1997 GMC JIMMY — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

421

Owner Complaints

36 Crashes 8 Fires 1 Death

5

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

6

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1997 GMC JIMMY

The 1997 GMC JIMMY has received a total of 421 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT. 6 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip (38 complaints), Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint (29 complaints), and Power Trainautomatic Transmission (22 complaints).

Recalls for the 1997 GMC JIMMY

NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 1997 GMC JIMMY, potentially affecting up to 1,454,544 vehicles.

Recall 03V117000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

| 312,715 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINS AN ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP. SUSTAINED LOADS OF SUFFICIENT MAGNITUDE AND DURATION ON THE BELT IN SEVERE CRASHES COULD FULLY DEPLOY THE BUCKLE ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP, INTRODUCING A TOTAL OF 10 ADDITIONAL INCHES OF WEBBING INTO THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM. THE FREE FALLING LATCH PLATE USED IN THIS...

Consequence: IF THE ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP FULLY DEPLOYS IN A SEVERE MULTIPLE ROLLOVER CRASH, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A BELTED DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE PARTIAL OR EVEN COMPLETE EJECTION FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENERGY-ABSORBING SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WITH ONE THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND...

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Recall 03V093000 — VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

| 507,171 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS, AND PICKUP TRUCKS MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH.

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN, IT COULD RESULT IN AN INOPERATIVE SWITCH, HEAT DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER'S DOOR, AND/OR IGNITION OF COMPONENTS IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND A SUBSEQUENT VEHICLE FIRE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS TO THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE...

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Recall 01I018000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

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: 1996-1997 4-WHEEL DRIVE CHEVROLET BLAZER, GMC JIMMY, AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OWNERS HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS THAT HAVE SEPARATED. GM IS PROVIDING A SPECIAL POLICY...

Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: GM HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON AFFECTED VEHICLES. THIS SPECIAL POLICY IS FOR A PERIOD OF 8 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST, FROM THE DATE THE VHEICLE WAS...

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Recall 01V200000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

| 48,600 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. FAILURE OF AN UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY COULD OCCUR DUE TO...

Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN IMPAIRED STEERING OR STEERING LOSS, OR A PARTIAL OR COMPLETE COLLAPSE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 4, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD...

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Recall 97V096001 — SEAT BELTS

| 586,058 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 60/40 FRONT BENCH SEATS AND EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND 2-DOOR UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL LOCKING RECLINER BUCKET SEATS. THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE DRIVER'S AND/OR PASSENGER'S SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT.

Consequence: IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THERE WERE SECONDARY CRASH EVENTS OR VEHICLE ROLLOVER, THERE WOULD BE NO BELT RESTRAINT OF THE OCCUPANT AND INCREASED INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.

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Owner Complaints for the 1997 GMC JIMMY

421 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 GMC JIMMY. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 38 6 Crashes 7 Injuries
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint
Complaints: 29 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 22 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 19 1 Crash
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 12
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 11 1 Crash 2 Fires 1 Injury
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 11
Electrical System
Complaints: 10 1 Fire
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 9 8 Crashes 1 Fire 10 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 9
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 7 1 Crash 4 Injuries
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 7 1 Crash
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 6
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 6
Air Bags
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 5 Injuries
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 5 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 5
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 5
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 5
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 5
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 5
Suspension
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 4
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Injury
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 3
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 4 Injuries
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 3
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 3
Seat Belts
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 3
Steering
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury 1 Death
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Steeringlinkagesarmidler And Attachment
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Tires
Complaints: 3
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
Complaints: 3
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 3
Wheels
Complaints: 3
Air Bagsfrontaldriver Sideinflator Module
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemhoseslinespipingfittings
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 2
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 2
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systeminjectors
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Otherdeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 2
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 2
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
Complaints: 2
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 2
Power Traindrivelineuniversal Joint
Complaints: 2
Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive
Complaints: 2 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Seats
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuum
Complaints: 2
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion
Complaints: 2
Steeringgear Boxshaft Pitman
Complaints: 2
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Arm
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Visibility
Complaints: 2
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 2
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Equipment
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Fire 4 Injuries
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectrical
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshatchbackliftgatelock
Complaints: 1
Power Train
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 1
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 1
Steeringgear Boxshaft Sector
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Structure
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytailgate
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringstorsion Bar
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Suspensionmultiple Axle
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Trailer Hitches
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11019823 | SEAT BELTS | | N/A miles
NHTSA RECALL#03V117 REGARDING POSSIBLE SEATBELT FAILURE AND WE NOTIFIED OUR LOCAL GMC DEALER BUT THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED.WE ARE CONCERNED OF A POSSIBLE CATASTROPHE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.
#10621744 | STEERING | | 210,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 GMC JIMMY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE STEERING WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000.
#10621744 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | 210,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 GMC JIMMY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE STEERING WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000.
#10621744 | SUSPENSION | | 210,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 GMC JIMMY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE STEERING WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000.
#10615619 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH | | 180,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 GMC JIMMY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND RESTARTED AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

View all Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1997 GMC JIMMY

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 GMC JIMMY in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 GMC JIMMY

General Motors, LLC has issued 6 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1997 GMC JIMMY. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

01341A — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

SUPPLEMENT TOOL - DRIVERS SAFETY BELT BUCKLE 03020. *TT

990602012D — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

SUBJECT REGARDING RUST IN COOLING SYSTEM, HEATER INOPERATIVE, BLOWS COLD AIR, ENGINE OVERHEATS (FLUSH COOLING SYSTEM). NLM

01049 — SUSPENSION:FRONT

SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT FOR FOUR-WHEEL AND ALL-WHEEL UTILITY VEHICLES THAT MAY HAVE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS THAT SEPARATE AT A LOWER MILEAGE THAN EXPECTED BY CUSTOMERS. *TT

98051 — INTERIOR LIGHTING

VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUNROOF BUILT WITHIN CERTAIN VIN BREAKPOINTS MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT REAR SEAT LIGHTING. *TT

776512 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

ENGINE ROUGH, MISS, AND OXYGEN SENSOR DTC'S (REPLACE OXYGEN SENSOR JUMPER HARNESS). *TW

569603A — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE IN MOBILE (TWO-WAY) RADIO (REPROGRAM VCM-A). *TW

NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 GMC JIMMY

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the GMC JIMMY

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Other GMC Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report