1997 GMC Jimmy
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
23% of complaints: suspension — 62 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing upper ball joint and lower ball joint.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 GMC JIMMY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE STEERING WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140812
Also filed under STRUCTURE
22% of complaints: service brakes — 61 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY17% of complaints: visibility — 46 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and motor.
CRASH15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 41 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and cooling system.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE DEALER KNEW ABOUT THE DEFECTS TO THIS VEHICLE AND REFUSED TO FIX THEM AFTER RECEIVING 3 SEPARATE ESTIMATES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021203
Also filed under STEERING
14% of complaints: power train — 39 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
FIRE INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM
SEAT BELT WEBBING SEPARATION
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. T
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.
Campaign 97V096001 — check if this car was fixed
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, MISSO
Remedy: 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
Campaign 01V200000 — check if this car was fixed
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
Remedy: 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 FIR
Campaign 01I018000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS, AND PICKUP TRUCKS MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS TO THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON A
Campaign 03V093000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINS AN ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP. SUSTAINED LOADS OF SUFFICIENT MAGNITUDE AND DURATION ON THE BELT IN SEVERE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENERGY-ABSORBING SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WITH ONE THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO
Campaign 03V117000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 GMC Jimmy — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (62 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (61 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (46 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V096001 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V200000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01I018000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V093000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V117000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 GMC Jimmy reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 GMC Jimmy is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 GMC Jimmy?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Jimmy have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.