1998 GMC Jimmy
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1998 GMC Jimmy. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1998 GMC Jimmy. Newest first.
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 can allow the attachment bolt to loosen and subsequent break resulting in separation of the lower control arm from the frame.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can result in a loss of vehicle control.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and retighten the right-hand lower control arm nuts to the proper torque specification.
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 soft brake pedal. if the brake pipe breaks, the driver would experience a sudden drop in the brake pedal, the instrument panel brake light would illuminate…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Partial loss of braking at a time when minimum stopping distance was required could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pipe.
Owner complaints
238 complaints18 involved a crash3 involved a fire15 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension · Unknown or other
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 arm IS about to snap at any moment resulting in the…
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 arm IS about to snap at any moment resulting in the lose of steering for the car. the car was taken to a mechanic before I purchased it and only one bushing was replaced instead of all of them at the same time, also the mechanic improperly replaced the front shocks as instead of replacing the grease bearings the mechanic used bolts to assemble and hold them in place resulting in an annoying sqeak in the front end of the car since the shocks cant be properly greased as there are not grease fittings.
- Electrical system
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. I had just purchased the vehicle second hand and the owner told me later that she had battery problems…
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. I had just purchased the vehicle second hand and the owner told me later that she had battery problems, but she put in a new battery. the dealer could not fix it. my husband figured it was the ignition switch. I kept the car for twelve years and had to change it twice, plus the initial repair was warrantied. when it first occurred in 2000 I looked for a recall, but there was none. I remember the previous owner had a very large keychain, and we did figure out on our own to carry a single key, but after about 5-6 years you still need to change the ignition, you can tell cause the electronics start going wacky in the vehicle. then it won't start, like you think its the battery. it IS sad that people died from this and that GMC cannot admit that this has been going on, I know since 1998. I now know why I got such a good deal on the vehicle, that person could have killed me, by not telling me the truth! *tr
- Electrical system
I have a GMC jimmy that IS experiencing multiple dashboard failures. When I fill the gas tank the gauge goes to empty, then when I drive a while it goes to full and then back to empty. I never have a partially full reading. Also the air bag light comes off and on. My oil pressure gauge reves up and…
I have a GMC jimmy that IS experiencing multiple dashboard failures. When I fill the gas tank the gauge goes to empty, then when I drive a while it goes to full and then back to empty. I never have a partially full reading. Also the air bag light comes off and on. My oil pressure gauge reves up and down like I am out of oil. I pull off the road and check and the oil IS fine. I am not sure what to do about this. I took it to the gm dealer and they want more than I can afford just to look at it and can't guarantee anything. I did pay $85 to put it on the diagnostic tester but this never showed up. Please help! *tr
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 1998 GMC jimmy. While driving approximately 25 mph the spare tire detached from the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the hoist that held the spare tire in place underneath the vehicle was corroded and caused the spare tire to disengage. The vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 GMC jimmy. While driving approximately 25 mph the spare tire detached from the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the hoist that held the spare tire in place underneath the vehicle was corroded and caused the spare tire to disengage. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing; however, the dealer was called and stated the spare tire hoist would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
ABS activates at or below 5MPH on dry roads/pavement while attempting to stop vehicle. occurs often while attempting to stop at stop signs/lights or parking areas posing danger to other vehicles. *Tr
- Visibility › Rear window wiper/washer · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 GMC jimmy. while driving approximately 75 mph in rainy weather conditions, the front and rear windshield wipers would not work when activated. the driver experienced extremely limited visibility and had to pull the vehicle over to the side of the road. he had to wait…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 GMC jimmy. while driving approximately 75 mph in rainy weather conditions, the front and rear windshield wipers would not work when activated. the driver experienced extremely limited visibility and had to pull the vehicle over to the side of the road. he had to wait until the rain slacked up before driving the vehicle to his destination. the vehicle has not been repaired. the vin was unknown. the failure and current mileages were 141,000.
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline
I was driving a 1998gmc jimmy from oklahoma city, ok to walters, ok. everything was great and the car was driving perfectly. I was on the he bailey turnpike on highway marker 30 - I could see the sign and pull off for the faxon exit and the big sign for walters. a few wisps of white smoke…
I was driving a 1998gmc jimmy from oklahoma city, ok to walters, ok. everything was great and the car was driving perfectly. I was on the he bailey turnpike on highway marker 30 - I could see the sign and pull off for the faxon exit and the big sign for walters. a few wisps of white smoke appeared and then heavy grey smoke started to billow into my face through the right side vent of the driver's seat. I started to cough and couldn't see so I pulled over to the shoulder of the road. as I got out of the car, I pulled the hood release and ran to the front of the vehicles. under the hood, half of the engine bay was already burned away - like the bottle for anti-freeze and hoses.... The whole engine bay was on fire. the car was gone at that point - there was no way to save it. I ran to the passenger front seat and grabbed a basket that had my census ID and I threw it away from the car. I grabbed some cds then too, but they were on fire. the dash was on fire and was spreading into the front seat. I threw the cds in the dirt to extinguish the fire. I grabbed the passenger side door of the back seat and grabbed a hamper with presents for my daughter. I ran to the other side back seat and grabbed the legal papers of census applicants - they were on fire and I snuffed out the fire in the dirt. I grabbed my jean jacket with my military ID and driver's license - the back seat and front seat were on fire and I ran away from the vehicle and it fireballed and exploded. two men from the turnpike maintenance saw me driving - smoking pouring out front he vehicle; they saw me pull out on the shoulder and saw me running to salvage what I could from the burning vehicle. they came to help me and called the fire department and highway patrol. minor injuries I had smoke inhalation, minor burns to face - soot on hands & feet. Unk mileage. 1ST sold 12/31/97 bought from org owner 1/19/09 these are pics http://s229.photobucket.com/albums/ee16/gfercaks33/mom%20car/. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Frontal accident to my 1998 jimmy at 35 mph. Extensive front damage to the vehicle and neither air bag deployed. No air bag codes everything was functioning properly. Both police officers agreed that with the type of accident there should have been a deployment of the airbags. Because of no deployment I was injured and had to go to the hospital to determine the extent of my injuries. *Tr
- Electrical system · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
Drive an 1998 GMC jimmy with around 172,000 miles on it (i know this IS a lot of miles). had the local gm dealer work on my rear defroster (one of the clips fell off). after receiving the vehicle back from the dealer I turned my defroster on about two weeks later. the back window exploded like a…
Drive an 1998 GMC jimmy with around 172,000 miles on it (i know this IS a lot of miles). had the local gm dealer work on my rear defroster (one of the clips fell off). after receiving the vehicle back from the dealer I turned my defroster on about two weeks later. the back window exploded like a shotgun after about 15-20 seconds. dealer says rear defroster voltage regulator must have went bad. I argued that a fuse should had blown before an explosion took place. gm complaint department also disagrees, saying that the vehicle IS old and things like this happen. luckily, no one was standing by the rear window when it exploded because it probably would have killed them. if I'm wrong tell me I'm wrong but I believe gm IS responsible for no only replacing the window but fixing the rear defroster voltage regulator. I hope this IS an isolated case but maybe by reporting this I can prevent someone from getting hurt (including a gm technician). *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 GMC jimmy. while driving less than 15 mph down a steep, wet road, the brakes failed and the vehicle crashed into a guardrail. the bumper and headlamps were damaged. the vehicle IS currently at the body shop and will be taken to the dealer for an ABS diagnosis. the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 GMC jimmy. while driving less than 15 mph down a steep, wet road, the brakes failed and the vehicle crashed into a guardrail. the bumper and headlamps were damaged. the vehicle IS currently at the body shop and will be taken to the dealer for an ABS diagnosis. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 97v218000 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). the dealer information was unavailable. the current and failure mileages were 113,000.
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Wiring · Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Exterior lighting › Turn signal · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system · Seats › Front assembly › Recliner · Service brakes, air › Antilock › Wheel speed sensor · Steering
The engine continually misfires. There IS a tsb bulletin #00-06-04-003b. Deposit buildup on popped valve ball &/or seat, causing it to stick. There IS a recall because of this but only in california. I live in alaska. I got an estimate of $1200 bucks to fix this problem. because of this, I only…
The engine continually misfires. There IS a tsb bulletin #00-06-04-003b. Deposit buildup on popped valve ball &/or seat, causing it to stick. There IS a recall because of this but only in california. I live in alaska. I got an estimate of $1200 bucks to fix this problem. because of this, I only get 5-7 mpg, and have little power. also, my ABS light turns on and the ABS activates at low speeds on dry ground. My electrical system IS totally messed up. My right clicker just the sound not light) goes off when driving. It IS completely erratic and unpredictable. My speakers turn off and on sporadically. *Ak my driver side seat adjuster broke off with little pressure. my steering wheel continuously pulls to the right. this many problems in a vehicle IS ridiculous. What a lemon. Especially since I have seen the same exact complaints all over this sight about this specific vehicle.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's right rear brakeline cracked. the contact expressed they would not take the vehicle to a service dealer because the repair work would not be covered under a recall. the contact stated the fractured brakeline was visible.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Key gets locked in the ignition and I can't remove it, the dash lights and gauges do not work and transmission doesn't start off in 1ST gear. This has happened 4 other times and everytime I have had to have the ignition switch replaced and this IS in a 3 year period. This has got to be the worth problem on these vehicles. *Jb
- Unknown or other
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 mph on the highway, the spare tire under the vehicle fell off due to a rusty cable. the dealer was informed. updated 10/18/2006 - *nm
- Electrical system · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Turn signal and hazard light failure, electric window control failure off and on. *nm
- Suspension › Front
Vehicle constantly pulls to the right. Has pulled to the right since bought. According to other complaints, alignment will not fix problem either. *jb
- Suspension · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
Dt*: 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…
Dt*: 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 - *nm
- Vehicle speed control
Car isl stuck accelerating. *Ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Driving in heavy rains on the interstate when my wipers just stopped. I had to break heavy and get off the side of the road in heavy traffic. I waited until the rain subsided and then drove home. The next morning they worked okay and after about 20 miles stopped again. this happens constantly and I don't know if and when or how long they will work. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic
I haven't gotten into any accidents, but I'm affraid I will. the recall out there right now having to do with the ABS and brake system, I feel the same IS wrong with my vehicle, but since it's a 1998 with 96000 miles on it, no one will help me out. my vehicle does the exact same description that…
I haven't gotten into any accidents, but I'm affraid I will. the recall out there right now having to do with the ABS and brake system, I feel the same IS wrong with my vehicle, but since it's a 1998 with 96000 miles on it, no one will help me out. my vehicle does the exact same description that the recall describes. I unfortunately can not afford to fix it at this time and it's pretty scary having to drive out there knowing that it's possible I might cause an accident. I was pretty disappointed that GMC would not help in solving the issue. even just to help out in the cost a little bit would be helpful. *nm
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights · Visibility
Dt: the contact stated the rear windshield wipers have not been working for approximately one year. the front windshield wipers worked only when the weather was cold, but still did not work properly. the delay ran as though it was on normal. no repairs have been made to the windshield…
Dt: the contact stated the rear windshield wipers have not been working for approximately one year. the front windshield wipers worked only when the weather was cold, but still did not work properly. the delay ran as though it was on normal. no repairs have been made to the windshield wipers . also, the rear brake lights have not worked for approximately one month. she has replaced the bulbs, fuse, and checked the electronic sensor. the problem still existed. *ak updated 1/4/2006 - *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
This may not be a huge complaint or important. nonetheless, I own a 1998 GMC jimmy. I read the description of what happens with the antilock brake system. that IS exactly what IS happening with my truck. my question IS, how can I get my truck looked at or fixed without any cost to me? *nm
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
Manual recline bar on both driver and passenger front seats broke. the first incidence happened on driver's side seat before vehicle was purchased (pre-owned vehicle). vehicle was under warranty and so bar was replaced. the driver's side recline bar broke a second time approximately 3-4 years…
Manual recline bar on both driver and passenger front seats broke. the first incidence happened on driver's side seat before vehicle was purchased (pre-owned vehicle). vehicle was under warranty and so bar was replaced. the driver's side recline bar broke a second time approximately 3-4 years later. the passenger's side recline bar also broke approximately 6 months to a year after that. because the seat was in an upright position when the recline bar broke on any of the occasions, had the seat been in a reclined position, the seat possibly would not have been usable. the recline bars on both side have not been replaced, as the cost IS over $200 for each part. *nm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Dt:the contact stated the windshield wiper control module motor failed. the windshield wipers had been working intermittently for past three months. while driving in a rain storm the windshield wipers stopped working. contacted the manufacturer, there was a recall but it did not include this…
Dt:the contact stated the windshield wiper control module motor failed. the windshield wipers had been working intermittently for past three months. while driving in a rain storm the windshield wipers stopped working. contacted the manufacturer, there was a recall but it did not include this vehicle. the contact was going to have this repaired at his own expense, but he felt vehicle should be included in the recall. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
I was driving in mexico last nov 18TH 2004 -jan 1ST 2005 I was driving on bumpy roads and high usage of brakes on poor roads . ABS failed and when I hit paved roads the brakes came back to like new system, then in july of this year I was driving down dirt road and went around a corner and it was…
I was driving in mexico last nov 18TH 2004 -jan 1ST 2005 I was driving on bumpy roads and high usage of brakes on poor roads . ABS failed and when I hit paved roads the brakes came back to like new system, then in july of this year I was driving down dirt road and went around a corner and it was like I had no brakes again I want the ABS removed from all of my cars now it IS a bad system . I am a trained driver I have sub contracted to kelly haze as a ABS recorder for new vehicle. *Jb
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10139019This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114443This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an inaccurate fuel gauge. Technician should drive the vehicle to duplicate the concern. The fuel gauge will have a tendency to falsely indicate a lower fuel level than what is actually present. The fuel gauge will take a few minutes to show the correct fuel level. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission no buffering takes place when the transmission is in park or neutral. This is a normal characteristic and no repairs are necessary. On vehicles equipped with a manual transmission the fuel gauge is buffered in all gears and neutral. There is a timer which starts to count up when the clutch is depressed. When this timer reaches its calibrated value the buffering stops. This is a normal characteristic and no repairs are necessary.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10096073This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a harsh 1-2 upshift and the check engine light or service engine soon indicator IS illuminated. If you have duplicated the customers concern and found diagnostic trouble code p0894 or p1870 set in the transmission control module please contact general motors technical assistance center.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 10032462Saab/hummer/gm: diagnostic tips/recommendations when power steering pump replacement IS necessary. Analysis of returned power steering (ps) pumps that had been replaced for noise, no power assist, no or low pressure and leaking conditions has indicated a high number of no trouble found results. All 1997-2010 vehicles and light trucks; 2010 and prior hummers H2/H3 and saab 9-7X vehicles.
- 10026704GMC: fuel gauge fluctuation in park or neutral, causing the low fuel light to illuminate.
- 10026586Buick\cadillac\chevrolet\gmc\hummer\oldsmobile\pontiac\saab\saturn service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Special coverage adjustment-analog onstar deactivation. Fcc ruled in 2002 wireless carriers would no longer re required to support analog wireless network starting in 2008. Csc letter was received. Updated 12/1/08.
- 10020462Clunk noise felt through the floor pan.
- 10018585Fuel and temperature gauge inoperative, low fuel and battery light on, prndl inoperative.
- 10016473Water leak in front floor carpet area. Gm tech link.
- 100148094WD inoperative and diagnostic trouble code (dtc) u1026 atc fuse open.
- 100135724WD models with noise, vibration on dry pavement.
- 10011080Power seat inoperative fore/aft after being moved all the way rearward.
- 10010270Heat coming from vents with hvac off.
- 10010053Instrument cluster prndl inoperative and or battery light on.
- 10009647Driver information center (dic) stays in bulb check.
- 10009382Fuel gauge fluctuation in park or neutral.
- 10007905Daytime running lamps (drls) turn off temporarily while the turn signals are activated.
- 100072374L60e, 4l65e forward and low reverse waved steel clutch plate appearance change.
- 10006961Pop snap noise in the front suspension when braking.
- 10006115Rear parking brake shoe retaining spring clip service kit for drum-in-hat (dih) equipped vehicles. Update.
- 100055664L60-e automatic transmission oil pump first and second design identification.
- 10004371Rattle noise in engine.
- 10004354Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) IS on; the transmission IS stuck in third gear; and / or the instrument cluster IS inoperative.
Every GMC Jimmy model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.