1988 GMC Jimmy
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 6 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 6 |
| 1988 | 15 |
| 1989 | 13 |
| 1990 | 11 |
| 1991 | 118 |
| 1992 | 124 |
| 1993 | 218 |
| 1994 | 339 |
| 1995 | 503 |
| 1996 | 407 |
| 1997 | 274 |
| 1998 | 238 |
| 1999 | 137 |
| 2000 | 211 |
| 2001 | 100 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 15 total reports mention: seats.
Show complaint excerpts
DRIVER SEAT IS ROTTED THROUGH THE FLOOR. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950303
3 of 15 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and rear/other.
Show complaint excerpts
I AM AN ENGINEER. TWO OF THE REAR SEAT BELTS ON MY 1988 GMC JIMMY - FULL SIZE FAILED COMPLETELY. THE ANGLE BRACKET HAS A STEEL STRAP WHICH IS RIVETED IN PLACE TO IT AND THE TO THE END OF THE SEAT BELT(S).
NHTSA ODI report, 20040113
2 of 15 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19960310
1 of 15 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
1 of 15 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
STEERING DAMPER SEPARATION
CRUISE CONTROL
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 GMC Jimmy — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seats issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 GMC Jimmy reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1988 GMC Jimmy?
The most-reported component is seats, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 GMC Jimmy have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.