Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
1999 GMC JimmyRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 152 owner complaints for the 1999 GMC Jimmy. Most complaints involve suspension (26) and power train (25). The EPA rates it 14–17 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
14–17mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
152
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$3,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 1999 GMC Jimmy as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
152 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 1999 – Feb 2019
- Suspension26
- Power train25
- Service brakes, hydraulic16
- Engine and engine cooling14
- Electrical system12
- Fuel system, gasoline11
- Steering11
- Structure10
- Exterior lighting10
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Suspension
26 reports1 crash
“I WAS JUST GETTING READY TO LEAVE THE CAR WASH. I PRESSED THE BRAKE PADAL TO PUT THE TRUCK IN GEAR, A SECOND LATER THE PADAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, THOUGHT IT WAS AIR IN THE LINE. TRIED A FEW MORE TIMES THEN GOT OUT OF THE TRUCK TO LOOK FOR THE LEAK, FOUND (STEEL LINE) DRIVERS SIDE RUSTED. HAD TRUCK TOWED TO SHOP, AS I COULD NOT DRIVE IT. THEY FOUND HEAVY RUST ON ALL BRAKE LINES IN THE FRONT, THE CONTROL ARMS ALSO HAVE HEAVY RUST. THANK GOD I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC AS I AM SURE I WOULD HAVE CRASHED. THE SHOP IS REPLACING ALL FRONT BRAKE LINES AND ARE GOING TO INSPECT ALL OTHER LINES IE: ALL BRAKE LINES TO BACK, ALL FUEL LINES. PARKING BRAKE FAILED AS WELL. HOW DID THIS TRUCK PASS NYS INSPECTION? TRUCK WAS PURCHASED 3/30/2006 FROM DEALER FACILITY #7096646 A&A USED CAR SALES INC. 969 SUNRISE HWY,BRIGHTWATERS,NY 11706 NYS INSPECTED BY STATION 7099758”
Power train
25 reports2 crashes
“WHEN UNDER ONE QUARTER (1/4) OF A TANK OF FUEL THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHILE DECELERATING (READ: HARD BRAKING, BRAKING BEFORE A TURN) WITHOUT WARNING, DISABLING ALL POWERED CONTROLS INCLUDING POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKING. ISSUE WOULD OCCASIONALLY RESOLVE ITSELF AND THEN COME BACK AT RANDOM INTERVALS. *TR”
Service brakes, hydraulic
16 reports2 crashes
“MY 1999 GMC JIMMY SUV JUST STARTED HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS IS POSING A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IT LENGTHENS THE TIME IT TAKES FOR US TO STOP. THERE WAS AN INITIAL RECALL FROM GM ON THIS HOWEVER IT IS FOR EVERY MAKE AND MODEL SUV EXCEPT JIMMY. I WONDER IF IT IS BECAUSE THE JIMMY IS THE MOST POPULAR MODEL AND GM WANTS TO SAVE MONEY? I WANT SAFETY. THIS IS MY WIFE'S TRUCK AND SHE DRIVES MY 4 YEAR OLD AND 6 YEAR OLD IN THIS SUV WHICH HAS DIFFICULTY STOPPING DUE TO THE ABS PROBLEM. WE CAN NOT AFFORD TO HAVE THIS FIXED. I WANT TO KNOW WHY THE 1999 JIMMY IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL? *NM”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 4.3L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy 2WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Jimmy 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 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 | 13 | 16 | 14 | $4,600 | 635 |
- 17mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
- 14mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1999 GMC Jimmy as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 4019
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
1999 Jimmy questions
How many recalls does the 1999 GMC Jimmy have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.
What are the most common 1999 GMC Jimmy problems?
Owners filed 152 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (26), power train (25), service brakes, hydraulic (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1999 GMC Jimmy get?
The EPA rates the 1999 GMC Jimmy at 14–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026