1996 GMC Jimmy Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 49about this part
- Share
- 12%of 407 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 49 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 GMC Jimmy, 12% of the 407 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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. The dealer informed the consumer there was recall on the ball joints, however the consumer's vehicle identification number wa not included.”
NHTSA complaint #10044608, filed 2003-11, 80,000 miles“As I made a left hand turn there was a clunk and the truck veered to the right. I slowed and regained control and pulled on to the shoulder of the road just missing the gaurd rails. The passenger side tire was collapsed. The dealer confirmed the upper ball joint had snapped. Replaced both upper ball joints as the technician reported the driver side one was worn.”
NHTSA complaint #727979, filed 2000-08“The front driver-side wheel assembly, as vehicle was moving, eventually sheared off . The ball joint broke away from the wheel. The vehicle has been regularly serviced, oil change/lube etc. All receipts retained. Probably would've been a very serious accident if I was on the highway. I feel this is a major defect in the vehicle, and people should be notified. The vehicle has never been off road and there are no hard miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #705711, filed 1999-04“This is listed specifically on NHTSA 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 NHTSA 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.”
NHTSA complaint #766729, filed 2002-09Related recalls
- 01V200000Jun 28, 2001On certain sport utility vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland…Covers: GMC Jimmy 1996–1997, Chevrolet Blazer 1996–1997, Oldsmobile Bravada 1996–1997
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 14 | 14% |
| 2000 | 39 | 18% |
| 1999 | 26 | 19% |
| 1998 | 25 | 11% |
| 1997 | 54 | 20% |
| 1996 | 49 | 12% |
| 1995 | 19 | 4% |
| 1994 | 5 | 2% |
| 1993 | 4 | 2% |
| 1992 | 4 | 3% |
| 1991 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Jimmy
183 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
70 complaintsEngine cooling
53 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 31, 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