← New search

1996 GMC Jimmy

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 30 of 407 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 172 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility. Review the 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

54 crash reports9 fire reports18 injury reports

What owners actually said

407 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

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 …

Read full complaint

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

NHTSA ODI #10107960

Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2005
Exterior Lighting

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 APPROX…

Read full complaint

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

NHTSA ODI #10107959

129,000 miles · Jan 3, 2005
Electrical SystemInterior LightingLatches/locks/linkages

(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…

Read full complaint

(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

NHTSA ODI #10105661

Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2005
Service Brakes, Air

(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…

Read full complaint

(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

NHTSA ODI #10105659

130,000 miles · Jan 3, 2005
Power Train

(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 …

Read full complaint

(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

NHTSA ODI #10105654

100,000 miles · Dec 14, 2004
Air BagsCrashFireInjury

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

NHTSA ODI #10103761

Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2004
Electrical SystemFire

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 …

Read full complaint

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

NHTSA ODI #10101809

Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2004
Electrical SystemFire

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

NHTSA ODI #10100741

100,000 miles · Nov 8, 2004
Service Brakes, AirCrash

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

NHTSA ODI #10098460

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2004
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash

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

NHTSA ODI #10098247

Official recalls

6

03V159000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

Apr 28, 2003

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

01V200000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint

Jun 28, 2001

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

99V193000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

Jul 19, 1999

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

98V150001 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

Jul 1, 1998

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

97V096001 · Seat Belts

Jun 12, 1997

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

96V234000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Nov 14, 1996

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

5

EA02006 · Windshield Wiper Failure

Opened May 31, 2002 · Closed Jul 23, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

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.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

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.

EA99022 · Upper And Lower Control Arm Ball Joint

Opened Jul 30, 1999 · Closed Aug 28, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension

There is no summary currently available

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension

There is no summary currently available

Suspension

There is no summary currently available

PE99021 · Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Breakage

Opened Mar 5, 1999 · Closed Jul 30, 1999

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train

AN UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILS, RESULTING IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION COLLAPSING ON THE FAILED SIDE.

EA97004 · Seat Belt Webbing Separation

Opened Feb 28, 1997 · Closed Aug 5, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:webbing

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seat Belts:front:webbing

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.

Seat Belts:front:webbing

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.

EA94038 · Abs Braking System

Opened Oct 31, 1994 · Closed Feb 28, 2000

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

THIS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN A SAFETY RECALL, 99V-193, AND A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, 99I-006.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

THIS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN A SAFETY RECALL, 99V-193, AND A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, 99I-006.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

THIS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN A SAFETY RECALL, 99V-193, AND A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, 99I-006.