1996 GMC Jimmy
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1996 GMC Jimmy. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 recalls name the 1996 GMC Jimmy. Newest first.
On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. the windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. owner notification began on june 19, 2003. 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.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: 1996-1997 4-wheel drive chevrolet blazer, GMC jimmy, and oldsmobile bravada sport utility vehicles. some owners have had to pay for replacement of the upper ball joints that have separated. gm IS…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could cause a loss of steering control of the vehicle.
Remedy
Gm has decided to conduct a customer satisfaction campaign to replace the upper ball joints on affected vehicles. this special policy IS for a period of 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date the vheicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. the upper ball joint replacement, due to separation, will be made at no charge to the customer during this period. owners can contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, GMC at 1-800-862-4389, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, concerning this program.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: certain light duty pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, or minivans equipped with 3-sensor ABS (antilock braking system) EBC4 units.
Risk and remedy
Risk
These vehicles can experience extended stopping distances during ABS stops on certain multiple surfaces, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will modify the computer program which operates the ABS unit on some vehicles, or replace the computer on others to improve the performance of the ABS on these surfaces.
Vehicle description: certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with ABS (antilock braking system) manufactured from september 1989 through august 1996. under certain driving conditions the switch which signals the ABS system whether the vehicle IS in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive can malfunction causing increased stopping…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this occurred at a time when minimum stopping distance was required, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will replace or repair the 4-wheel/2-wheel drive switch.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
Vehicle description: extended cab pickup trucks equipped with 60/40 front bench seats and extended cab pickup trucks and 2-door utility vehicles equipped with manual locking recliner bucket seats. the outboard safety belt webbing on the driver's and/or passenger's seat can separate during a frontal impact.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If a separation occurred and there were secondary crash events or vehicle rollover, there would be no belt restraint of the occupant and increased injuries could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will install a protective cover over the recliner mechanism.
Vehicle description: 4-door, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive multi-purpose passenger vehicles. during development testing, the prop shaft contacted the inboard side of the fuel tank allowing fuel leakage. this leakage was in excess of the amount permitted by fmvss 301, "fuel system integrity."
Risk and remedy
Risk
If an ignition source IS present, and there IS a fuel leak, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will install additional shielding of the fuel tank. this will be added without removing or disassembling the fuel system.
Owner complaints
407 complaints54 involved a crash9 involved a fire31 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 1996 GMC jimmy. The contact stated that the rear brakes failed and the ABS warning light was continuously illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the rear cylinders need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 GMC jimmy. The contact stated that the rear brakes failed and the ABS warning light was continuously illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the rear cylinders need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the remedy failed to repair the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000. The vin was not available.
- Electrical system
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. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 GMC jimmy. while driving at 30 mph, the contact had to abruptly depress the brake pedal. he then heard a grinding sound coming from the tires. the brakes were changed by an independent mechanic, but the noise persisted. afterwards, the master cylinder was repaired…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 GMC jimmy. while driving at 30 mph, the contact had to abruptly depress the brake pedal. he then heard a grinding sound coming from the tires. the brakes were changed by an independent mechanic, but the noise persisted. afterwards, the master cylinder was repaired and the brakes, rotors, and pads were replaced. there was a slight improvement; however, the noise eventually returned periodically. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 125,000 and current mileage was 133,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
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…
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. look under the vehicle and notice a large puddle of oil on the parking lot. I call a wrecker and had my truck towed to my mechanic's shop $85. mechanic told me that one of the oil lines running to the filter and cooler had failed where the fitting IS crimped to the line and that my engine was almost depleted of oil. my mechanic replaced the line and fill the vehicle back up with oil. he said it took over five minutes for the valves to quit rattling. the repair cost $212. we debated on whether to change the other set of lines. we decided to wait a few weeks to see if any damage to the vehicle shows up. I am out almost $300 to date, with another $250 repair waiting or a engine trashed from the first event. my after the fact web queries indicate that this IS a common failure mode occurring in almost all jimmies and blazers. why hasn't there been a recall on this problem? coated the highway and a parking lot with engine oil. had I not seen the smoke I was headed for a catastrophic failure at 70 mph. I consider myself extremely lucky to have survived this incident. I' was very upset knowing that there many vehicles on the road every day that will have this problem sometime in the vehicle's life cycle.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light
ABS brake failure. ABS led lit on dashboard, brakes failed approaching red light. Dealership stated brakes were fine when taken in to be inspected.. But led remained lit. Did not drive vehicle for a month because led remained on. Started driving it again to get to work-short distances only. Led IS on most of the time. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
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. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt: contact stated the ABS warning light was on at all times. there was no problem with the braking capabilities of the vehicle. the service dealer stated this vehicle was not covered under a recall. manufacturer said the same thing. there were two recalls nhtsa 99v193000 and manufacturer's…
Dt: contact stated the ABS warning light was on at all times. there was no problem with the braking capabilities of the vehicle. the service dealer stated this vehicle was not covered under a recall. manufacturer said the same thing. there were two recalls nhtsa 99v193000 and manufacturer's recall 19990719 on this component, but consumer's vehicle was not covered under the recall. the service dealer suggested bringing the vehicle in and putting it on the diagnostic test to determine the cause of the ABS light illuminating. *Ak
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
The mirror on the consumer's 1996 GMC jimmy cracked in the pivot where the mirror adjusted in and out. *nm *sc *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
I am having a problem with my anti-lock brake system. I have a 1996 GMC jimmy and any time that I apply brakes and there IS a difference in road conditions (pavement to gravel) while applying brakes there IS always an extended stopping distance and no control. We have pine needles that gather on…
I am having a problem with my anti-lock brake system. I have a 1996 GMC jimmy and any time that I apply brakes and there IS a difference in road conditions (pavement to gravel) while applying brakes there IS always an extended stopping distance and no control. We have pine needles that gather on the side of our small road, making small mounds. if I apply my brakes while going across these the car will not stop. It makes a "pong" sound a couple of times, then it will finally stop. Luckily there has been no oncoming traffic. This has been happening every since I have had the vehicle. I have contacted a chevrolet dealer in the past and they informed me there was no recalls on vehicle. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
My brakes on my 1996 jimmy have locked up on me. Increasing my stopping distance. I am concerned about this , however when I took my truck to get serviced at a dealership they did not mention any thing to me . *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
Overheating at 100,00 miles. Open radiator cap to find thick, rusty orange-colored sludge. replace lower heater hose which had no visible, or detectable hole. flush radiator, refill w/ dex-cool. overheats again, mechanic said rusty sludge IS clogging radiator. flush again and refill w/ dex-cool. still smell antifreeze upon exit of warm car.*ak
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights
The center high mount brake light, or third brake light, has gone out causing me to be rejected for an inspection sticker. this IS an led light mounted on the rear glass, not roof, and the rubber gasket and screws holding the unit in place are defective making it impossible to remove and replace.…
The center high mount brake light, or third brake light, has gone out causing me to be rejected for an inspection sticker. this IS an led light mounted on the rear glass, not roof, and the rubber gasket and screws holding the unit in place are defective making it impossible to remove and replace. the replacement unit IS approximately $100.00, if it could be removed. in 30 days, I will be unable to drive my 1996 GMC jimmy, 4.3L, on the road legally. I have been told by several parts dealers, mechanic, and auto dealers that this IS a common occurrence.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Interior lighting · Latches/locks/linkages › Hatchback/liftgate › Lock · Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
(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…
(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.*ak
- Service brakes, air › Antilock
(1)NO events leading to failure. (2)ON numerous ocassions while braking the brakes made a buzzing sound and the pedal went to the floor, losing braking power. This problem has almost caused a few major accidents. I've researched and discovered there IS a recall on my vehicle for this problem but GMC dealerships says there IS not. (3) not fixed, dealership says there IS nothing wrong.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
(1) there were no events leading up to the failure of my transmission. (2) I came to a dead end street and had to turn around, I put the truck in reverse and it would not move. I managed to get turned around by pushing the truck. The transmission will also not shift into the second or overdrive gears. I can only drive in first and third gears. (3) I haven't repaired the vehicle.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
While stopping at a light consumer's vehicle was rear ended, and the standing vehicle was pushed into a vehicle head on. The air bag deployed, and caught on fire. Driver sustained severe burns to both of her arms. *Ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
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…
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. *ak. fire investigator indicated it was a factory defect that took 10 years to surface. Vehicle was totaled, and remained on consumer's property. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
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.*ak
- Service brakes, air › Antilock
Driving under normal conditions a brake failure due to ABS malfunction,called the GMC number and they said that while they have the problem on record ,it cant be fixed unless I pay out of poket expenses due to there policy limits complaints on this problem tobe repaired by the dealer up to 2002. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
There IS a recall regarding the ABS system (and increased stopping distance) for the 4-wheel drive 1996 GMC jimmy SUV. I am having the same problem with my 2-wheel drive jimmy, but there IS no recall on it.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder · Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Hydraulic
Pulled out of parking lot on to road. Applied brakes while approaching a light. Even with both feet on the brake pedal the 1996 GMC jimmy barely came to a stop from a distance of 6 car lengths going 30 mph. Narrowly avoided rear-ending vehicle in front of me. This was not the first time but the…
Pulled out of parking lot on to road. Applied brakes while approaching a light. Even with both feet on the brake pedal the 1996 GMC jimmy barely came to a stop from a distance of 6 car lengths going 30 mph. Narrowly avoided rear-ending vehicle in front of me. This was not the first time but the closet encounter. Before this incident I had the front rotors, disk pads, calipers, front flex lines, booster, vacumm hose and connector on engine to booster, master cyl., and rear brake linings - replaced. since then I had the vacumm checked from the engine to the booster and was told the booster was bad. I had the booster and masterc replaced again. still no change. Pedal goes too far down and feels like it hits a brick followed by very weak breaking action.*ak
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Right lower ball joint appears to be shattered. maintenance was above level required by book and seems to be a casting defect. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Nhtsa recall# 03V 159 000 windshield wiper motor cover.vehicle was not included in the recall. However, the consumer stated a recall noticed was received from the manufacturer, and they were denying consumer the opportunity to have this resolved. *Ak
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
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 *nm
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
The passenger seat belt latch no longer works. It failed suddenly. *la
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Windshield wiper failure
As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, gm has expanded the population of safety recall 98v-150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my M/L vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached technical report for details.
- Upper and lower control arm ball joint
There is no summary currently available
- Upper control arm ball joint breakage
An upper control arm ball joint fails, resulting in the front suspension collapsing on the failed side.
- Seat belt webbing separation
Nhtsa's new car assessment program (ncap) tested a 1997 chevrolet S-10 extended cab pickup equipped with a driver-side air bag.the front passenger seat belt was completely cut during the test.
- ABS braking system
This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v-193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10139019This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 100135724WD models with noise, vibration on dry pavement.
- 10010270Heat coming from vents with hvac off.
- 10006961Pop snap noise in the front suspension when braking.
- 10004371Rattle noise in engine.
- 10004301Rattle noise in engine.
- 10000749Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds on various models including the 1995 and 1996 envoy.
- 10000062Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds.
- 634999Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case. 2006 and prior cars and light duty trucks.
- 634823Technical information - some customers may comment that the rear portion of the roof has some rust forming.
- 634506Subject regarding general waterleak guide.
- 634218Subject regarding rust in cooling system, heater inoperative, blows cold air, engine overheats (flush cooling system). Nlm
- 629470Some customers may comment that the rear portion of the roof has some rust forming.
- 628913Special policy adjustment 01049 for upper ball joint replacement.
- 628854Subject regarding rear roof perforation.
- 628852Concerns that the rear portion of the roof has some rust forming.
- 628527Special policy adjustment for four-wheel and all-wheel utility vehicles that may have front suspension upper ball joints that separate at a lower mileage than expected by customers.
- 628512Subject regarding rear roof perforation (install new rear roof section) including 1995-1997 GMC blazer.*jg
- 628070Some vehicles may exhibit an exhaust noise, rattle noise at 550 rpm.
- 627489Information regarding rear roof perforation.
- 625141Customers may comment that the seat recliner handle IS stripped.
- 623086Some customers may comment that the heater IS inoperative, blows cold air, engine may exhibit an overheat condition or the coolant reservoir has rust in it.
- 615106Product recall campaign involving windshield wiper motor replacement.
- 611277Some customers may comment that the heater IS inoperative, blows cold air, engine may exhibit an overheat condition or the coolant reservoir has rust in it.
- 609717Some customers may comment that the heater IS inoperative, blows cold air, engine may exhibit an overheat condition or the coolant reservoir has rust in it.
- 608382Subject regarding ABS 3-sensor EBC4 - special policy.
Every GMC Jimmy model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.