2000 GMC Jimmy: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Dec 4, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 127,115 miles · WA

While driving my 2000 gmc jimmy my left side upper ball joint broke. Luckily I had just came out of a sharp corner and my speed was only about 25 MPH. A car had just passed in the other direction when my vehicle swerved to the left, halfway into the other lane before I was able to get control of it. Upon inspection, the tire was leaning inward and my brake line was severed. I had to use my emergency brake to stop.

Filed Sep 2, 2011 · Suspension, Tires · 120,000 miles · NY

Started out with a wobble on the tire then my ball joints upper and lower left and right front along with my tie rods inner and outer left and right my left ball barring hub was replaced on the left side front also I still have to replace the stabilizing front bar which I will be purchasing this week of sept 1st. This all happened just these past two weeks and now I am forced to purchase 4 tires that I cannot afford after spending all that money to fix the front end. Please help me. I did not have any accidents that is just from driving to work and for pleasure.

Filed Oct 20, 2006 · Suspension, Transmission · 48,000 miles · WV

First the transmission went out and I had to have it rebuilt...then, I had to replace a ball joint...now the other one has to be replaced. The mechanic says it is too dangerous to drive. These repairs are not cheap and premature! Prior to having the transmission rebuilt I had it put on the machine and it sent out several different codes that had to be corrected...nevertheless, we still had to replace the transmission...also, the four wheel drive gets stuck periodically.

Filed Aug 3, 2006 · Suspension · OH

Had 2 sets of ball joints go bad. Lots of squeaking when go over bumps. Also hear "bang" sound when turn corners to the right going slowly.

Filed Sep 3, 2005 · Suspension · 80,005 miles · ND

I have a 200 gmc jimmy purchased in october of 2003. At that time it had 32,000 miles on it. At 42,000 miles I had to replace the lower ball joints. It currently has 80,000 miles on it and the lower ball joints had to be replaced again. I learned from the dealership when seeking a solution to this problem that the lower ball joints had also been replaced at 23,000 miles. I contacted gm and asked them to replace the ball joints fully but was given a 50/50 split. So what am I supposed to do in about 30,00 miles?

Filed May 24, 2005 · Suspension · MI

Without warning, ball joint failed resulting in front tire coming partially off vehicle. Repaired at dealer who claimed it was "not unusual" to have the ball joints fail.

Filed Jan 10, 2005 · Suspension · 53,111 miles · MD

While having the front end aligned mechanic noticed the lower ball joints needed to be replaced. Consumer was reimbursed for the work performed. Then, on 01/06/2005, while driving the vehicle and turning a corner, consumer thought vehicle sustained a flat. Got out, and saw that the right front tire was turned under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that front ball joints were defective.*ak....consumer took vehicle to dealer, they did an alignment, and replaced the ball joints.

Filed Dec 10, 2004 · Fuel system, Suspension · 72,000 miles · NY

I own a 2000 jimmy and have gone through 2 sets of upper and lower ball joints and at this time the left lower ball joints went again. What is the problem with the ball joints? This is costly to repair, as wel as dangerous, affecting the steering. I would like to know what improvments are being done to correct the problem, and if it is a common occurance among other gmc SUV's. There should not be disposible parts put on the front end of any vehicle.

Filed Jul 12, 2004 · Suspension · 62,000 miles · PA

While driving 60 MPH front end vibrated violently. Dealer stated the upper and lower ball joints failed.

Filed May 25, 2004 · Brakes, Steering · 38,000 miles · VA

Many problems with this 2000 jimmy. Bought it used from carmax at 18k miles on jan 2003, got ext. Warranty, but soon after, front brakes need to be replaced, replaced by carmax for free, but 6 mos later brakes needed replaced. Was advised that rear rotors and brakes were almost at end of life. 9 mos later, replaced rear brakes and rotors, not covered under warranty due to wear and tear, spent $450 as well as replacing serpentine belt and flushing break fluid, total cost $650. Problems with sunroof started in apr 2003, it finally stopped working and was replaced at 43k miles under ext warranty, had to get new battery, noise in under carriage on drivers side, determined to be problems with hub bearings and idle arm, inner tie rod, all replaced under ext warranty, total cost would have been $750.

Filed May 11, 2004 · Suspension · PA

Took car in for inspection was told lower ball joint was worn and needed to be replaced by gm dealer car only has 23,330 miles on it and was purchased 9/03. Did notice when driving the car would make a loud "popping" noise when it was turning in either direction since I purchased car. Thought everything was cheaked out by dealer

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Steering · 35,000 miles · PA

I am concerned because I am the third person I know of with gmc jimmy 99 or newer who had to have upper ball joints, tierod(s) and the right wheel bearing replaced when vehicle was at or just over 3 yrs old. The fact that 2 of the 3 had the problems paid for by gmc dealer, even though vehicle was out of warranty, makes me think gm knew this problem was occurring & chose to address it on an "as needed basis, instead of a recall. My costs were said to be a "gm customer loyalty adjustment". I am confused that my dealer at first said I was to pay for parts only, no labor. Then changed it to labor only, not parts. I noticed afterward that my invoice for the work shows wording that lifetime warranty applies to only customer paid parts. Does that mean since I did not pay for the parts, there is no warranty? I appreciate not having to pay for the repairs, but something definitely smells fishy.