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: ball joint or control arm failure
38 of the 407 complaints about the 1996 GMC Jimmy describe ball joint or control arm failure.
- owner complaints
- 38
- of this car's complaints
- 9%
- typical mileage
- 80,000
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Ball joint or control arm failure by model year
What owners say
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.
The wiring on the air bag module had caused problems with the 4wd. Cannot shift from 2wd high to 4wd low or vice versa. Vehicle not functioning properly. Accelerator needs to be pressed very hard to get to 35mph. Had informed dealership of problem. Had informed the mechanic of the 4wd problem, and that the recall remedy had failed. Mechanic claimed problem like that when vehicle first brought in for recall. Mechanic indicated repairs on high mileage vehicle were not done. Recall on wipers and ball joints were not done. Recall repair on air bag module was done but caused problems with 4wd. Recalls 99i006000 and 99v193000.
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.
The lower ball joints move excessively (approx 1-1.5 inches) and are within 1 month of breaking and causing a major accident risking my life.
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.
Service bulletins that may apply
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
Questions about the 1996 GMC Jimmy ball joint
Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 1996 GMC Jimmy?
38 of 407 owner complaints about the 1996 GMC Jimmy (9%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 GMC Jimmy?
There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 GMC Jimmy
ABS 71Wipers 61Brake failure 40No deployment 13Fire or smoke 8Grinding brakes 6Check engine light 6Overheating 5Stalling 5
VIN decoder
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