Front Suspension Upper Ball Joint Problems of GMC Jimmy - part 1

While driving my 2000 GMC Jimmy my left side upper ball joint broke. Luckily I had just came out of a sharp corner and my speed was only about 25 mph. A car had just passed in the other direction when my vehicle swerved to the left, halfway into the other lane before I was able to get control of it. Upon inspection, the tire was leaning inward and my brake line was severed. I had to use my emergency brake to stop.

See all problems of the 2000 GMC Jimmy 🔎.

Had 2 sets of ball joints go bad. Lots of squeaking when go over bumps. Also hear "bang" sound when turn corners to the right going slowly.

97 GMC Jimmy upper ball joint broke unexpectedly, repaired and inspected other upper ball joint found it was bad and replaced it . 2001 GMC Jimmy upper ball joint broke unexpectedly, while on highway at 65 mph could have been fatal but was able to keep vehicle under control.

See all problems of the 1997 GMC Jimmy 🔎.

: the contact stated while driving various speeds, there was excessive play with the steering. The vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop who replaced the front upper ball joints which corrected the problem. The manufacturer was alerted.

The contact owns a 1997 GMC Jimmy. While driving approximately 5 mph, the vehicle flipped over on its passenger side. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the upper and lower ball joints failed, which caused other damage to the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 01v200000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint), although the failures were similar. The manufacturer further stated that they were not liable for the repairs. The failure mileage was 51,402.

Dt:the contact stated the upper and lower ball joints on both sides broke while driving in a parking lot. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership, where the ball joints and the anti lock brake sensors were replaced. Contacted the manufacturer, there were NHTSA recalls 01i018000 and 01v200000, but this vehicle was not included in the recalls due to VIN. In addition, this vehicle experienced several other problems as well. The left door broke off while in the driveway, the male joint of the door broke when shutting the door. Also, the transmission and anti lock brakes were replaced. The anti lock brake sensor was replaced twice.

: the contact stated while driving in normal conditions, the vehicle pulls to the left or right. The vehicle was taken to the local independent repair shop for alignment. The repair personnel discovered the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced on the front of the vehicle. Both the upper and lower ball joints were replaced after the first incident. The problem returned two additional times, but only the lower ball joints were replaced during these incidents. Updated 3/9/2006 -.

See all problems of the 1998 GMC Jimmy 🔎.

I purchased a used 1998 GMC Jimmy with no warranty from fort wayne Nissan/Infiniti on January 4, 2005 for my 17 year old daughter. I had surgury on my right hand and could not drive it for about 5 weeks afterward. When I did drive the car,I told her it needed a front end alignment and to get the oil changed. Of course, mom (me) ended up taking it into monroe muffler and brakes, where we always get are cars routine maintenence taken care of. They called me about an hour later and asked who I bought this car off of. I told them. They said they could not believe they sold me this death trap. 3 of the 4 balljoints holding the front up where broken and the pin cracked. Plus he thought there was a recall on them. I checked with GMC and they stated there was no recall on the ball joints for this vehicle. The mechanic said these ball joints were way to small to support this kind of vehicle. I took the ball joints and have thenm now as proof. My daughter, son or I could have been hurt or worse-which was very possible probability in the shape the under body of that car was in. We were very luck we did not have a major accident. I called the Nissan company and talked to bruce bright. He sounded very concerned and would call right back after checking into it. He never called and it has been a week. I called today and left a message. Still no call. My question and complaint to you, is it legal for a car company(a major named company) to sell a car that is very unsafe to a person? I am a woman who doesn't know about cars, and my daughter doesn't. My ex-husband came to help, but he doesn't know either. That is the reason I did not go with some off the wall company. Do I have any protection from this? thank you.

Upper ball joint failure. The ball joint broke, causing the tire to go up under the vehicle resulting in loss of steering. Owner had to have the vehicle towed to a repair shop. Provide further details.

While having the front end aligned mechanic noticed the lower ball joints needed to be replaced. Consumer was reimbursed for the work performed. Then, on 01/06/2005, while driving the vehicle and turning a corner, consumer thought vehicle sustained a flat. Got out, and saw that the right front tire was turned under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that front ball joints were defective. . . . . Consumer took vehicle to dealer, they did an alignment, and replaced the ball joints.

I was driving when the front end started making a weird noise. I thought it was my breaks so I continued for about 500 feet. I noticed my vehicle was not driving properly as I turned a corner. I got out a saw that the front left tire had fallen off and was leaning against the frame. I had the vehicle towed to my mechanic. He said the upper and lower ball joints had disintegrated. He also noted that the same thing was happening on the other side. As a result, he replaced both sides and fixed some damage to the axle that resulted from the tire falling off. He said the parts had been maintained properly (adequate grease) and that they were probably bad from the factory.

See all problems of the 1999 GMC Jimmy 🔎.

Transmission failure / replaced transmission - upper & lower ball joint failure / replaced upper & lower ball joints - rear window wiper failure / inoperable at this point - extremely expensive replacements with no old parts available at this point. Events leading up to failure I can only attribute to severely poor manufacturing of products, there was no operating misuse or abuse. Also other parts that have failed and have since been replaced are the: alternator, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator and cooling system failures.

While pulling out of the garage right wheel separated from the axle. Mechanic indicated that upper and lower ball joints broke previous to the accident, consumer heard a grinding noise, and he thought it was the brakes.

While driving 60 mph front end vibrated violently. Dealer stated the upper and lower ball joints failed.

While driving and turning to the left upper ball joints broke, and the wheel fell off. Dealer notified.

While driving at any speed the vehicle would pull to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent shop, and the mechanic determined that ball joints needed to be replaced.

Right front control arm and upper ball joint broke at 45 miles a hour.

Consumer took vehicle to dealer to be inspected, and mechanic noticed that front upper ball joints were wearing prematurely, and replaced them.

Ball joints upper and lower. I had them repaired once, and now not even six months later they need repair again.

Ball joints have repeatedly worn out - once at 40000 miles again at 100000 miles. This is after religious lube jobs, etc. Called GMC and my VIN number is not part of the recall, even though it was built and registered in michigan, where Jimmy's were recalled for corrosion.

Left upper ball joint broke off from the suspension 'a' arm causing loss of control of the vehicle and substantial damage to the wheel as well as catastrophically damaging the front brake system by severing the flexible brake hose.

While driving a clicking noise could be heard, and vehicle would shake. Vehicle was taken to an independent auto repair shop, where mechanic determined the front upper and lower ball joints had to be replaced.

See all problems of the 1996 GMC Jimmy 🔎.

Consumer states that van is giving her problems. When she drives the vehicle sometimes she hears a loud noise. Then the light comes on, the dashboard with says "security. " also, brake failure. She took vehicle to dealer, and was told that the ball joints had no grease on them, and had a lots of play, if she hit a hole in the street, she could have an accident because of the alignment and the ball joints. She took vehicle back to the dealer, and he wanted to sell her another van, and she has no money. Please help.

Front suspension on GMC Jimmy. Wheel bearings,upper and lower ball joints,spo drive shaft all within 1 months time, and still not right continual repairs since puchase in 2001. . . Cruise control,multi function switch,brake rotors,abs problems. . . . Nickel and dimed me to death.

I have a 2000 slt Jimmy which has been a pain. I've had lower ball joints replaced, upper ball joints replaced, major problems with the brakes, u joints replaced, hub and wheel bearing problems, altenator failure, a/c blower motor replaced, broken blend door which caused encoder motor and module failure, rear wiper moter replaced, back window lock replaced. Too many things have gone wrong with this vehicle. GMC should consider some sort of recall because I've read many complaints regarding some of the same issues.

Consumer states that right upper ball joint and lower ball joint separated from the wheel. Dealer notified.

Experienced left upper ball joint separation (failure) while moving resulting in loss of control, damage, disablement. Failure is identical to that described in NHTSA recall # 01v200000, and, also gm bulletin 01048a. However, vehicle VIN # is not within the breakpoints specified by 01048a bulletin and manufacturer refuses to correct.

The front upper ball joint was damaged, which caused the wheel to lean inward.

Front upper ball joints breakage causing front wheel to come off and improper aligment-steering, battery problems, front passenger seat recliner handle breakage.

Upper ball joint separated ,wheel assembly lost support and fell inward at the top, lost steering control, failure occurred on a soft gravel road at low speed . No one was injured . The abs wire was cut at the wheel as a result of the ball joint failure . According to the repair facility the wire is not repairable as it is part of the front rotor assembly and must be serviced as a assembly .

Consumer heard noise coming from front end. Vehicle was taken to repair shop, both front upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.

The consumer was requesting reimbursement from the manufacturer for upper ball joints that were replaced prior to recall (01v-200). When the consumer had the upper ball joints replace, they were not replaced with gm parts. Updated.

The vehicle had a ball joint failure which resulted in accident and injury to the consumer. The ball joints were on recall but the consumer's vehicle was not included, 01i018. (attorney for client).

Consumer states while driving the ball joints failed. Driver sustained some injuries. However dealer refused for the last 44 days to perform repairs unless consumer signs a waiver releasing gm of any liabilities and preventing the affected parties from discussing the matter with anyone. Consumer states she will not sign the form due to the gag order clause from the agreement. Consumer is aware there is a recall campaign notice 01v200000 involving replacement of the ball joints.

While driving 25 mph, right front wheel collapsed, causing consumer to lose control of vehicle, consumer was injured, took vehicle to dealer who indicated new ball joints were needed. . Consumer stated dealer will not fix as of yet, the manufacturer is investigating, consumer stated there was a recall on the year of vehicle but was informed at the time that the vehicle was fine, consumer was also told that the 1/4 inch of play in the ball joints was standard. The ball joint failed. This defect is caused due to corrosion. General motors has refused to fix the vehicle unless consumer agrees to sign a gag order and refrain from notifying anyone regarding the dangers involved. The recall number is 01i018.