1996 GMC Jimmy Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 53about this part
- Share
- 13%of 407 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,951miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 53 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 GMC Jimmy, 13% of the 407 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,951 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Engine and engine cooling:cooling system. Engine coolant has broken down at 60,000 miles 10/1/2001, 70,000 miles 6/1/2002, 79,000 1/30/2003 and has became sludge. Owner's manual states 100,000 mile maintenance. Dealer (Gmc)wants to replace thermostat, radiator, heater core at my expense. System has been super flushed, cleaned and new dex-cool coolant per dealer recommendations. Dealer even states coolant is bad. Gmc states iit is my fault.”
NHTSA complaint #10005053, filed 2003-01, 60,000 miles“I was driving down I-65 going to work, 70 MPH. I looked in my rear view mirror and notice a large amount of smoke coming from my 1995, Gmc Jimmy, 104000 miles. I looked at my gauges and saw that I had no oil pressure and the check engine light was on. Fortunately I was right at an exit. I got off the interstate and stop at a gas station. All of these events happen in less than 5 minutes. When I go out I noticed engine oil on the outside of my vehicle, driver's side. I open the hood and checked the oil. No oil on the dip stick. …”
NHTSA complaint #10190780, filed 2007-05, 104,805 miles“There was a recall of 96 Gmc Jimmy's for independent front control arm upper: ball joints. We were advised that ours was not included in the recall. We experienced this problem at 53918 miles on jan. 8 2002. The lower ball joints were replaced along with 2 front tires that were worn and very dangerous because of the ball joint problem. Also replaced were: the belt tensioner, oil cooler lines, water and belt - at 54,000 miles. We received a 168.98 reimbursement from pontiac Gmc as a goodwill adjustment (half of the ball joint replacement charge). …”
NHTSA complaint #10009209, filed 2002-05, 53,918 miles“Radiator sludge/corrosion. Flushed radiator and replaced thermostat. Sludge reappeared and corroded thermostat again. Replaced radiator and over flow tank plus all hoses. Sludge and corrosion reappearing again.”
NHTSA complaint #10173812, filed 2006-11, 99,500 miles“When towing my 3000lb travel trailer the engine will make pre-ignition noises and the check engine light comes on. Light will stay on for days afterward, then go off. Coolant was changed when I purchased it used because it was black. Within 25,000 miles it's black again.”
NHTSA complaint #731777, filed 2000-09Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10139019May 3, 2013This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 10 | 10% |
| 2000 | 25 | 12% |
| 1999 | 12 | 9% |
| 1998 | 20 | 8% |
| 1997 | 38 | 14% |
| 1996 | 53 | 13% |
| 1995 | 76 | 15% |
| 1994 | 28 | 8% |
| 1993 | 14 | 6% |
| 1992 | 4 | 3% |
| 1991 | 2 | 2% |
| 1990 | 1 | 9% |
| 1987 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Jimmy
183 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
70 complaintsSuspension
49 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsTires
9 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 GMC Jimmy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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