1998 GMC Jimmy problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 355 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 71.0 times the median Jimmy year — the 1998 model ranks #5 of 33 Jimmy years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 20 injuries in total across these filings.

Visibility & Wipers leads the complaint categories with 89 reports (25% of the total).

355

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Jimmy years?

Jimmy NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Jimmy years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 GMC Jimmy problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Visibility & Wipers	89	25%	▲ up
Electrical System	44	12%	▲ up
Brakes	32	9%	▼ down
Suspension	32	9%	▼ down
Transmission	30	8%	— flat
Engine	28	8%	▼ down
Steering	17	5%	— flat
Airbags	15	4%	— flat
Lighting	12	3%	▼ down
Seats	11	3%	▲ up
Other	10	3%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	8	2%	▼ down
Fuel System	6	2%	▼ down
Speed Control	6	2%	— flat
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	5	1%	▲ up
Body & Structure	5	1%	▼ down
Latches & Locks	3	1%	▲ up
Seat Belts	2	1%	▼ down

Does the 1998 GMC Jimmy have recalls?

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

98V053000SuspensionMarch 9, 1998 · 72 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

97V218000BrakesNovember 24, 1997 · 19,716 units

Defect

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, AND THERE WOULD BE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DT: THE FRONT AND REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY WORK. THIS WAS OVER A PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS AND LATER STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER. CONSUMER DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT PROPERLY AFTER…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 6, 2004 · crash

“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…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 5, 2009 · fire

“VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM THE VEHICLE NOW EXHIBITS UNEVEN TIRE WEAR AND A POPPING NOISE FROM FRONT RIGHT SUSPENSION. ALSO, AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE AIR CONDITIONING PROBLEM, IT CONTINUES TO COOL THE INTERIOR DOWN WELL BELOW SELECTED…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 17, 1998

“WHEN APPLED THE ABS BRAKES ON WET PAVEMENT THE SYSTEM LOCKED UP, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING OVER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“DT: THE FRONT AND REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY WORK. THIS WAS OVER A PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS AND LATER STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER. CONSUMER DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT PROPERLY AFTER…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 6, 2004 · crash

1998 GMC Jimmy — common questions

Is the 1998 GMC Jimmy reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 355 complaints put the 1998 model at #5 of 33 Jimmy years. It is one of the Jimmy years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Jimmy problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (89 complaints), electrical system (44 complaints), suspension (32 complaints).

Does the 1998 GMC Jimmy have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 GMC Jimmy. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1998 compare to other Jimmy years?

What are the most common 1998 GMC Jimmy problems?

Does the 1998 GMC Jimmy have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1998 GMC Jimmy — common questions

Is the 1998 GMC Jimmy reliable?

What are the most common 1998 Jimmy problems?

Does the 1998 GMC Jimmy have recalls?

Which GMC Jimmy years should you avoid?

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