VehicleVerdict

1989 GMC Jimmy problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 1989 GMC Jimmy — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

17

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

4

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Jimmy years?

Jimmy NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted713 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 5 complaints1985: 6 complaints1986: 3 complaints1987: 6 complaints1988: 15 complaints1989: 17 complaints1990: 15 complaints1991: 139 complaints1992: 134 complaints1993: 263 complaints1994: 424 complaints1995: 713 complaints1996: 605 complaints1997: 421 complaints1998: 355 complaints1999: 202 complaints2000: 307 complaints2001: 141 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 3 complaints
Jimmy NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Jimmy years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 GMC Jimmy problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes635%
Seat Belts424%
Electrical System212%
Suspension16%
Transmission16%
Visibility & Wipers16%
Fuel System16%
Steering16%

Does the 1989 GMC Jimmy have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

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 SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE TRAVELING FROM GRAVEL TO SMOOTH ROAD, AND AFTER BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THEY WOULD LOCK UP & REAR BRAKES WOULD NOT ACTIVATE. ABS BRAKING PROBLEM GETTING WORSE AS VEHICLE GETS OLDER. WILL BE TAKING TO MECHANIC TO CHECK OUT PROBLEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 18, 1995

“THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER HARNESS GAVE OUT IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH CAUSED HER TO HIT HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL.*AK CONSUMER STATES DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD WHEN BRAKING AT 20-25 MPH ALLOWING DRIVER TO STEERING WHEEL CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ADVISED BY CONTRACTOR FOR GM THAT IS HOW THE SEAT BELT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 21, 1996 · crash

“IF IT WEREN'T FOR OUR 11-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER NOTICING SHE COULD SEE SMOKE IN THE BACK WINDOW, ALL SEVEN (7) OF US WOULD NOT HAVE SURVIVED THIS FIRE. WE HAD TIME TO STOP (THANKS TO HER), CRAWL OUT AND RUN. THERE WAS TRANSMISSION OIL ON THE ROAD FOR ABOUT 60 FEET LEADING UP TO WHERE THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 8, 1999 · fire

1989 GMC Jimmy — common questions

Is the 1989 GMC Jimmy reliable?

The record is thin — 17 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1989 Jimmy problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (6 complaints), seat belts (4 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 1989 GMC Jimmy have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 GMC Jimmy. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 GMC Jimmy under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which GMC Jimmy years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Jimmy years to avoid are 1995, 1996, 1994, 1997, 1998, 2000, 1993, 1999, 2001, 1991, 1992. The cleanest record among Jimmy years belongs to 2002.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.