VehicleVerdict

1994 GMC Jimmy problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 424 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 84.8 times the median Jimmy year — the 1994 model ranks #3 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 44 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 69% of all reports (294 of 424), far ahead of engine at 34.

424

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

65

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

44

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other Jimmy years?

Jimmy NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 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, 1994 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Jimmy years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 GMC Jimmy problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes29469%
Engine348%
Seat Belts123%
Fuel System123%
Transmission123%
Speed Control92%
Electrical System92%
Visibility & Wipers82%
Suspension72%
Other61%
Steering51%
Seats41%
Tires & Wheels41%
Latches & Locks31%
Body & Structure31%
Child Seat10%
Lighting10%

Does the 1994 GMC Jimmy have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E041000Fuel SystemMay 18, 2006 · 7,800 units

Defect

CERTAIN R&B, INC. CENTRAL MULTIPORT FUEL INJECTION (CMFI) FUEL RETURN LINES, MODELS HELP 55163, NAPA BALKAMP 700-3270, AND THE CONNECTION 2560001, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL RETURN LINE HAS A MECHANICAL BLEED VALVE WHICH WAS NOT INSTALLED AT THE PROPER TORQUE.

Consequence

A FUEL LEAK CAN OCCUR AT THE VALVE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

R&B, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AT THE CUSTOMERS REQUEST, EITHER REPLACE THE FUEL LINE OR OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT R&B, INC. AT 215-712-5330.

99I006000BrakesJuly 19, 1999 · 2,400,000 units

Defect

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: CERTAIN LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OR MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH 3-SENSOR ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) EBC4 UNITS.

Consequence

THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING ABS STOPS ON CERTAIN MULTIPLE SURFACES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE COMPUTER PROGRAM WHICH OPERATES THE ABS UNIT ON SOME VEHICLES, OR REPLACE THE COMPUTER ON OTHERS TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ABS ON THESE SURFACES.

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.

94V114000Trailer HitchJune 20, 1994 · 740 units

Defect

THE TRAILER HITCH ATTACHING BOLTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE. THIS CAN LEAD TO LOOSENING AND SUBSEQUENT BREAKAGE OF THE FASTENERS.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE TRAILER WAS BEING PULLED, THE HITCH AND TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL TORQUE ALL EIGHT TRAILER HITCH BOLTS TO THE CORRECT TORQUE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“REQUEST FOR NHTSA TO EXAMINE GMC JIMMY ABS PROBLEMS.*MR CONSUMER WAS HAVING BRAKE PROBLEMS PRIOR TO RECALL WORK BEING PERFORMED. AFTER THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE, THE PROBLEMS CONTINUED. CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE. SHE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF GM IS STILL LIABLE FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT AND DIE WITHOUT WARNING WHEN SLOWING DOWN. IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT EGR VALVUE IS DEFECTIVE. *AK CONSUMER ALSO STATES BRAKES FAIL THEY BECOME VERY HARD TO STOP AND CONTROL VEHICLE. THE ENGINE SURGES, CHECH ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR STOPPING,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 16, 2001

“REAR SEAT BELTS TWISTED IN THE BUCKLE, CAUSING THEM TO MALFUNCTION. ALSO, REAR HATCHBACK RELEASED ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING; AND ABS BRAKES FAILED, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · April 25, 1997 · crash

“I WAS IN A ACCIDENT WITH MY 1994 GMC JIMMY . IT JUST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE AND I AM HERE TO SAY THAT I WAS SCARED TO DEATH AND I AM NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED BUT I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR FOUR DAYS. SO CAN YOU PLEASE ADVISE ME ON WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT IT? ACCIDENT DATE IS MARCH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 13, 2016 · crash · fire

“94 S15 JIMMY IS NOT SWITCHING OUT OF 3RD GEAR ONLY GETS UP TO 40-45 MPH. I'VE TRIED MANURAL GEAR SWITCHING NO LUCK. WAS TOLD IT COULD BE GEAR OIL LOW. IM GONNA CHANGE TRANNY FILTER AND FLUIDS AND HOPFULLY SOME LUCK . IF ANY INFO ON THIS PLZ REPLY. JUST BOUGHT TRUCK AND WAS TOLD IT JUST STOPPED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 3, 2010

1994 GMC Jimmy — common questions

Is the 1994 GMC Jimmy reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 424 complaints put the 1994 model at #3 of 33 Jimmy years. It is one of the Jimmy years to avoid.

What are the most common 1994 Jimmy problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (294 complaints), engine (34 complaints), seat belts (12 complaints).

Does the 1994 GMC Jimmy have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1994 GMC Jimmy. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1994 GMC Jimmy under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 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.