GMC Jimmy Recalls

The GMC Jimmy has 30 recalls spanning the 1983–2003 model years, with the most serious being a brake pedal pivot bolt that can disengage entirely on 1995 models, leaving the driver with no braking capability and no warning before a crash. The 1995 model year carries the heaviest cluster of issues: a propeller shaft can contact and puncture the fuel tank during a crash, creating a fire risk if a fuel leak meets an ignition source; front upper ball joint studs can loosen and fracture, causing sudden steering loss; lower control arm nuts can loosen and allow the arm to separate from the frame; and a cooling fan blade can shed during engine work and strike anyone near the open hood.

The 1998 model has two suspension and brake concerns: a rear axle brake pipe can develop a fatigue fracture and leak fluid slowly, softening the pedal and extending stopping distances, and on 4WD versions, lower control arm attachment bolts can loosen and break, separating the arm from the frame. The 2000 model year has a brake line fitting issue on two-wheel-drive versions where tube nuts can unseat and leak brake fluid, lengthening stopping distances, and separately, the multifunction switch can lose circuit continuity and knock out the rear brake lights and hazard lamps, leaving following drivers without warning that the vehicle is slowing or stopped.

The 1997 model has a driver's seat belt buckle with an energy-absorbing loop that can fully deploy in a severe rollover, adding slack to the belt system and raising the risk of partial or complete ejection. On 1996 models, upper ball joints in 4WD versions can separate and cause steering loss or front suspension collapse, and the front seat belt webbing on two-door versions can tear through in a frontal impact. The 1994 model has undertorqued trailer hitch bolts that can loosen and break, allowing a towed trailer to separate from the vehicle, and a 3-sensor ABS unit that can produce extended stopping distances on mixed-surface braking.

The 1993 model has an automatic transmission wear condition that can prevent the park pawl from engaging while the engine runs, allowing the vehicle to roll without driver input. Going back to 1991, fuel tank sender seals shipped out of position can allow fuel spillage in a rollover, windshield and side window adhesive primer can fail and allow glass to eject occupants in a crash, the ABS system can deliver reduced braking when minimum stopping distance is needed, and rear seat belt buckle release buttons can stick in the unlatched position, preventing the belt from securing an occupant. The 1983 model has a rear seat inertia lock that can fail during moderate braking, allowing the seatback to fold and the seat to move forward and pin the occupant.

The 2003 model year has a compliance issue where an airbag warning label contains incorrect information, with no associated physical defect.