NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 254 owner complaints for the 1998 GMC Jimmy. Most complaints involve visibility (81) and service brakes, hydraulic (34). The EPA rates it 16–18 mpg combined.
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.
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 BE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC JIMMY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE FRONT AND REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT WORK WHEN ACTIVATED. THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED EXTREMELY LIMITED VISIBILITY AND HAD TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HE HAD TO WAIT UNTIL THE RAIN SLACKED UP BEFORE DRIVING THE VEHICLE TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 141,000.”
“ABS ACTIVATES AT OR BELOW 5MPH ON DRY ROADS/PAVEMENT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP VEHICLE. OCCURS OFTEN WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT STOP SIGNS/LIGHTS OR PARKING AREAS POSING DANGER TO OTHER VEHICLES. *TR”
“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”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy 2WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| Jimmy 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Jimmy 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Jimmy 4WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Jimmy AWD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 31, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 254 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility (81), service brakes, hydraulic (34), electrical system (33). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1998 GMC Jimmy at 16–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).