FaultScore

FaultScore report

1996 GMC Jimmy problems

Owners have filed 605 complaints about the 1996 GMC Jimmy with NHTSA between 1995 and 2014. The largest single group is the brakes. Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 9 worst.

D

FaultScore 67/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the GMC Jimmy.

How this is worked out

The numbers

605

Complaints

67

Crashes reported

9

Fires reported

22

Injuries reported

2 complaints report a death.

100,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

7%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 79 vs 50 Severity 85 vs 50 Early failure 12 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 79
Against the median year of the GMC Jimmy. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 85
16.5% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 12
7% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1996 compares with every other GMC Jimmy

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1996 GMC Jimmy

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Brakes 214 35.4%

38 crashes, 0 fires · median 114,856 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 62,955 mi

Engine & Cooling 73 12.1%

2 crashes, 1 fires · median 92,951 mi

Suspension 57 9.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 80,000 mi

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 43,000 mi

1 crashes, 7 fires · median 114,700 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires

Airbags 16 2.6%

15 crashes, 1 fires · median 100,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires

1 crashes, 0 fires

Median failure at 60,000 miles

Tires 9 1.5%

Median failure at 70,400 miles

Seat Belts 7 1.2%

2 crashes, 0 fires

Wheels 7 1.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Body & Structure 7 1.2%
Steering 7 1.2%
Seats 5 0.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 129,000 mi

Lights 4 0.7%

Median failure at 129,000 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 2 0.3%

Median failure at 129,000 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 129 48.7%
Motor 35 13.2%
Windshield Wiper/Washer 28 10.6%
Control ARM 17 6.4%
Gasoline 16 6.0%
Foundation Components 14 5.3%
Lower Ball Joint 13 4.9%
Frontal 13 4.9%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

10,000 – 24,999 miles 3 6.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 6 13.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 5 11.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 7 15.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 21 47.7%
150,000+ miles 2 4.5%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Dec 1995 peak 36 Sep 2014

NHTSA investigations into the 1996 GMC Jimmy

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

EA02006 Opened 31 May 2002 Closed 23 Jul 2003 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE

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 Opened 30 Jul 1999 Closed 28 Aug 2001 SUSPENSION

UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT

PE99021 Opened 5 Mar 1999 Closed 30 Jul 1999 POWER TRAIN

UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT BREAKAGE

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

EA97004 Opened 28 Feb 1997 Closed 5 Aug 1997 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING

SEAT BELT WEBBING SEPARATION

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 Opened 31 Oct 1994 Closed 28 Feb 2000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

ABS BRAKING SYSTEM

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

Recalls on the 1996 GMC Jimmy

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

03V159000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

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.

01I018000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

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.

01V200000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

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.

99V193000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

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.

99I006000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

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.

98V150001

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

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.

97V096001

SEAT BELTS

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.

96V234000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 1999135 72,445 units in Canada

Brakes

Certain four wheel drive vehicles may experience increased stopping distances during ABS stops while in the two-wheel drive mode. A switch can erroneously signal the ABS system that the vehicle is in four-wheel drive when the vehicle is actually in two wheel drive. Correction: Dealers will replace the switch on affected vehicles.

Recall 1997152 23,860 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the driver's and/or passenger's front outboard seat-belt webbing could separate during a frontal impact having at least the same dynamics as a 48 kph frontal barrier collision. If a separation occurred and there were secondary crash events or rollover, there would be no restraint of the occupant and increased injuries could occur. Correction: A protector cover will be installed over the recliner mechanism.

Recall 1996178 29,104 units in Canada

Fuel System

CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 301 - FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY. IN CERTAIN TYPES OF VEHICLE CRASHES, THE PROPSHAFT MAY PENETRATE THE FUEL TANK, RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, A VEHICLE FIRE COULD RESULT. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL SHIELDING FOR THE FUEL TANK.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 100,000 miles Lawrenceville, GA Crash Fire 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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.

NHTSA complaint #10103761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ceresco, MI Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10101809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ceresco, MI Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

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.

NHTSA complaint #10100741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Shirley, NY Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK

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.

NHTSA complaint #10098460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Antelope, CA Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

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.

NHTSA complaint #10098247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Cecil, WI Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

NHTSA complaint #10042939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 140,000 miles Campton, NH

SERVICE 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. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10632478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 177,000 miles Salt Lake City, UT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10470554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,000 miles Memphis, TN

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

NHTSA complaint #10233975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 104,805 miles Franklin, IN

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 HEADED FOR A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AT 70 MPH. I CONSIDER MYSELF EXTREMELY LUCKY TO HAVE SURVIVED THIS INCIDENT. I' WAS VERY UPSET KNOWING THAT THERE MANY VEHICLES ON THE ROAD EVERY DAY THAT WILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM SOMETIME IN THE VEHICLE'S LIFE CYCLE.

NHTSA complaint #10190780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,500 miles Dover, DE

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY

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.

NHTSA complaint #10173812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Dover, DE

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT

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.

NHTSA complaint #10173813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Evanston, WY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

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.

NHTSA complaint #10129745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dothan, AL

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

THE MIRROR ON THE CONSUMER'S 1996 GMC JIMMY CRACKED IN THE PIVOT WHERE THE MIRROR ADJUSTED IN AND OUT. *NM *SC

NHTSA complaint #10113751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tunnel Hill, GA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

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.

NHTSA complaint #10112257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Albany, NY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 .

NHTSA complaint #10110681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Baton Rouge, LA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY

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.

NHTSA complaint #10107960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Baton Rouge, LA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10107959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Pacific, MO

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

(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.

NHTSA complaint #10105654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 129,000 miles Pacific, MO

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK

(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.

NHTSA complaint #10105661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 129,000 miles Pacific, MO

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

(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.

NHTSA complaint #10105661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 129,000 miles Pacific, MO

INTERIOR LIGHTING

(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.

NHTSA complaint #10105661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 129,000 miles Pacific, MO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

(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.

NHTSA complaint #10105661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pacific, MO

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK

(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.

NHTSA complaint #10105659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Lawrenceville, GA Crash Fire 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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.

NHTSA complaint #10103761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ceresco, MI Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10101809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ceresco, MI Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

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.

NHTSA complaint #10100741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Shirley, NY Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK

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.

NHTSA complaint #10098460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Antelope, CA Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

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.

NHTSA complaint #10098247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,856 miles Alvin, TX

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

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.

NHTSA complaint #10086218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,856 miles Alvin, TX

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

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.

NHTSA complaint #10086218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.