1998 GMC Jimmy Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 13%of 238 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 GMC Jimmy, 13% of the 238 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 1 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.
“The transmission on my vehicle has been slipping-for lack of a better word-when it gets warm. It began at 50000 miles and the transmission had to be rebuilt-with GM parts at 85000 miles. It has begun to slip again. I understand from reviewing a site called complaint station that this is not an isolated problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10016288, filed 2003-04, 50,000 miles“Dt: the front and rear windshield wipers began to intermittently work. This was over a period of three months and later stopped working all together. Consumer did not take the vehicle to a dealer for any repairs because it was no longer under warranty. The transmission did not shift properly after acceleration for a period of about thirty seconds, and then it shifted into gear. The ABS was delayed when applying brake pressure. The brakes locked, and then the vehicle slid. The brakes pads were replaced every three months, this has been ongoing for the last two years. …”
NHTSA complaint #10134865, filed 2005-08, 100,000 miles“Failure was intermittent. Gauges would fail,and all dash gauge lamps would light up. Stopped at dealer and asked if they knew of the problem. I was told its a known problem but if it wasn't fixed at any time it could go,and I would be stuck. Would not be able to shift the transmission, it would fail to start and all the gauges would fail. The problem is with a bad ground in the electrical asm behind the keylock and it would cost around $500 to fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #715971, filed 1999-12“Dealer repair center states that there were several clutches that were burnt and that a broken band was found as well as having the housing scalded. Said that an aftermarket transmission filter was found in the unit and that a subpar fluid was used to refill it. This car was picked up brand new off of the lot and the transmission was never serviced by anyone since we have owned it. All repairs and maintenance have been done at this same dealer as we had a warranty on this unit until 4 months ago when we hit 36,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #751782, filed 2001-09“Transmission would not shift out of park when vehicle was parked in driveway. Vehicle was towed to dealership. Dealer says that some sticky substance was spilled in the console by the automatic transmission shifter and caused the transmission shift assy to lock up. The only thing that was spilled in that area was a covered cup filled with sweet tea that tipped over the cup holder. I don't know how the liquid could've leaked underneath the console and cause my transmission to freeze up. People drink in cars all the time, and this should not happen. …”
NHTSA complaint #715793, filed 1999-12Related service bulletins
- 10096073Feb 17, 2016This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a…
- 10014809May 10, 20054wd inoperative and diagnostic trouble code (dtc) u1026 atc fuse open.
- 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 1998 GMC Jimmy
81 complaintsElectrical system
33 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsSeats
11 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 GMC Jimmy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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