The 1996 GMC Jimmy has 3 recalls, the most serious being a front upper ball joint that can separate, causing a sudden loss of steering control or a partial or complete collapse of the front suspension.
The ball joint issue affects 4-wheel drive models and has been the subject of prior repair efforts that did not fully resolve the problem for all vehicles, particularly those registered in northern and mid-Atlantic states where road conditions accelerate wear. When a ball joint separates, the driver can lose the ability to steer and the front suspension can drop without warning, raising the risk of a crash. On the safety restraint side, the outboard seatbelt webbing on the driver's or passenger's seat can tear through during a frontal impact on 2-door utility vehicles equipped with manual locking recliner bucket seats. If the belt separates mid-collision and the vehicle rolls or strikes a second object, the occupant has no belt holding them in place, significantly increasing the chance of serious injury.
At a glance
What can fail
Upper ball joints may separate in the front suspension, even when owners maintain regular chassis lubrication as recommended.
What the fix does
GM will replace separated upper ball joints at no charge for 8 years or 100,000 miles from original service date.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The upper control arm ball joints can corrode and fail on certain sport utility vehicles sold or registered in specific northeastern and midwest states and Washington, D.C.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both upper ball joints at no cost. Contact your brand's customer service if the repair is not completed within a reasonable time.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The outer safety belt webbing on the driver's or passenger's seat may separate during a front-end crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective cover over the recliner mechanism.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
