Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - UPPER BALL JOINT
01V200000GENERAL MOTORS CORP.from 10/01/1996 to 10/31/1996V (Vehicle)4860009/04/2001ODIGENERAL MOTORS CORP.06/28/200107/02/2001
Defect SummaryOn 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.
Consequence SummaryThis can result in impaired steering or steering loss, or a partial or complete collapse of the front suspension, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective SummaryDealers 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 1-800-462-8782, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
NotesAlso contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
01I018000GENERAL MOTORS CORP. I12/04/2001ODIGENERAL MOTORS CORP.12/04/200101/07/2002
Defect SummaryThis 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.
Consequence SummaryThis could cause a loss of steering control of the vehicle.
Corrective SummaryGm 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 ball joint replacement, due to separation, will be made at no charge to the customer during this period. owners can contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-862-4389, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, concerning this program.
Notes

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SUSPENSION - FRONT
0201501/01/200410006961Pop snap noise in the front suspension when braking. *mr05/20/2004
0104912/05/2001628527Special policy adjustment for four-wheel and all-wheel utility vehicles that may have front suspension upper ball joints that separate at a lower mileage than expected by customers. *tt03/13/2002
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - UPPER BALL JOINT
0104911/01/2001628913Special policy adjustment 01049 for upper ball joint replacement. *tt03/22/2002

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SUSPENSION
10/21/200551402
 Tl*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.
03/03/20031
 Problems with vehicle's ball joints. mr the consumer heard a sound coming fromt the left front tire area. the radiator, power steering pump, oil cooler lines and engine all leaked. *jb
01/01/20021
 Vehicle suddenly accelerated when idiling. dealer has been contacted, and has replaced fuel injectors. please provide further details.*ak the heating system malfunctioned due to heating core failure. the a/c was not blowing warm air. there was a clicking noise from the engine area because the power steering pump was leaking fluid. the vehicle leans to the left due to torsion bar out of adjustment. front left and right axle seals were leaking. transmission was leaking. back window had air leak. the rear wiper sticks due to wiper motor failure. front end makes clunking noise due to ball joint failure. there was clunk noise when shifting into gear due to rear d-shaft and u-joint failures. the intake gasket was leaking and was replaced. the throttle sticks. the serpentine belt failed and was replaced. *yh
07/01/1998207/21/1997
 Tires pulling. michelin 23570r15
SUSPENSION - FRONT
01/01/2002750001
 1997 gmc jimmy battery drain. after vehicle sits for a couple hours it will not start. has new (not rebuilt) alternator, starter, battery. still won't start most of the time. battery drains completely if vehicle sits overnight. as soon as i jump the vehicle, it starts immediately. nothing i do will help.vehicle has done this for8years and i can't fix it so i don't even put license it anymore. i can't sell it because nobody wants a broke down car. it still looks and drives great. i would like gm to fix it. there are also other things that appear to be factory defaults like front suspension and more i won't go into now. *tr
10/24/2002110/01/2002
 The dealer knew about the defects to this vehicle and refused to fix them after receiving 3 separate estimates. 2 days after i repeatedly went back to the dealership to report these safety hazards the dealer continued to refuse to fix the problems and i had a car accident due to the defective vehicle. the dealer compliance board has a current case against the dealer and he has only agreed to take his vehicle back. the dealer has requested the damage from the motor vehicle accident not be fixed by the insurance company. the damage prior to the sale was so extensive from water or flood damage that the engine is completely ruined. it will not pass emissions. my fear is that the next unsuspecting consumer will be deceived by this dealer and this vehicle and i believe the next person will not be as lucky. i should be dead right now. the airbag never deployed and i believe it should have, which may also indicate that their is also something wrong with the airbag system. there may not even be an air bag in this vehicle even though it states there is one. this dealer will get this vehicle back and i am sure that instead of selling it as a salvage vehicle he will again slap a price tag on it and re-sell it immediately without fixing it. dt
1
 Front end components were worn causing front end vibration, these include the upper and lower ball joints, idler arm and pitman arm, this may have caused the tires to fail prematurely. nlm
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM
08/22/200686000110/05/1997
 Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, there was a squeaking noise from the front suspension and upon turning any direction the steering wheel was difficult to steer. the vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. there was a nhtsa recall, #01v200000, regarding the suspension. the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin. the manufacturer was alerted. updated 9/13/2006 - *nm
05/26/200375000007/09/2002
 I have had to replace 1 upper ball joint and two lower ones , i was told my vin number did not match for the recall listed on your site. i have also had to replace both of my oil cooling lines that started leaking badly, this is part of the towing package offered by gmc. *nlm
09/01/2001108/01/2099
 At approximately 50,000 miles we had to replace both lower ball joints due to excessive wear. gm is recalling lower and upper ball joints on 1997 gmc jimmys, but they claim that my vehicle is not part of this recall.*ak
12/01/2001
 While driving upper/ lower ball joints came off, and consumer lost control of vehicle. dealer has been contacted. please provide further details. *ak
09/01/2001
 Upper and lower ball joints callapsed while driving due to corrosion. a recall has been issued on vehicle's make and model, however a remedy or owner notification has not been issued. please provide further information.*ak
06/24/20000
 Consumer was going to the supermaket and she heard a loud pop. got out of vehicle, and looked down at wheels, and the driver's side wheel was caved in at about 45 degree angle. she had to have vehicle towed to the dealership. mechanic at the dealership told her that she needed ball joints.*ak
 When driving it feels like there is a flat tire because the vehicle wanders all over the road. dealer says the upper and lower ball joints need to be replaced. *ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER ARM
09/18/2001104/01/1999
 Consumer had recall 01v20000 repairs done on september 18, 2001 dealer only replaced upper control arm, consumer had to pay for defective lower control arm.*ak gmc customer service infomred consumer she would not be reimbursed due to age and mileage of vehicle. *slc
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT
10/21/200551000811/23/1996
 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. *ak
11/15/2004700001003/30/2000
 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. *jb
01/29/20041190002
 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. *ak *sc *jb
01/01/20027
 Upper & lower ball joint snapped while driving had to replace both along with idler arm pitman arm & tie rod ends , had received notice about possible failure on these when i called gmc they reported my car was not included in this possible recall. cost of 1500.00 also fuel pump failed cost of 700.00 now driver side door is defected will not close , probems with electrical system locks ,windows, lights interior & exterior,wipers will only work occasionally, fuel gauge sticks. *ak
112/01/1997
 Consumer called complaining about problems with the lower ball joints and pitman arm. dealer was contacted and stated that there is different problems with the lower ball joints separating and the pitman arm needed to be replaced. manufacture was contacted and stated that her vin number was not included. *ph
06/18/20001
 Prior to the recall notice, nhtsa campaign id 01v200000, while driving vehicle had a loud grinding noise. dealer replaced the upper and lower ball joints. consumer is seeking further reimbursement. *yd
04/01/2002
 While traveling on highway and without prior warning consumer lost control of vehicle due to ball joint failure. also, there was noise coming from underneath the vehicle.*ak
08/10/2001110/15/1997
 Ball joint snapped while driving on ramp to get on highway, replace two upper and two lower ball joints anti lock sensor shield, and weakened wall inside tire, resulting in lost of steering.
02/01/2001102/01/1997
 Vehicle had no defective ball joints until after vehicle was taken to dealership.*ak consumer was informed that the upper/lower ball joints needed to be replaced as well as the idler arm to pass inspection, consumer could not understand why a vehicle with only 39,532 would need such parts, consumer was later informed that gmc would replace the parts at no charge due to their goodwill program, however consumer still had to pay for the labor charge, consumer was then informed by a friend that there was a recall for upper ball joints, but when consumer contacted gmc she was told that her vehicle was not included in the recall.*jb
07/15/20011
 While driving the lower ball joint separated without warning, vehicle was towed to a sevice station and consumer was informed that both ball joints were defective and needed to be replaced, however on september 5,2001 consumer received a recall notification for the failure he experienced, consumer was then informed that he would not be able to receive reimbursement because the service station confirmed that they did not use gm parts.*jb
10/02/1998109/08/1997
 Lower ball joints replaced in order to try and remedy noise, noise is still occuring. mjs
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - UPPER ARM
12/26/200360123012/10/1996
 Right front control arm and upper ball joint broke at 45 miles a hour
03/01/2002105/01/1997
 Nhtsa id 01-i-018-000 manufacturer's recall 01049, the vehicle was going 25-30mph and without any warning the right side front of the vehicle collapsed, causing the vehicle to skid into a parking lot, consumer was injured. the dealer was notified and problem was due to corrosion of the upper ball joint. gm has to authorize the repair because the vehicle was not included in the recall, gm will not fix the vehicle unless the consumer signs a gag order and refrains from notifying anyone regarding the dangers involved. *yd
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - UPPER BALL JOINT
06/06/2006210/18/2005
 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. *nm
04/04/200689528106/23/2002
 Dt*: 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.
10/21/200551000811/23/1996
 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. *ak
11/15/2004700001003/30/2000
 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. *jb
03/05/20041
 While driving and turning to the left upper ball joints broke, and the wheel fell off. dealer notified. *ak
01/29/20041190002
 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. *ak *sc *jb
102/12/1998
 Vehicle was taken to dealer for a routine inspection, and mechanic noticed that upper ball joints failed and needed to be replaced. *ak
01/01/20027
 Upper & lower ball joint snapped while driving had to replace both along with idler arm pitman arm & tie rod ends , had received notice about possible failure on these when i called gmc they reported my car was not included in this possible recall. cost of 1500.00 also fuel pump failed cost of 700.00 now driver side door is defected will not close , probems with electrical system locks ,windows, lights interior & exterior,wipers will only work occasionally, fuel gauge sticks. *ak
12/26/200360123012/10/1996
 Right front control arm and upper ball joint broke at 45 miles a hour
11/02/20031000001
 Consumer took vehicle to dealer to be inspected, and mechanic noticed that front upper ball joints were wearing prematurely, and replaced them. *ak
900001
 A year after recall o1i018000 repairs for upper ball joint separation was performed, the defect recurred.*ak
09/15/200340000010/15/1999
 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.
480001
 The vehicle experienced the same defect with the upper ball joint as stated in recall 01 i 018 000, but the vehicle was not included in the recall due to vehicle identification number. *ak *scc *jb
780001
 The vehicle experienced the same defect regarding the upper ball joints as stated in recall 01 i 018 000, however the vehicle identification number was not included. *jb ph *jb
05/06/2003103699110/01/2002
 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. *nlm
03/14/20021
 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) *yh
03/14/20021
 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. *tt *jg
07/01/2002
 Consumer heard noise coming from front end. vehicle was taken to repair shop, both front upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.*ak
06/18/20001
 Prior to the recall notice, nhtsa campaign id 01v200000, while driving vehicle had a loud grinding noise. dealer replaced the upper and lower ball joints. consumer is seeking further reimbursement. *yd
07/23/20012
 Consumer states prior to recall 01v2 the brakes needed replaced several times as well as the rotors and 1 front wheel bearing plus an alignment. dealer states these repair items were a direct result of the faulty upper ball joints. *yd
03/14/20021
 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.*ak. 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. *jb 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. *jg the recall number is 01i018. *slc
 Recall o1i018000 on front upper ball joints. confirmed information with manufacturer. manufacturer indicated that consumer's vehicle did not comply with recall. mechanic inspected vehicle and insisted that vehicle did comply with description of recall.*ak
10/11/20001
 While pulling into driveway, upper ball joints fell apart without prior warning. took vehicle to be fixed and was told about recall 01 i 018 000 that deals with a similar problem concerning upper ball joints. *ak left wheel speed sensor was missing. replaced inner cv boot. *yh
01/18/2002
 While driving 30 mph upper ball joint disengaged, causing front right tire to fall outward. please give any further details.*ak
08/10/2001110/15/1997
 Ball joint snapped while driving on ramp to get on highway, replace two upper and two lower ball joints anti lock sensor shield, and weakened wall inside tire, resulting in lost of steering.
11/01/2001
 While driving upper ball joint came out, and consumer lost control of vehicle. please provide further details. *ak
02/01/2001102/01/1997
 Vehicle had no defective ball joints until after vehicle was taken to dealership.*ak consumer was informed that the upper/lower ball joints needed to be replaced as well as the idler arm to pass inspection, consumer could not understand why a vehicle with only 39,532 would need such parts, consumer was later informed that gmc would replace the parts at no charge due to their goodwill program, however consumer still had to pay for the labor charge, consumer was then informed by a friend that there was a recall for upper ball joints, but when consumer contacted gmc she was told that her vehicle was not included in the recall.*jb
08/31/2001110/01/1996
 Upper ball joint separated and the wheel was cut through causing the tire to go flat. the vehicle has been well maintained and the front end had been checked a few months earlier by a competent mechanic when new shocks were installed. two weeks later a friend alerted me to gm product safety campaign # 01048. this was an alert to upper ball joints separating without warning on some '96-'97 jimmys, bravadas and blazers. i inquired at my dealer to see if my vehicle qualified and was told no, there are no open recalls on your vin.. i called the gmc customer assistance center at 1-800-gmc-8782 and spoke with lisa who assigned me reference number 056 42 894. gm confirmed they can do nothing for me, as there are no open recalls on your truck. it was built at a different plant and a different supplier provided the ball joints than the ones in the recall. sounds like a load of crap to me. if i sound overly angered by a ball joint failure it might be because i have had nothing but grief with this vehicle and am tired of being a victim. the transmission was pulled under warranty at 28000 miles, yet i had to have it pulled again at my expense ($1474) at 52500miles. two of the four o2 sensors have failed, the radiator was full of the infamous missisippi mud dex-cool sludge, the service engine light comes on at least once a month, the serpentine tensioner fell apart at 37k miles and had to be replaced again at 58k, the wipers frequently won't turn on unless you hit the mist lever as you hit a bump (common according to the edmunds.com site), and last week my abs went out from what the trouble code diagnosed as a bad left front speed sensor. i'll have to drive it with the sensor unplugged for now because i've already put over $2000 in repairs into this thing during calendar year 2001 alone, and i'm tapped out. same with the wiper condition.
08/01/2000
 While turning at 15-20 mph driver's side of vehicle dropped. towed to dealer, upper ball joint had broken.*ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - TORSION BAR
112/13/1996
 Torsion bar set higher on one side, adjustment necessary.
SUSPENSION - FRONT - WHEEL BEARING
12/15/19991
 Front brakes, rotors and wheel bearings failed. *mjs
SUSPENSION - MULTIPLE AXLE
06/11/2000
 When brakes were applied pedal became hard, resulting in extended stopping distance which caused a collision. dealer has inspected vehicle.*ak
SUSPENSION - REAR
07/19/1999103/07/1997
 Rear axle failed causing both rear wheels to fall out of axle. nlm