VehicleVerdict

1991 GMC Jimmy problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 139 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 27.8 times the median Jimmy year — the 1991 model ranks #10 of 33 Jimmy years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 22 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 63% of all reports (88 of 139), far ahead of seat belts at 19.

139

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

6

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

22

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Jimmy years?

Jimmy NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 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, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Jimmy years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 GMC Jimmy problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes8863%
Seat Belts1914%
Electrical System96%
Transmission43%
Suspension32%
Speed Control32%
Steering32%
Engine21%
Other21%
Seats21%
Body & Structure11%
Fuel System11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Lighting11%

Does the 1991 GMC Jimmy have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

99V193000BrakesJuly 19, 1999 · 1,125,749 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1989 THROUGH AUGUST 1996. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THE SWITCH WHICH SIGNALS THE ABS SYSTEM WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS IN 2-WHEEL OR 4-WHEEL DRIVE CAN MALFUNCTION CAUSING INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING ABS STOPS WHILE IN THE TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODE.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURRED AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE OR REPAIR THE 4-WHEEL/2-WHEEL DRIVE SWITCH.

96V142000Seat BeltsJuly 31, 1996 · 97,351 units

Defect

THESE VEHICLES EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH A REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTON CAN STICK IN THE UNLATCHED (DOWN) POSITION UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS BECAUSE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAN MOVE INSIDE THE SEAT BELT COVER. IF THE COVER MOVES FAR ENOUGH, IT CAN CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION WITH THE LATCH RELEASE BUTTON. WHEN IT DOES, THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE CANNOT BE LATCHED.

Consequence

THE REAR BELTS MAY NOT HOLD AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT INCREASING THE RISK OF PESONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THREE REAR-SEAT BELT BUCKLES (ONE ASSEMBLY) WITH A NEW, REVISED DESIGN.

91V108000Fuel SystemJune 21, 1991 · 102,885 units

Defect

VEHICLES HAVE BEEN SHIPPED WITH THE FUEL TANK SENDER SEAL OUT OF POSITION.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF ROLLOVER ACCIDENT, AN OUT OF POSTIONSEAL COULD ALLOW FUEL SPILLAGE IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT PRESCRIBED BY FMVSS 301.SPILLED FUEL COULD IGNITE NEAR AN IGNITION SOURCE.

Remedy

REPLACE SENDER SEALS.

90V107000Visibility & WipersJune 4, 1990 · 181 units

Defect

USE OF IMPROPER PRIMER ON METAL SURFACES OF WINDSHIELD AND SIDE WINDOW OPENINGS COULD CAUSE LOW ADHESION TO THE METAL SURFACE AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE RETENTION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212.

Consequence

WINDSHIELD AND SIDE WINDOW GLASS WOULD NOT PREVENT THEEJECTION OF VEHICLE OCCUPANTS DURING A VEHICLE CRASH, WHICH CAUSES SERIOUSINJURIES AND FATALITIES.

Remedy

REMOVE AND REINSTALL GLASS USING PROPER PRIMER.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ABS BRAKE PROBLEMS; WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES ON REGULAR ROAD CONDITIONS DURING NORMAL BRAKING, THE PEDAL WOULD TRAVEL ALMOST TO THE FLOORBROAD, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ON MARCH 5, 1998, WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 10-15 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END CRASH WHEN APPLYING THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 4, 1997 · crash

“DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S LAP/SHOULDER BELT WILL NOT RETRACT, STUCK IN GUIDE LOOP. *AK CONSUMER STATES PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT IS BROKEN IT IS BEYOND REPAIR, DRIVER'S SIDE IS STARTING TO DO THE SAME THING, SOMETIMES CONSUMER HAVE TO PULL BELT MANY TIMES TO ENABLE IT TO PULL OUT FOR USE.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · April 1, 1996

“ELECTRIC HYDRAULIC UNIT KEEPS FAILING, CAUSING ABS LIGHT TO STAY ON. CONSUMER HAS REPLACED THE SAME EXACT PART 3 TIMES. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 2, 1994

“POWERTRAIN HAS A DISTINCT "DRAG" CAUSING EXCESSIVE FUEL CONSUMPTION AND SAFETY CONCERN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS. DURING DECELLERATIO, DRAG EFFECT ON SNOW OR ICE CAN CAUSE VEHICLE TO SLIDE FROM REAR RESISTANCE. NO DIRECT POINT OF DRAG HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 30, 1998

1991 GMC Jimmy — common questions

Is the 1991 GMC Jimmy reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 139 complaints put the 1991 model at #10 of 33 Jimmy years. It is one of the Jimmy years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 Jimmy problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (88 complaints), seat belts (19 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints).

Does the 1991 GMC Jimmy have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 GMC Jimmy. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 GMC Jimmy under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 6 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.