My 1996 GMC Jimmy has had ball joint problems (upper and lower replaced at 40K, 79K), ABS problems (recalled to change S/w, failed at 80K) and windshield wiper problems (intermittent failures at 80K). All of these problems have had recalls, but when I contact GMC they tell me my vehicle is not included (VIN [xxx]). what I don't understand is if my car is failing with the exact problems mentioned in the recall notice, then the problems seem to be more widespread then GM is willing to admit. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Westwood, MA, USA

This is listed specifically on NHTSA as a safety recall for my vehicle (4WD 1996 GMC Jimmy). I was told on a recent safety inspection that these ball joints have failed and that a crash can result. However, the dealer says it is not applicable to my vehicle and that GMC will not pay for it. The NHTSA notice makes no mention of manufacturer's dates or particular vins, so it seems odd that there is a known problem with this class of vehicle and yet somehow it is not applicable to mine.

- Annapolis, MD, USA

Consumer states after finding out that he could not get his truck aligned, he took it to the mechanic and found out that his lower ball joints are moving approx 1-1 1/2 in. Consumer also says that when he shifts his truck from drive to reverse he hears a knock which also indicates this ball joint problem.

- Fairhaven, MI, USA

Lower ball joints haved corrored. A recall has been issued on upper ball joints. Manufacturer has been notified.

- Clinton Township, MI, USA

Had to replace all 4 ball joints nd according to shop that fixed it this is a common problem with Jimmys like mine. Dealer said there were no recalls on mine but I checked on line myself and other 1996 Jimmys had been recalled but they didn't include my VIN #. when trying to get information from GMC as to why they said it could be due to where the vehicle was made or that the ball joints used could be from a different manufacture. They refused to give out that info. Saying it was confidential. I tried going throught the BBB and when GMC got the complaint a lady called and said BBB would not help me and that there isn't a court in the country that could get the info. On where vehicle was produced or what ball joints were used on mine. Since mine is driven by my wife, has never been off road or abused, that the ball joints wore out before the tires, and that GMC has recalled similar vehicles leads me to believe mine were defective also! I have all the correspondance via email with GMC if you would like a copy. Thanks and please advise how to proceed. Ben shown feelling helpless against GMC.

- Lincolnshire, IL, USA

While making a turn at 15 mph ball joint broke, cause unknown.

- Valparaiso, IN, USA

Vehicle was experiencing exact problem as stated in recall# 98V150000 for the ball joints, dealer was contacted, and informed consumer that this vehicle was not included due to VIN.

- Ann Harbour, MI, USA

During normal operation of vehicle at any speed it is difficult to maintain control of vehicle because of a "floating" sensation. Dealership has examined vehicle numerous times, and replaced various components, including steering box/ ball joints/ idler arm, and tires. Please provide any additional information / documentation.

- Neenah, WI, USA

This is the third set of balljoints I will be putting in. Its crazy !

- Bryant, IN, USA

While driving left ball joint broke, cause unknown.

- Rochester, MI, USA

Upper and lower ball joints very noisy and clunking. Dealer reported very loose and dangerous. Replaced immediately.

- Appleton, WI, USA

The ball joint broke on the front left side. Nlm

- Baltimore, MD, USA

I was on the highway going at the speed of 45mph when the ball joint on the front passanger tire broke, causing me to go through 3 lanes without warning and almost flipping my car over. This is not the first time where I have almost lost my life due to manufacturer defects. Last year while driving on the highway, the wipers went out on me in the middle of a thunderstorm. The wipers died out on me a total of 6 times in the last 2 years with over 10 visits to dealers for repairs. The ball joint cracking caused the cv boot to be damaged, the stabilizer lines were damaged, the line cover was damaged, and the dealer found that all 4 ball joints were severly bad - not because fo driving but manufacturer defect. The car is only four years old how could so many things be bad on a car that isn't even 4 years old. The warrantly co. And manufacturer refuse to be responsible for damage caused to other components because of the broken ball joint. The engine cooler line is also bad, including the clamp which has been replaced already by outside source. The wipers have shut down more than once and it took over 10 visits to get them fixed - including paying out of pocket expense of $433. The car has almost cost me my life more than 6 times on the highway at high speeds. Sorry to say - this car has been nothing but a death trap from day one.

- River Grove, IL, USA

While driving the left upper ball joint broke and pulled from the socket, all ball joints required replacement, all showing excessive wear.

- Mcalester, OK, USA

While taking a turn the left front balljoint snapped off. Making control of the vehicle impossible. Left tire collasped and the vehicle was unmovable. Had to flatbed the vehicle to a garage. 2nd problem-the transmission feels as it is shifting into reverse approximately every 4th time the vehicle is started.

- Middletown, CT, USA

On 12-21-99 as I was driving on the southern tier expressway in western NY, the right upper ball joint broke, causing me to lose control of my 1996 GMC Jimmy. Thankfully I was slowing down to prepare to exit from the 65 mph speed limit at this time. At the time of the malfunction, I estimated my speed to be 45 mph. I had my vehicle towed to the closest repair garage and on 12-22-99 the head mechanic told me that all of the ball joints (upper and lower) would need to be replaced on my vehicle. The cost of these repairs were $499.60. My vehicle is only 3+ years old with only 38,985 miles on the odometer. I also noticed that there were two other defect investigations on GMC ball joints on the 96 GMC Jimmy. I filed this report because I could have been severely injured or killed as a result of these defects in the ball joints.

- Olean, NY, USA

The front driver-side wheel assembly, as vehicle was moving, eventually sheared off. The ball joint broke away from the wheel. The vehicle has been regularly serviced, oil change/lube etc. All receipts retained. Probably would've been a very serious accident if I was on the highway. I feel this is a major defect in the vehicle, and people should be notified. The vehicle has never been off road and there are no "hard" miles on it.

- Bristol, RI, USA