1996 GMC Jimmy

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 407 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 8 times.

Not among the GMC Jimmy years to avoid. Which GMC Jimmy years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
100,000 milesMedian miles at failure

30 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 1996 GMC Jimmy problems

169 of the 407 complaints (42%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes121
28018
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor33
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer22
000
Suspension › Front › Control Arm16
100
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine12
101
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes11
300
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint10
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly · engine10
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags10
1017
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint8
000

1996 GMC Jimmy brakes problems

42% of all complaints

169 of the 407 complaints are about the brakes. This is what owners describe:

  • loses its brakes or the pedal sinks25% · 43
  • sets off warning lights on the dash5% · 9
  • knocks, grinds or clunks4% · 6

Share of the 169 brakes complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
114,856 mi
median of 6 reports
Peak year of filing
1999
36 brakes complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
35 · 0 · 18
in these complaints
Recalls on the 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, the remedy failed to repair the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 11, 2014 at 140,000 miles
“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”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 19, 2006 at 100,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1995: 2 complaints, 0 about the brakes'951996: 30 complaints, 14 about the brakes1997: 57 complaints, 34 about the brakes'971998: 50 complaints, 28 about the brakes1999: 56 complaints, 36 about the brakes'992000: 71 complaints, 33 about the brakes2001: 48 complaints, 5 about the brakes'012002: 34 complaints, 5 about the brakes2003: 36 complaints, 4 about the brakes'032004: 8 complaints, 3 about the brakes2005: 9 complaints, 4 about the brakes'052006: 2 complaints, 1 about the brakes2007: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes'072008: 1 complaints, 1 about the brakes2009: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes'092010: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2011: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes'112012: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes2013: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes'132014: 1 complaints, 1 about the brakesRecall 96V234000 (fuel system)Recall 97V096001 (seat belts)Recall 98V150001 (visibility)Recall 99V193000 (brakes)Recall 99I006000 (brakes)Recall 01V200000 (suspension)Recall 01I018000 (suspension)Recall 03V159000 (visibility)NHTSA investigation EA02006NHTSA investigation EA97004
All complaintsAbout the brakesRecall (red: the brakes)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1996 Jimmy peaked in 2000, with 71 filed that year. Owners had filed 83 complaints about the brakes before the first recall that covers it, 99V193000 in July 1999; 86 more have come in since. In 2014 owners filed 1 so far.

8 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer03V159000
Filed Apr 28, 20031,755,876 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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. 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.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint01I018000
Filed Dec 4, 2001General Motors Corp.

Defect. 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 PROVIDING A SPECIAL POLICY TO THESE OWNERS TO COVER UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT IF THE CUSTOMER FOLLOWED THE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR THE CHASSIS LUBRICATION AND THE VEHICLE STILL REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS DUE TO SEPARATION.

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.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint01V200000
Filed Jun 28, 200148,600 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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 OF AN UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY COULD OCCUR DUE TO CORROSION.

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip99V193000
Filed Jul 19, 19991,125,749 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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 DISTANCES DURING ABS STOPS WHILE IN THE TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODE.

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip99I006000
Filed Jul 19, 19992,400,000 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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. 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.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer98V150001
Filed Jul 1, 19981,557,585 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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. 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.

Seat Belts97V096001
Filed Jun 12, 1997586,058 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly96V234000
Filed Nov 14, 1996432,183 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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. 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.

All 8 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 5 name the 1996 Jimmy.

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILUREEngineering analysis EA02006Closed
Opened May 31, 2002Closed Jul 23, 2003Led to recall 03V159000visibility

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 JOINTEngineering analysis EA99022Closed
Opened Jul 30, 1999Closed Aug 28, 2001suspension

There is no summary currently available

UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT BREAKAGEPreliminary evaluation PE99021Closed
Opened Mar 5, 1999Closed Jul 30, 1999transmission

An upper control arm ball joint fails, resulting in the front suspension collapsing on the failed side.

SEAT BELT WEBBING SEPARATIONEngineering analysis EA97004Closed
Opened Feb 28, 1997Closed Aug 5, 1997Led to recall 97V096001seat belts

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 SYSTEMEngineering analysis EA94038Closed
Opened Oct 31, 1994Closed Feb 28, 2000brakes

This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v-193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.

Technical service bulletins

51 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1996 Jimmy. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 13equipment 10body and frame 7transmission 6fuel system 3electrical system 3brakes 3suspension 3
020525006Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 2006brakes

ANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS. *TT

020525006AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 1, 2002brakes

ANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS ON VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 1995 AND 1996 ENVOY. *TT

240699Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 24, 1999brakes

SUBJECT REGARDING ABS 3-SENSOR EBC4 - SPECIAL POLICY. *TT

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 11, 2014140,000 milesNH

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
Filed Aug 14, 2012177,000 milesUT

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
Filed Jul 11, 2008125,000 milesTN

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
Filed May 15, 2007104,805 milesIN

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 H

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light
Filed Nov 19, 2006100,000 milesDE

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
Filed Nov 19, 200699,500 milesDE

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
Filed Jul 22, 2005WY

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
Filed Mar 2, 2005AL

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
Filed Feb 27, 2005GA

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
Filed Feb 17, 2005NY

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

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Jan 26, 2005LA

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

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly
Filed Jan 26, 2005LA

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

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 3, 2005130,000 milesMO

(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

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Jan 3, 2005129,000 milesMO

(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
Filed Jan 3, 2005MO

(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

Air Bags › FrontalCrashFire1 injured
Filed Dec 14, 2004100,000 milesGA

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 › Interior/Under DashFire
Filed Nov 30, 2004MI

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

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit BreakersFire
Filed Nov 30, 2004MI

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

Service Brakes, Air › AntilockCrash
Filed Nov 8, 2004100,000 milesNY

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 SlipCrash
Filed Nov 4, 2004CA

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
Filed Aug 5, 2004114,856 milesTX

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
Filed Jul 28, 2004104,100 milesWV

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
Filed Jun 8, 2004100,000 milesAL

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
Filed Nov 24, 200380,000 milesIL

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
Filed Oct 20, 2003AZ

THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT LATCH NO LONGER WORKS. IT FAILED SUDDENLY. *LA

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages
Filed Oct 17, 200315,000 milesOH

SOFT BRAKE PEDAL ON 1996 JIMMY VIN [XXX]. HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM SINCE 1999 WHEN WE INHERITED THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM . I'VE HAD THAT DONE . CHANGED FRONT ROTORS AND PADS ALSO LED BRAKES CHANGED OUT FLUID ETC. PEDAL STILL SOFT. CAN'T EVEN GET MY TOE UNDER PEDAL WHEN PUSHED TO THE FLOOR. THE CITY I WORK FOR HAS 1997 BLAZER THAT IS THE SAME WAY. I'M A POLICE OFFICER. MOST VEHICLES THAT I DRIVE INCLUDING CRUISERS HAVE BETTER TAKE UP THEN THESE 2 VEHICLES. MY JIMMY IS PAID FOR BUT IF I CAN'T FIND A RESOLUTION OR NEW IDEA ON WHAT TO DO I'M GOING TO SELL IT. THE DEALERSHIPS AND ENGINEERS I'VE TALKED TO SAID THAT THOSE PARTICULAR YEARS HAD A LOT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL BEFORE TAKE UP. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. I'M OUT OF IDEAS ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREAT. *LA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Oct 15, 2003120,000 milesWI

WHILE DRIVING, FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE AREA - TOTAL LOSS. *LA

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under DashFire
Filed Oct 10, 2003100,400 milesTX

WHILE IDLING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT UNDER THE DASH.*AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under DashFire
Filed Sep 29, 2003175,000 milesIL

WIRING HARNESS THAT LEADS TO THE LUMBAR SUPPORT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Sep 23, 2003CT

THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS STATED IN RECALLS 01I018000 LOWER BALL JOINT; RECALL 03V159000 WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, AND TRANSMISSION. RECALL NUMBER UNKNOWN. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR BECAUSE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK THE DEALER REPLACED THE LEFT LOWER BALL JOINT DUE TO A CRACKING NOISE. WHILE DRIVING THROUGH THE SNOW, THE CONSUMER WASN'T ABLE TO USE THE 4WD BECAUSE THE TRANSFER CASE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE INTERMITTENT, A LOUD CRACKING NOISE HAD COME FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THAT THE ONLY PROBLEM WAS THE TRANSMISSION WHICH HAD A LEAK AND THE IGNITION SWITCH. *SCC *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 5, 200338,910 milesAZ

SECOND FAILURE OF BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ON 1996 GMC JIMMY 4WD - ACTUAL MILAGE 38,910. THE BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE HAVE NEVER WORKED PROPERLY SINCE NEW. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES - NO BETTER."A ROLLING NON-BRAKING NIGHTMARE TO DRIVE !! SECOND ALTERNATOR, 4TH BATTERY, RUST IN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION,DRIVER'S POWER-WINDOW MOTOR @ 30,000 MILES HIS VEHICLE NEVER BEEN USED "OFF-ROAD.*AK IT IS DRIVEN BY AN OLDER WOMAN TO AND FROM WORK, SHOPPING, & PLEASURE.*AK

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Aug 26, 2003MD

WHILE DRIVING A CLICKING NOISE COULD BE HEARD, AND VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR SHOP, WHERE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE FRONT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light
Filed Aug 20, 2003IA

ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON A FEW MONTHS AGO, WHEN I PRESS ON THE BRAKES YOU CAN HEAR THE AIR PUSHING THROUGH THEN THEY GET VERY HARD. ALSO, IF I AM STOP AT A LIGHT THE TRUCK STALLS OR IS VERY SLOW TO GO WHEN I PRESS ON THE GAS. MY MECHANIC STATES THE THE REPAIR WOULD BE TO A BREAK BOOSTER IN THE ANTI LOCK SYSTEM ($315.00 FOR THE BOOSTER) AND THE STALLING IS CAUSED BY THE BREAKING SYSTEM CAUSING A VACUMN IN THE ENGINE.*AK

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 8, 2003MA

THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Aug 6, 2003AL

CONSUMER STATES WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear
Filed Jul 31, 2003AL

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR WERE CRACKING AND VIBRATING UP AND DOWN. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *PH

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jul 27, 200387,000 milesNE

WE OWN A 1996 GMC JIMMY 4X4.THE CONNECTING ROD IN THE ENGINE BROKE CAUSING EXTREME DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE MAKING IT INOPERABLETTHIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED ON TIME OR BEFORE NEEDED WHICH IS EVERY 3000 TO 3500 MILE.THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AS A GM BUY BACK OR AS A LEMON VEHICLE IN 1998 WITH ALMOST 15000 MILES ON IT WHEN WE PURCHASED IT.THE SALESMAN RECOMMENDED THAT I PURCHASE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH I DID FOR AN ADDITIONAL 72 MONTHS OR 75000 MILES FOR $905.00.I WAS TOLD,ALONG WITH MY WIFE,THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE COVERED TILL 90000 MILES OR UNTIL 2004. WHEN THE PROBLEMS STARTED TO ARISE THAT WERE GOING TO BE COSTLY WE WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AS THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WENT BACK TO THE FIRST IN SERVICE DATE-1996.WE HAVE HAD CONSTANT PROBLEMS THAT SEEM TO NICKEL DIME US HOWEVER WE HAVE HAD IT IN FOR LEAKY OIL LINES,LEAKY TRANSMISSON,NEW INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET,HEATER PROBLEMS,AIR CONDITIONER PROBLEMS WHICH HAVE BEEN VERY COSTLY.THIS ENGINE,THE 4.3 V-6 WHICH ACCORDING TO MANY MECHANICS UNDER NOMAL CARE AND DRIVING,SHOULD LAST 150000 MILES.THIS VEHICLE NOW HAS 87000 MILES.WE,MY WIFE AND I DON'T FEEL THAT WE SHOULD HAVE TO ALSO PAY THIS REPAIR OF NEARLY $1880.00.WE ARE IN OUR 50S AND ARE VERY SAFE,CAUTIOUS DRIVERS.MY WIFE IS THE THE DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE AND CERTAINLY DOES NOT OVER WORK THIS SUV.IT WAS A COLD SHOULDER I RECIEVED WHEN I ASKED FOR ASSISTANCE WITH THIS COST.IT SEEMS THAT GM WOULD TAKE CARE OF THERE LONG TIME LOYAL CUSTOMERS BUT THIS IS NOT THE

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jul 19, 2003ID

MY 1996 GMC JIMMY BEGAN BLOWING COLD AIR LAST WINTER. WE HAD THE RADIATOR FLUSHED AND REFILLED WITH DEXCOOL. THE COMPANY TOLD US THE DEXCOOL HAD TURNED TO A SLUDGE AND DAMAGED THE THERMOSTAT. THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED AS WELL. SIX MONTHS LATER WE HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE RADIATOR FLUSHED AGAIN BECAUSE OF OVERHEATING IN THE SUMMER. AGAIN THE FLUID HAD TURNED TO SLUDGE AND WE HAVE TO GET THE THERMOSTAT REPLACED AGAIN. IT APPEARS FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN READING THAT THE ENTIRE SYSTEM WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED SOON BECAUSE OF THESE DEXCOOL ISSUES.*AK

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module
Filed Jul 14, 2003NY

THE WIRING ON THE AIR BAG MODULE HAD CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH THE 4WD. CANNOT SHIFT FROM 2WD HIGH TO 4WD LOW OR VICE VERSA. VEHICLE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. ACCELERATOR NEEDS TO BE PRESSED VERY HARD TO GET TO 35MPH. HAD INFORMED DEALERSHIP OF PROBLEM. HAD INFORMED THE MECHANIC OF THE 4WD PROBLEM, AND THAT THE RECALL REMEDY HAD FAILED. MECHANIC CLAIMED PROBLEM LIKE THAT WHEN VEHICLE FIRST BROUGHT IN FOR RECALL. MECHANIC INDICATED REPAIRS ON HIGH MILEAGE VEHICLE WERE NOT DONE. RECALL ON WIPERS AND BALL JOINTS WERE NOT DONE. RECALL REPAIR ON AIR BAG MODULE WAS DONE BUT CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH 4WD. RECALLS 99I006000 AND 99V193000.*AK

Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
Filed Jul 8, 200370,400 milesMI

SPARE FULL SIZE TIRE FELL OFF FROM UNDER CAR-ONTO ROAD WHILE DRIVING.*AK

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jul 7, 2003NE

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN HIT IN THE FRONT CENTER OF THE VEHICLE THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED . *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jun 23, 2003OR

THE ABS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jun 3, 2003NY

WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

Suspension › Front › Control Arm
Filed May 26, 200380,000 milesMA

MY 1996 GMC JIMMY HAS HAD BALL JOINT PROBLEMS (UPPER AND LOWER REPLACED AT 40K, 79K), ABS PROBLEMS (RECALLED TO CHANGE S/W, FAILED AT 80K) AND WINDSHIELD WIPER PROBLEMS (INTERMITTENT FAILURES AT 80K). ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS HAVE HAD RECALLS, BUT WHEN I CONTACT GMC THEY TELL ME MY VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED (VIN [XXX]). WHAT I DON'T UNDERSTAND IS IF MY CAR IS FAILING WITH THE EXACT PROBLEMS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL NOTICE, THEN THE PROBLEMS SEEM TO BE MORE WIDESPREAD THEN GM IS WILLING TO ADMIT. *NLM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed May 9, 2003FL

WHILE DRIVING, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed May 6, 200312,000 milesMI

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 03 V 159 000, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB THE PROBLEM OCCURS EVERYTIME IT RAINS. THE FRONT WIPERS EITHER WON'T WORK AT ALL WHEN IT RAINS OR WILL STOP IN MID SWEEP WHEN IT RAINS. THE PROBLEM ONLY OCCURS WHEN IT'S WET. *SCC

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Apr 15, 2003MI

THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SYMPTOMS OF NHTSA RECALL #98-V-150-001 (SOLDER JOINTS) BUT THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. NLM

Power Train
Filed Apr 11, 200343,000 milesOH

THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ENGAGE IN A HIGHER GEAR, THE VEHICLE ONLY WENT 5 MPH. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Apr 2, 2003AZ

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. *JB WIPER MOTOR MODULE FAILED TWO TIMES AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. *TT

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 14, 2003WA

STRONG FUEL SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.*JB

Complaints 1-50 of 407, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1995
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20042100Routine
20031100Routine
2001100300Routine
2000211440Above average
1999137010Routine
1998238230Above average
1997274551Fatalities reported
1996 — this page407892Fatalities reported
1995499870High concern
1994334441Fatalities reported
1993216592Fatalities reported
1992122320Routine
1991118561Fatalities reported
199011110Routine

Compare every Jimmy year →

1996 GMC Jimmy: questions buyers ask

Is the 1996 GMC Jimmy a good car?

It is not among the Jimmy years to avoid. Owners filed 407 complaints, against about 216 for a typical Jimmy year. The most common complaint is about the brakes (42%).

What is the most common problem with the 1996 GMC Jimmy?

The brakes: 169 of the 407 complaints (42%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses its brakes or the pedal sinks (25%), sets off warning lights on the dash (5%) and knocks, grinds or clunks (4%). The typical report comes at 114,856 miles.

How many recalls does the 1996 GMC Jimmy have?

8 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Apr 28, 2003. The largest, 99I006000, covered 2,400,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1996 GMC Jimmy problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 100,000 miles. For the brakes the midpoint is 114,856 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1996 GMC Jimmy?

Yes, 5 times. The latest, EA02006 ("WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE"), was opened May 31, 2002 and closed Jul 23, 2003.

Are there service bulletins for the 1996 GMC Jimmy?

The manufacturer filed 51 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (13), the body and frame (7) and the transmission (6). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 28, 2003. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.