1998 GMC JIMMY — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

355

Owner Complaints

26 Crashes 5 Fires

2

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

1

Service Bulletin

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1998 GMC JIMMY

The 1998 GMC JIMMY has received a total of 355 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. 1 technical service bulletin have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher (31 complaints), Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor (25 complaints), and Power Trainautomatic Transmission (17 complaints).

Recalls for the 1998 GMC JIMMY

NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 1998 GMC JIMMY, potentially affecting up to 19,788 vehicles.

Recall 98V053000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

| 72 vehicles affected

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.

View full details →

Recall 97V218000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

| 19,716 vehicles affected

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...

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.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 1998 GMC JIMMY

355 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 GMC JIMMY. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 31 1 Crash
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 25
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 17 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 15 1 Crash
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 11 11 Crashes 1 Fire 11 Injuries
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 11
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 11 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical System
Complaints: 10 1 Fire 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 9 1 Crash 2 Fires 1 Injury
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 9
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherswitchwiring
Complaints: 9
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 7
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 7
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 7
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 6
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 6
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 6
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 6
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 5
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint
Complaints: 5
Air Bags
Complaints: 4 4 Crashes 3 Injuries
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 4
Steering
Complaints: 4
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Suspension
Complaints: 4
Tires
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 4
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 3
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 3
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines
Complaints: 3
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 3
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 2
Parking Brakeconventional
Complaints: 2
Power Train
Complaints: 2
Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 2
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 2
Steeringlinkagesarmidler And Attachment
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 2
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 2
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasher
Complaints: 2
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemhoseslinespipingfittings
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipmentrecreational Vehicletrailer
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightinghazard Flashing Warning Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightinghazard Flashing Warning Lightsunit
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsconcealment Devices
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1 1 Fire 1 Injury
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshatchbackliftgatelock
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelineuniversal Joint
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilockwheel Speed Sensor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 1
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytailgate
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherlinkages
Complaints: 1
Wheelshub
Complaints: 1
Wheelshubcapcover
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#10861420 | SUSPENSION | | 10 miles
AFTER GETTING AN OIL CHANGE I WAS INFORMED OF A LEAK IN MY OIL PAN, AS I GOT HOME THE NEXT MORNING I NOTICED THAT MY CAR LEAKED OUT ALL THE OIL IN THE CAR RESULTING FROM A FAULT O-RING SEAL, ALSO NOW HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE SUSPENSION AS MY IDLER ARM IS ABOUT TO SNAP AT ANY MOMENT RESULTING IN THE LOSE OF STEERING FOR THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC BEFORE I PURCHASED IT AND ONLY ONE BUSHING WAS REPLACED INSTEAD OF ALL OF THEM AT THE SAME TIME, ALSO THE MECHANIC IMPROPERLY REPLACED THE FRONT SHOCKS AS INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE GREASE BEARINGS THE MECHANIC USED BOLTS TO ASSEMBLE AND HOLD THEM IN PLACE RESULTING IN AN ANNOYING SQEAK IN THE FRONT END OF THE CAR SINCE THE SHOCKS CANT BE PROPERLY GREASED AS THERE ARE NOT GREASE FITTINGS.
#10861420 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | 10 miles
AFTER GETTING AN OIL CHANGE I WAS INFORMED OF A LEAK IN MY OIL PAN, AS I GOT HOME THE NEXT MORNING I NOTICED THAT MY CAR LEAKED OUT ALL THE OIL IN THE CAR RESULTING FROM A FAULT O-RING SEAL, ALSO NOW HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE SUSPENSION AS MY IDLER ARM IS ABOUT TO SNAP AT ANY MOMENT RESULTING IN THE LOSE OF STEERING FOR THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC BEFORE I PURCHASED IT AND ONLY ONE BUSHING WAS REPLACED INSTEAD OF ALL OF THEM AT THE SAME TIME, ALSO THE MECHANIC IMPROPERLY REPLACED THE FRONT SHOCKS AS INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE GREASE BEARINGS THE MECHANIC USED BOLTS TO ASSEMBLE AND HOLD THEM IN PLACE RESULTING IN AN ANNOYING SQEAK IN THE FRONT END OF THE CAR SINCE THE SHOCKS CANT BE PROPERLY GREASED AS THERE ARE NOT GREASE FITTINGS.
#10569220 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 18,000 miles
THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND LEFT THE PARKING LOT, STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, PROCEEDED INTO THE ROADWAY AND ENGINE DIED. EVERYTHING WENT OFF - ALL POWER ALL ELECTRICAL. I HAD JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE SECOND HAND AND THE OWNER TOLD ME LATER THAT SHE HAD BATTERY PROBLEMS, BUT SHE PUT IN A NEW BATTERY. THE DEALER COULD NOT FIX IT. MY HUSBAND FIGURED IT WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. I KEPT THE CAR FOR TWELVE YEARS AND HAD TO CHANGE IT TWICE, PLUS THE INITIAL REPAIR WAS WARRANTIED. WHEN IT FIRST OCCURRED IN 2000 I LOOKED FOR A RECALL, BUT THERE WAS NONE. I REMEMBER THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD A VERY LARGE KEYCHAIN, AND WE DID FIGURE OUT ON OUR OWN TO CARRY A SINGLE KEY, BUT AFTER ABOUT 5-6 YEARS YOU STILL NEED TO CHANGE THE IGNITION, YOU CAN TELL CAUSE THE ELECTRONICS START GOING WACKY IN THE VEHICLE. THEN IT WON'T START, LIKE YOU THINK ITS THE BATTERY. IT IS SAD THAT PEOPLE DIED FROM THIS AND THAT GMC CANNOT ADMIT THAT THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON, I KNOW SINCE 1998. I NOW KNOW WHY I GOT SUCH A GOOD DEAL ON THE VEHICLE, THAT PERSON COULD HAVE KILLED ME, BY NOT TELLING ME THE TRUTH! *TR
#10418301 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 150,000 miles
I HAVE A GMC JIMMY THAT IS EXPERIENCING MULTIPLE DASHBOARD FAILURES. WHEN I FILL THE GAS TANK THE GAUGE GOES TO EMPTY, THEN WHEN I DRIVE A WHILE IT GOES TO FULL AND THEN BACK TO EMPTY. I NEVER HAVE A PARTIALLY FULL READING. ALSO THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES OFF AND ON. MY OIL PRESSURE GAUGE REVES UP AND DOWN LIKE I AM OUT OF OIL. I PULL OFF THE ROAD AND CHECK AND THE OIL IS FINE. I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS. I TOOK IT TO THE GM DEALER AND THEY WANT MORE THAN I CAN AFFORD JUST TO LOOK AT IT AND CAN'T GUARANTEE ANYTHING. I DID PAY $85 TO PUT IT ON THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTER BUT THIS NEVER SHOWED UP. PLEASE HELP! *TR
#10410504 | TIRES | | 105,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC JIMMY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH THE SPARE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE HOIST THAT HELD THE SPARE TIRE IN PLACE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED AND CAUSED THE SPARE TIRE TO DISENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING; HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS CALLED AND STATED THE SPARE TIRE HOIST WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

View all Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1998 GMC JIMMY

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1998 GMC JIMMY in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1998 GMC JIMMY

General Motors, LLC has issued 1 technical service bulletin (TSBs) for the 1998 GMC JIMMY. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

9800598 — STEERING:LINKAGES:ARM:IDLER AND ATTACHMENT

CONDITION WITH STEERING LINKAGE IDLER ARM ATTACHING NUT UNDERTORQUED. *YC

NHTSA Investigations for the 1998 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