealer was contacted, but couldn't find cause. Please provide further information.
This is listed specifically on the federal safety agency 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 federal safety agency 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.
Consumer states after finding out that he could not get his truck aligned, he took it to the mechanic and found out that his lower ball joints are moving approx 1-1 1/2 in. Consumer also says that when he shifts his truck from drive to reverse he hears a knock which also indicates this ball joint problem.
Questions about the 1996 GMC Jimmy suspension
Does the 1996 GMC Jimmy have suspension problems?
Owners have filed 49 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 GMC Jimmy, 12% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1996 GMC Jimmy suspension problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 80,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1996 GMC Jimmy suspension?
Yes, 1 recall: 01V200000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the GMC Jimmy have bad suspension?
The GMC Jimmy model years with the most suspension complaints are 1997 (54 complaints), 1996 (49 complaints) and 2000 (39 complaints).
Other 1996 GMC Jimmy problems
Brakes 183Visibility 70Engine 53Transmission 28Electrical 25Fuel system 20Airbags 16Tires 9Seat belts 8Acceleration 6Body 6Steering 6Wheels 5Lights 4Seats 4Locks 2
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