Model year guide

1996 GMC Jimmy

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1996 GMC Jimmy is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

1996 GMC Jimmy at a glance

Safety recalls8
Owner complaints508
Combined16–18 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1996 GMC Jimmy recalls 8

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer NHTSA Campaign #03V159000 · manufacturer #03023 · 28/04/2003

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.

Fix: 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 …

Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint NHTSA Campaign #01I018000 · 04/12/2001

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 REP…

Fix: 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 B…

Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint NHTSA Campaign #01V200000 · manufacturer #01048 · 28/06/2001

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 …

Fix: 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 1-800-462-878…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip NHTSA Campaign #99I006000 · 19/07/1999

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.

Fix: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip NHTSA Campaign #99V193000 · manufacturer #99041 · 19/07/1999

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE OR REPAIR THE 4-WHEEL/2-WHEEL DRIVE SWITCH.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer NHTSA Campaign #98V150001 · manufacturer #98043 · 01/07/1998

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.

Seat Belts NHTSA Campaign #97V096001 · 12/06/1997

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly NHTSA Campaign #96V234000 · 14/11/1996

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."

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL SHIELDING OF THE FUEL TANK. THIS WILL BE ADDED WITHOUT REMOVING OR DISASSEMBLING THE FUEL SYSTEM.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1996 GMC Jimmy common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 508 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

1996 GMC Jimmy safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1996 GMC Jimmy 4-DR. 4x4. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1996 GMC Jimmy MPG & running costs

Combined16–18 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway20 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,950
EPA size classSpecial Purpose Vehicles
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$7,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 5 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1996 GMC Jimmy costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,750
Fuel only$19,750
Per mile$0.26

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
175.2–181.5 in
Width
67.7 in
Height
65.7–66.1 in
Wheelbase
100.4–107.1 in
Curb weight
3,605–3,982 lb
Front track
54.7–56.7 in
Rear track
54.7–55.1 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1996 GMC Jimmy — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 6

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE Closed

AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDING INVESTIGATION, 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.

NHTSA #EA02006 · Visibility · opened May 2002 · closed Jul 2003

UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT Closed

NHTSA #EA99022 · Suspension · opened Jul 1999 · closed Aug 2001

UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT BREAKAGE Closed

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

NHTSA #PE99021 · Power Train · opened Mar 1999 · closed Jul 1999

UNINTENDED RELEASE OF THE REAR HATCH Closed

GM REPORTED THAT THIS TSB WAS ORIGINATED AFTER A PLANT ENGINEER EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM. THIS WAS A PLANT GENERATED COMPLAINT. ODI HAS NO CONSUMER COMPLAINTS. GM REPORTED 6 FROM OWNERS BEING "PUZZLED" BY THE "HATCH AJAR" LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED. A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT, NOR A TREND, HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF THE AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION…

NHTSA #SQ97020 · Structure · opened Oct 1997 · closed Nov 1997

SEAT BELT WEBBING SEPARATION Closed

GM WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (97V-096) OF APPROXIMATELY 475,000 VEHICLES WHICH INCLUDES THE "SUBJECT VEHICLES" LISTED ABOVE (230,474 VEHICLES) AND CERTAIN 1994-95 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES (S/T-10 AND SONOMA EXTENDED CAB PICKUPS WITH 60/40 FRONT BENCH SEATS; APPROXIMATELY 245,000 VEHICLES). GM WILL INSTALL A PLASTIC COVER OVER THE LOWER PLATE OF THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BACK RECLINER ASSEMBLIES TO PREVENT POT…

NHTSA #EA97004 · Seat Belts · opened Feb 1997 · closed Aug 1997

ABS BRAKING SYSTEM Closed

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

NHTSA #EA94038 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Oct 1994 · closed Feb 2000

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 78

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 78.

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17-NA-073 · Equipment · Feb 2023

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Record…

Bulletin PIP4723F · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2022

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Record…

Bulletin PIP4723D · Electrical System · Jan 2020

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…

Bulletin PIC4696E · Equipment · Nov 2019

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Sep 2019

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…

Bulletin PIC4696D · Equipment · Sep 2019

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Feb 2019

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve th…

Bulletin PIC4696C · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · May 2018

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorde…

Bulletin PIP4723C · Electrical System, Equipment, Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2017

This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17-NA-073 · Equipment · Mar 2017

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the JIMMY. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1996 GMC Jimmy. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, 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.

Transport Canada #1999135 · Jul 1999

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 co…

Transport Canada #1997152 · Sep 1997

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.

Transport Canada #1996178 · Nov 1996

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the GMC Jimmy

The Chevrolet (S-10) Blazer and its rebadged GMC (S-15) Jimmy counterpart are compact/mid-size SUVs manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet and GMC from the 1983 through 2005 model years, over two generations – until the early 1990s alongside these brands' full-size SUVs with near identical nameplates, but lacking removable hardtops. From the 1992 model year, GMC's full-size Jimmy had become the "Yukon", and so, the S-15 prefix was dropped on the smaller GMC Jimmy. Starting with the 1995 second generation, the large Blazer was rebranded as the Chevrolet Tahoe, and these mid-size SUVs were simply launched as the "all-new Chevrolet Blazer".

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1996 GMC Jimmy trims & engines on record

Trims
SLE
Engines
4.3L 6-cyl

1996 GMC Jimmy vehicles on record

Other GMC Jimmy model years

1996 GMC Jimmy — frequently asked questions

Does the 1996 GMC Jimmy have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 1996 GMC Jimmy. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 GMC Jimmy?

Across all 508 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, hydraulic, visibility.

What is the 1996 GMC Jimmy safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1996 GMC Jimmy crash-test ratings of frontal 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1996 GMC Jimmy get?

The 1996 GMC Jimmy has U.S. EPA estimates of 16–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (5 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.