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GMC JimmyModel year report

1997 GMC Jimmy Problems

Complaints
274filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
75,000miles, 57 complaints with mileage
Recalls
4campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
19 mpgcombined, 4.3L 6-cyl RWD · 16 city / 23 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 GMC Jimmy (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Complaints on this model year cluster around a few recurring themes: windshields wipers that run intermittently or quit, front suspension ball joints that wear or separate, and brakes where the pedal travels to the floor or the ABS engages unexpectedly. Many reports come in between roughly 50,000 and 120,000 miles, and many owners note that their vehicle identification number was not covered by the related campaigns.

  1. Suspension

    Front upper ball joint wear or separation

    • 43 complaints (16%)
    • median 76,500 mi at 7.2 yrs old (14 state mileage)
    • 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 1999–2008

    Owners report squeaking or clunking from the front end, loose or wandering steering, and vehicles pulling to one side; in some cases the upper ball joint separated while driving. Several say the dealer or an independent shop replaced upper and lower ball joints, and a number note that their vehicle was not covered by the front control arm ball joint campaign despite what they describe as the same failure. Reported from about 40,000 miles upward, with many between 50,000 and 100,000 miles.

    Recall 01V200000

    What to check: Have a shop check the front ball joints for play and torn boots before purchase, and ask whether they have been replaced and when.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have had to replace 1 upper ball joint and two lower ones , I was told my VIN number did not match for the recall listed on your site. I have also had to replace both of my oil cooling lines that started leaking badly, this is part of the towing package offered by Gmc.”

    NHTSA complaint #10023025, filed 2003-06, 75,000 miles

    “Experienced left upper ball joint separation (failure) while moving resulting in loss of control, damage, disablement. Failure is identical to that described in NHTSA recall # 01v200000, and, also GM bulletin 01048a. However, vehicle VIN # is not within the breakpoints specified by 01048a bulletin and manufacturer refuses to correct.”

    NHTSA complaint #10018430, filed 2003-05, 103,699 miles
  2. Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)

    Windshield wipers stop, run intermittently, or won't shut

    • 37 complaints (14%)
    • median 63,600 mi at 7.8 yrs old (10 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 1998–2009

    Owners describe wipers that quit in rain, start and stop on their own, or keep running after being switched off, sometimes leaving drivers unable to see and pulling over. Several mention the wiper motor or a cracked solder joint in the controller circuit board, and one report describes a manufacturer notice about the wiper motor assembly. Some owners say the repair was done at their own cost, and some report the rear wiper motor or rear window latch failing in a similar way. Mostly reported between about 40,000 and 90,000 miles, often in rain or snow when the wipers are needed.

    What to check: Cycle the wipers through all speeds, the delay setting, and off, and check the rear wiper and rear window release. Ask whether the wiper motor or control board has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Windshield wipers failed to work on my 1997 Gmc Jimmy while my wife was driving home from work in a rainstorm. She had to pull off to the side of the road immediately into someones driveway and pull on the wiper arms to get them to start working.”

    NHTSA complaint #10080580, filed 2004-07, 67,200 miles

    “The truck I have is 1997 Gmc Jimmy 4x4 slt model I purchased the truck in 2000 knowing it was a pre owned vehicle for the first two years the vehicle was nice but the next two years I have have had nothing but troubles so far with this vehicle I have replaced 1) ignition switch that costed 700.oo 2) pulley 3) alternator 4) heater core 5) compressor for A/C is gone havent replaced 6) fuel pump is gone havent replaced 7)winshield wipers work when they want to usual on clear days but when its storming they dont work which has resulted in me …”

    NHTSA complaint #10102287, filed 2004-12
  3. Brakes

    Brake pedal goes to the floor or ABS engages unexpectedly

    • 49 complaints (18%)
    • median 116,000 mi at 8.9 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
    • 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 1997–2005

    Owners describe the brake pedal sinking to the floor with a long stopping distance, the ABS engaging on wet, gravel, or bumpy surfaces, and the vehicle pulling to one side. Some report repeated dealer visits and replacement of major brake parts without the problem going away, and one describes all four wheels locking on a wet road. Others mention short brake pad and rotor life. Reported across a wide mileage range, from low mileage up past 100,000 miles, often on wet or slippery roads.

    What to check: Test the brakes on a wet or loose surface if possible, check for a firm pedal and an ABS light that stays off, and ask for service records on the ABS sensors and hydraulic system.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was involved in a crash in june. A vehicle stopped in front of me and I struck the rear of that vehicle. The road was wet from rain. My brakes, all four wheels, locked up and I slid into that vehicle. No injuries. Property damage probably $4,000. Total brake lockup. Had anti lock brakes worked properly I believe I would have plenty of room to stop and avoid crash.”

    NHTSA complaint #10134863, filed 2005-08, 181,000 miles

    “I have had to replace the brakes on my 1997 Gmc Jimmy twice in 25,000 miles. My daughter and son-in-law also have GM products (trailblazer and truck) and have had premature brake wear and freeze-up.”

    NHTSA complaint #10091064, filed 2004-09
  4. Fuel system

    Fuel gauge reads wrong and fuel pump failure

    • 16 complaints (6%)
    • median 70,000 mi at 8.0 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $600 (median of 5 quotes)
    • filed 1998–2008

    Owners report the fuel gauge showing half or full when the tank is nearly empty, or reading higher as fuel runs low, leaving them unsure how much fuel remains. Others describe fuel pump replacement, sometimes more than once, and one report notes vapor lock problems after the tank sensor was replaced. Mostly reported between roughly 45,000 and 120,000 miles.

    What to check: Note the gauge reading against a fill-up and ask whether the fuel level sensor or fuel pump has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Fuel gauge would read full or half full even though tank would be empty. I set my trip mileage for more than a year and would put more gas in about every 300 miles. Dealer charged me $400 to remove the tank and replace a sensor that sits on top of the tank. Had vapor lock problems a few days after that.”

    NHTSA complaint #10018354, filed 2003-05, 70,000 miles

    “My gas gauge is not working properly. I was informed today a sensor was needed at a cost of $536.70 for one part. The total cost for installation will be $762.00 + tax. I only have 46,815 miles on this vehicle. I feel this is an excessive amount for a part. With less than 50,000 miles on my Jimmy, this gas guage should not have failed so soon. Curious to know if other Gmc products are having the same problem. I know of one other Gmc vehicle with the same problem. …”

    NHTSA complaint #749029, filed 2001-07

Buying note. Check the wipers, front ball joints, brakes, and transmission behavior on a test drive, and ask for records showing what has already been replaced. Because several complaints note the vehicle was outside a related campaign by identification number, confirm which campaigns were completed for the specific vehicle.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 274 consumer complaints for the 1997 GMC Jimmy. 57 of the complaints include a mileage, and 12% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 75,000 miles. Of all complaints, 23 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 26 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 20 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Body and structure (11), Vehicle speed control (8), Equipment (7), Seat belts (6), Tires (5), Wheels (5), Other or unknown (4), Interior lighting (3), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Seats (2).

Example complaints

Brakes: “Dt:the contact stated the upper and lower ball joints on both sides broke while driving in a parking lot. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership, where the ball joints and the anti lock brake sensors were replaced. Contacted the manufacturer, there were NHTSA recalls 01i018000 and 01v200000, but this vehicle was not included in the recalls due to VIN. In addition, this vehicle experienced several other problems as well. The left door broke off while in the driveway, the male joint of the door broke when shutting the door. Also, the transmission and anti lock brakes were replaced. …”

NHTSA complaint #10141716, filed 2005-11, 51,000 miles

Suspension: “1997 Gmc Jimmy battery drain. After vehicle sits for a couple hours it will not start. Has new (not rebuilt) alternator, starter, battery. Still won't start most of the time. Battery drains completely if vehicle sits overnight. As soon as I jump the vehicle, it starts immediately. Nothing I do will help.vehicle has done this for8years and I can't fix it so I don't even put license it anymore. I can't sell it because nobody wants a broke down car. It still looks and drives great. I would like GM to fix it. …”

NHTSA complaint #10269780, filed 2009-05, 75,000 miles

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Electric outside review mirror switch shorted out on my 1997 Gmc Jimmy. Although there is a recall for this problem, I was told by the dealership and Gmc that my vehicle was not included in the recall (NHTSA campaign id number: 03v093000). When the switch shorted out it created a noxious burning smell that shorts create and the switch was hot. The fuse on that circuit also blew. The recall should be extended to all 1997 Gmc jimmys - not just a few.”

NHTSA complaint #10041137, filed 2003-10, 84,000 miles

Engine cooling: “The coolant temperature gauge would rise and fall quickly in an erratic manner. Upon inspection the radiator was found to be full of a thick reddish substance. The mechanic said that this is a know issue related to the dex cool coolant. He also said that there is a TSB that instructs the mechanic to flush and replace the fluid. My complaint is with the oem for not informing me of the problem with the coolant. If I would have known of the problem, then I would have had the service performed before damaging my coolant system. …”

NHTSA complaint #10010593, filed 2003-03, 52,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

12% of the 57 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 59,000 and 103,699 miles.

0%0–100%10–2512%25–5035%50–7525%75–10021%100–1507%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (57 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 75,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

’98’0148’04’07’10’17
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 GMC Jimmy. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Jimmy · sedan not rated3 / 1———

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1997 GMC Jimmy version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Jimmy 2WD4.3L 6-cyl5-speed manual162319$3,550
Jimmy 2WD4.3L 6-cyl4-speed automatic152117$3,950
Jimmy 4WD4.3L 6-cyl5-speed manual152017$3,950
Jimmy 4WD4.3L 6-cyl4-speed automatic152016$4,200
Jimmy AWD4.3L 6-cyl4-speed automatic152016$4,200

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 1997 GMC Jimmy → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 20 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 20 bulletins →

Other model years of the GMC Jimmy

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
200110060,0003—17Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200021168,7504—18Not compared (before 2008)Rising
199913780,5200—17Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199823871,6962—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199727475,0004—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199640799,7506—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1995499118,3656—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199433494,0002—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199321699,4262—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1992122107,4701—17Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1991118—4—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19901172,0000—13—Not enough data
198913—0—14—Not enough data
198815137,4220———Stable
19876200,0000———Not enough data
19856—0———Not enough data
19845—0———Not enough data

All GMC Jimmy model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1997 GMC Jimmy?

Complaints on this model year cluster around a few recurring themes: windshields wipers that run intermittently or quit, front suspension ball joints that wear or separate, and brakes where the pedal travels to the floor or the ABS engages unexpectedly. The issues reported most often: Front upper ball joint wear or separation; Windshield wipers stop, run intermittently, or won't shut; Brake pedal goes to the floor or ABS engages unexpectedly.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 GMC Jimmy have?

NHTSA recorded 274 consumer complaints for the 1997 GMC Jimmy as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1997 GMC Jimmy is reported most often?

Brakes is named most often, in 54 complaints (20% of the total), followed by suspension with 54.

Has the 1997 GMC Jimmy been recalled?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1997 GMC Jimmy get?

The EPA rates the 1997 GMC Jimmy (Jimmy 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 1997 GMC Jimmy reported?

Among the 57 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 75,000 miles and the middle half falls between 59,000 and 103,699 miles; 12% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.