1996 GMC Jimmy: problems, recalls and reliability
8 recalls and 407 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (38% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2003
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 407 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2013
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2012
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2007
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“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2006
“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 report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2006
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2005
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2005
“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”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2005
“(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”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2004
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 54 of these complaints and injuries in 31 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 8 campaigns
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."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL SHIELDING OF THE FUEL TANK. THIS WILL BE ADDED WITHOUT REMOVING OR DISASSEMBLING THE FUEL SYSTEM.
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.
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.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE OR REPAIR THE 4-WHEEL/2-WHEEL DRIVE SWITCH.
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.
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: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.
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.
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 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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Jimmy by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 GMC Jimmy reliable?
NHTSA has 407 owner complaints and 8 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 GMC Jimmy. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (38% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 GMC Jimmy problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 99,750 miles or less.
Does the 1996 GMC Jimmy have open recalls?
8 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.