1997 GMC Jimmy Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 12%of 274 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 GMC Jimmy, 12% of the 274 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving along the pennsylvania turnpike I had my 1997 Gmc Jimmy in cruise control. I taped to brake to turn off the cruise control. After resuming the cruise control the vehicle began picking up speed much to fast. I again tapped the brake and shut off the cruise control. I then heard what seemed like a flat tire, I began pulling off of the road. As I looked in the passenger side mirror I could see flames coming from the passenger side rear of the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10161405, filed 2006-07, 78,000 miles“Ignition switch has failed and been replaced twice in past 4 years (10/2000 & 8/2003). When it fails, the transmission fails to shift properly and the vehicle loses power and/or stalls. This creates a very dangerous situation, especially if you are in heavy traffic with your entire family. I have been told by GM technicians that this is a common problem due to poor design, engineering and mfg quality.”
NHTSA complaint #10080601, filed 2004-07, 64,212 miles“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“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“Please make GM take care of transmission problem. I am not alone in my complaint. Code 1870. When will this end when my 5 year old and I are stranded on the highway for hours? I want a recall on this problem. I will not give in on this. Gm must pay for these repairs. The consumer should not be responsible.”
NHTSA complaint #748533, filed 2001-07Related service bulletins
- 10013572Apr 21, 20054wd models with noise, vibration on dry pavement.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 11 | 11% |
| 2000 | 29 | 14% |
| 1999 | 23 | 17% |
| 1998 | 30 | 13% |
| 1997 | 33 | 12% |
| 1996 | 28 | 7% |
| 1995 | 31 | 6% |
| 1994 | 11 | 3% |
| 1993 | 6 | 3% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 4 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 8% |
| 1985 | 1 | 17% |
| 1984 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Jimmy
54 complaintsSuspension
54 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
44 complaintsEngine cooling
38 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsEquipment
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 GMC Jimmy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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