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Electrical systemPart report

1996 GMC Jimmy Electrical system Problems

Complaints
25about this part
Share
6%of 407 total for the year
Median mileage
129,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 GMC Jimmy, 6% of the 407 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 129,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Stopped at local restaurant, ignition would not turn off and we were unable to remove the key. At this time, the vehicle is not driveable at all. We are unable to start or shut off the vehicle. The vehicle is not recognizing that the key is in the ignition. All dash lights are on, brakes do not work. This is a safey concern.”

NHTSA complaint #10470554, filed 2012-08, 177,000 miles

“(1)no events leading to failure. (2) dome light quit working when doors are open. Power mirrors quit working. Power seats quit working. I checked the fuse (a 20 amp) and it was burned out. When I replace the fuse it immediately blows the fuse, I've tried multiple 20 amp fuses and all have instantly blown when I try to replace it. I'm not sure if this is a related problem but the rear hatch will also not open by pressing either the button on the dash or the button on the tailgate. (3) haven't had the money to repair the laundry list of problems with this vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #10105661, filed 2005-01, 129,000 miles

“My Jimmy caught on fire. The fire department stated that it was a defect in the fuse box system. It was a total loss. I am saddened to think that this happened. Just because the vehicle was 10 years old, doesn't mean that it should catch on fire. I had been christmas shopping and lost it all.”

NHTSA complaint #10100741, filed 2004-11

“Complaint received via e-mail. I am writing in regard to my 1996 Gmc Jimmy. It caught on fire a few days ago, and was totaled. The fire department had to come to put the blaze out. The fire investigator said there was a short in the fuse panel. They claimed it was a factory defect. I am quite aware that the vehicle was 10 years old. However, I do not believe after 10 years it was alright for them to catch fire due to defect. I have been christmas shopping and lost everything that was in the vehicle. I was very upset. . …”

NHTSA complaint #10101809, filed 2004-11

“The ABS system has malfunctioned many times. At first I did not pay attention to it, because I thought it was just light brake pressure. Then it started to loose pressure and keep going forward when stopping. I took it to the dealer and paid for a new master cylinder. Then it started malfunctioning again. I contacted the bbb and was told it wasn't covered under warranty and I had too much milage. Went back to dealer and they reprogrammed the computer unit, no charge. The ignition started locking and they repaired that for a fee. It too has gone back to locking when trying to start. …”

NHTSA complaint #722879, filed 2000-05

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20011616%
2000209%
1999129%
19983314%
19972810%
1996256%
1995275%
199482%
1993126%
199265%
199176%
199019%
1989215%
198817%
1987117%

Other parts of the 1996 GMC Jimmy

Brakes
183 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
70 complaints
Engine cooling
53 complaints
Suspension
49 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
28 complaints
Fuel system
20 complaints
Air bags
16 complaints
Other or unknown
11 complaints
Tires
9 complaints
Equipment
8 complaints
Seat belts
7 complaints
Steering
6 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1996 GMC Jimmy

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology