The 1996 GMC Jimmy has 3 recalls, the most serious being a front upper ball joint that can separate and cause loss of steering control or a collapse of the front suspension.
The ball joint issue has two separate filings: one applies broadly to 4-wheel drive models, while the other is specifically scoped to vehicles sold or registered in certain northern and midwestern states where road conditions and corrosion may accelerate wear. Both describe the same failure, where the joint separates and the driver loses the ability to steer or the front end drops. There is also a seatbelt concern on 2-door utility vehicles equipped with manual locking recliner bucket seats: the outboard belt webbing on the driver's or passenger's side can tear apart in a frontal crash, leaving the occupant unrestrained if the vehicle rolls or is struck again.