1998 GMC Jimmy
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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.
37% of complaints: visibility — 88 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and motor.
CRASH18% of complaints: electrical system — 43 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND LEFT THE PARKING LOT, STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, PROCEEDED INTO THE ROADWAY AND ENGINE DIED. EVERYTHING WENT OFF - ALL POWER ALL ELECTRICAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140313
13% of complaints: suspension — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wheel bearing and lower ball joint.
Show complaint excerpts
AFTER GETTING AN OIL CHANGE I WAS INFORMED OF A LEAK IN MY OIL PAN, AS I GOT HOME THE NEXT MORNING I NOTICED THAT MY CAR LEAKED OUT ALL THE OIL IN THE CAR RESULTING FROM A FAULT O-RING SEAL, ALSO NOW HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE SUSPENSION AS MY IDLER...
NHTSA ODI report, 20160426
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
13% of complaints: power train — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
CRASH13% of complaints: service brakes — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. A FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE REAR AXLE RIGHT-HAND BRAKE PIPE CAN OCCUR CAUSING A SLOW BRAKE FLUID LEAK RESULTING IN A
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE.
Campaign 97V218000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DRIVE OR ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE. ONE OR BOTH OF THE ATTACHING NUTS FOR THE RIGHT-HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM ARE UNDER TORQUED. THIS C
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETIGHTEN THE RIGHT-HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM NUTS TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.
Campaign 98V053000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 GMC Jimmy — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (88 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (43 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V218000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V053000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 GMC Jimmy reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 GMC Jimmy is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 GMC Jimmy?
The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 GMC Jimmy have?
2 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.