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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 arm
    17
  • Front: control arm: upper ball joint
    11
  • Front: control arm: lower ball joint
    11
  • Front
    2
  • Rear: springs: leaf spring assembly
    1
  • Rear: shock absorber
    1
  • Rear
    1
  • Multiple axle
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

GMC Jimmy suspension problems in other years

19911992199319941995199619971998199920002001

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 GMC Jimmy suspension

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Ball joint 38

Related recalls

Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball jointReported June 28, 2001 · 48,600 vehicles affected
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 jointOpened July 30, 1999, closed August 28, 2001

There is no summary currently available

EA99022

What 1996 GMC Jimmy owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 28, 2004 · Suspension · 104,100 miles · WV

Right lower ball joint appears to be shattered. Maintenance was above level required by book and seems to be a casting defect.

Filed Nov 24, 2003 · Suspension · 80,000 miles · IL

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

Filed Sep 23, 2003 · Electrical, Suspension · CT

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

Filed Aug 26, 2003 · Suspension · MD

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.

Filed May 26, 2003 · Suspension · 80,000 miles · MA

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).

Filed Mar 6, 2003 · Suspension · 24,149 miles · NY

The front upper ball joint was damaged, which caused the wheel to lean inward.

Filed Nov 5, 2002 · Suspension · MI

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

Filed Sep 9, 2002 · Suspension · MA

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.

Filed Sep 5, 2002 · Suspension · MD

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.

Filed Jul 25, 2002 · Suspension · MI

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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