Skip to content
SteeringPart report

1997 GMC Jimmy Steering Problems

Complaints
18about this part
Share
7%of 274 total for the year
Median mileage
70,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the steering of the 1997 GMC Jimmy, 7% of the 274 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Transmission failure / replaced transmission - upper & lower ball joint failure / replaced upper & lower ball joints - rear window wiper failure / inoperable at this point - extremely expensive replacements with no old parts available at this point. Events leading up to failure I can only attribute to severely poor manufacturing of products, there was no operating misuse or abuse. Also other parts that have failed and have since been replaced are the: alternator, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator and cooling system failures.”

NHTSA complaint #10135766, filed 2005-09, 70,000 miles

“1997 Gmc Jimmy - steeling failed while driving at low rate of speed as approaching a curve in road. There was no response in the steering and vehicle suddenly veered off road and crashed into trees.”

NHTSA complaint #10000917, filed 2003-01, 60,187 miles

“Upper & lower ball joint snapped while driving had to replace both along with idler arm pitman arm & tie rod ends , had received notice about possible failure on these when I called Gmc they reported my car was not included in this possible recall. Cost of 1500.00 also fuel pump failed cost of 700.00 now driver side door is defected will not close , probems with electrical system locks ,windows, lights interior & exterior,wipers will only work occasionally, fuel gauge sticks.”

NHTSA complaint #10052763, filed 2004-01

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10621744, filed 2014-08, 210,000 miles

“This vehicle has been a nightmare...unfortunately it was a spur of the moment purchase. Although used, with only 39,000 miles, I thought I would be ok since it had an extended warranty till 72,000. I have replaced both upper and lower ball joints, idler arm, alternator, belt tensioner, ignition switch, 4wd sensors, gas gauge sensor, left rear axle shaft and both rear axle bearings. At least these were all covered under the warranty, but not the rental cars for all the time the truck spent in the shop. …”

NHTSA complaint #752579, filed 2001-09

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200155%
200094%
1999118%
1998167%
1997187%
199661%
1995102%
199431%
199310%
199222%
199133%
199019%
198918%

Other parts of the 1997 GMC Jimmy

Brakes
54 complaints
Suspension
54 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
44 complaints
Engine cooling
38 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
33 complaints
Electrical system
28 complaints
Fuel system
18 complaints
Air bags
16 complaints
Exterior lighting
15 complaints
Body and structure
11 complaints
Vehicle speed control
8 complaints
Equipment
7 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 GMC Jimmy

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology