1999 GMC Jimmy problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 202 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 40.4 times the median Jimmy year — the 1999 model ranks #8 of 33 Jimmy years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (34), transmission (24), and brakes (21), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
202
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
18
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
13
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1999 compare to other Jimmy years?
What are the most common 1999 GMC Jimmy problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 34 | 17% | — flat |
| Transmission | 24 | 12% | — flat |
| Brakes | 21 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 17 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 15 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 14 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 13 | 6% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 12 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 11 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 10 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 8 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 5 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH DRIVER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. THEN NOTICED THAT BOTH FRONTAL WHEEL HUBS FELL OFF THE WHEEL. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HUBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED THEM.. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK THE…”
“1999 GMC JIMMY. TRANSMISSION ISSUES. NEW TRANNY NEEDS TO BE REBUILT BY 80,000 MILES. SEATS AND STRUCTURE OF HANDLES BREAK EASILY AND LAST FOR MAYBE 35,000, NEW HUBS REQUIRED BY 40,000, BAIL JOINTS FAIL WITHOUT WARNING CREATING SERIOUS ROAD HAZARDS, ALTERNATOR FAILURE, UJOINT FAILURE. ALL PARTS…”
“PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE IS INTERMITTENT MALFUNCTION OF ABS SYSTEM. WHEN MAKING EMERGENCY STOPS, BRAKES GIVE WAY AND INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS HAPPENS AT LOW SPEEDS MAINLY AND HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES IN PAST RECALLS THAT DO NOT COVER MY YEAR. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE CONDITIONS,AND…”
“WHEN UNDER ONE QUARTER (1/4) OF A TANK OF FUEL THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHILE DECELERATING (READ: HARD BRAKING, BRAKING BEFORE A TURN) WITHOUT WARNING, DISABLING ALL POWERED CONTROLS INCLUDING POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKING. ISSUE WOULD OCCASIONALLY RESOLVE ITSELF AND THEN COME BACK AT RANDOM…”
“WHEN I TRY TO START THE VEHICLE IN COLD WEATHER, IT HAS A VERY HARD TIME STARTING AND WHEN IT FINALLY FIRES UP, THE STEREO RESETS THE TIME, AND AUTOMATIC TONE FEATURE, BUT THE PRESETS ARE STILL IN TACT. PLEASE SUPPLY MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE CAUSE AND SOLUTION.*AK”
1999 GMC Jimmy — common questions
Is the 1999 GMC Jimmy reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 202 complaints put the 1999 model at #8 of 33 Jimmy years. It is one of the Jimmy years to avoid.
What are the most common 1999 Jimmy problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (34 complaints), transmission (24 complaints), brakes (21 complaints).
Does the 1999 GMC Jimmy have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 GMC Jimmy.
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.