1995 GMC Jimmy Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1995 GMC Jimmy, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes24338.6%
- Visibility7712.2%
- Engine7612.1%
- Airbags355.6%
- Fuel system345.4%
- Electrical284.5%
- Transmission203.2%
- Suspension193.0%
- Body & structure162.5%
- Driver assistance152.4%
- Interior & seats142.2%
- Seat belts111.7%
- Steering101.6%
- Powertrain (other)101.6%
- Other / unspecified81.3%
- Tires & wheels71.1%
- Heating & air conditioning30.5%
- Exterior lighting30.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE ARE 8 DIFFERENT SERIOUS SAFETY RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE THAT I WAS NOT INFORMED OF. *TR
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION: WE HAD A 1995 GMC JIMMY THAT TWICE HAD A "STUCK" ACCELERATOR, SPEEDING UP WAY BEYOND THE SPEED LIMIT; ONCE IN GILLETTE, WY RETURNING FROM A TRIP EAST, AND LATER THAT SUMMER AT HOME NEAR LA GRANDE, OREGON. I HAD TO LITERALLY "STAND" ON THE BRAKE TO BRING IT TO A STOP BOTH TIMES, THEN AT MY HUSBAND'S DIRECTION, PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. WE WERE FORTUNATE BOTH TIMES THAT IT DIDN'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO STRAIGHT ROADS AND LITTLE TRAFFIC, JUST SCARING US BOTH TO DEATH. WE REPORTED IT TO POLICE THE 2ND TIME. GMC DEALERS IN EITHER LOCATION SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, WHICH WE TRADED IN 2004. *YT
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOTH OUTSIDE MIRRORS HAVE FALLEN OFF BEFORE 90K MILES. THIS WAS DUE TO THE PLASTIC DETERIORATING AT THE JUNCTION WHERE THE MIRROR "FOLDS AWAY." REPLACED EGR VALVE SEVERAL TIMES. THE FIRST THREE WERE UNDER WARRANTY, THE REST HAVE BEEN ON ME. IN ADDITION, MOST MAJOR FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, OR REPAIRED. THE IDLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ROUGH, AND IT WILL ON OCCASION, SMOKE AND OMIT STRONG ODORS OF UNBURNED FUEL. WIPERS FAILED AT 20K MILES. I RESOLDERED THE CIRCUIT BOARD TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. DRIVERS SEAT WILL NOT STAY IN A LOCKED POSITION, WHICH CAUSES ME SOME CONCERN. BY THE WAY, THE FIRST WEEK I HAD THE CAR (BOUGHT IT NEW), THE SEAT WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, AND WAS PROMPTLY TOLD THAT "IT IS A NORMAL CONDITION." HMMM, AS A DESIGN ENGINEER I HAVE TO WONDER ABOUT THE LOGIC BEHIND THIS; AS ANY FORWARD OR REARWARD IMPACT WOULD ALLOW THE SEAT TO FLEX WHICH COULD MAKE A MINOR NON-INJURY ACCIDENT SOMETHING FAR WORSE. THE WATER PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, ALTERNATOR TWICE, BATTERY FIVE. ALL PARTS WERE REPLACED WITH ORIGINAL PARTS THROUGH GM. I HAVE HAD ALL BRAKE COMPONENTS REPLACED THREE TIMES, AND STILL THERE IS A PAINFUL CHATTER OF THE PEDAL UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, WHICH IS OUTSIDE THE ABS PARAMETERS. WIND NOISE IS QUITE LOUD, AS THE FIT OF THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR IS, FOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD, TERRIBLE. THE PLASTIC WHICH COVERS THE A/C WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HAS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAS BROKEN AND FALLEN AWAY, PIECE BY PIECE, SOMETIMES LODGING ITSELF ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, CAUSING SOME RATHER UNPLEASANT ODORS. OH, AND SINCE THERE IS NO LONGER ANY COVERING OVER THE A/C, IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT THE COLDNESS, WHICH WAS THE SAVING GRACE OF THIS VEHICLE, HAS BEEN REDUCED TO THAT OF A GLORIFIED FAN. *NM
BOTH MY PASSENGER & DRIVER'S SIDE VIEW MIRRORS HAVE FALLEN AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. *NM
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOTH OUTSIDE MIRRORS HAVE FALLEN OFF BEFORE 90K MILES. THIS WAS DUE TO THE PLASTIC DETERIORATING AT THE JUNCTION WHERE THE MIRROR "FOLDS AWAY." REPLACED EGR VALVE SEVERAL TIMES. THE FIRST THREE WERE UNDER WARRANTY, THE REST HAVE BEEN ON ME. IN ADDITION, MOST MAJOR FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, OR REPAIRED. THE IDLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ROUGH, AND IT WILL ON OCCASION, SMOKE AND OMIT STRONG ODORS OF UNBURNED FUEL. WIPERS FAILED AT 20K MILES. I RESOLDERED THE CIRCUIT BOARD TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. DRIVERS SEAT WILL NOT STAY IN A LOCKED POSITION, WHICH CAUSES ME SOME CONCERN. BY THE WAY, THE FIRST WEEK I HAD THE CAR (BOUGHT IT NEW), THE SEAT WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, AND WAS PROMPTLY TOLD THAT "IT IS A NORMAL CONDITION." HMMM, AS A DESIGN ENGINEER I HAVE TO WONDER ABOUT THE LOGIC BEHIND THIS; AS ANY FORWARD OR REARWARD IMPACT WOULD ALLOW THE SEAT TO FLEX WHICH COULD MAKE A MINOR NON-INJURY ACCIDENT SOMETHING FAR WORSE. THE WATER PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, ALTERNATOR TWICE, BATTERY FIVE. ALL PARTS WERE REPLACED WITH ORIGINAL PARTS THROUGH GM. I HAVE HAD ALL BRAKE COMPONENTS REPLACED THREE TIMES, AND STILL THERE IS A PAINFUL CHATTER OF THE PEDAL UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, WHICH IS OUTSIDE THE ABS PARAMETERS. WIND NOISE IS QUITE LOUD, AS THE FIT OF THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR IS, FOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD, TERRIBLE. THE PLASTIC WHICH COVERS THE A/C WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HAS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAS BROKEN AND FALLEN AWAY, PIECE BY PIECE, SOMETIMES LODGING ITSELF ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, CAUSING SOME RATHER UNPLEASANT ODORS. OH, AND SINCE THERE IS NO LONGER ANY COVERING OVER THE A/C, IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT THE COLDNESS, WHICH WAS THE SAVING GRACE OF THIS VEHICLE, HAS BEEN REDUCED TO THAT OF A GLORIFIED FAN. *NM
HIGH PRESSURE OIL LINE FROM MOTOR TO OIL COOLER BLEW OFF. ALL ENGINE OIL WAS DUMPED ONTO ROAD WHICH DID CAUSE MY TIRES TO LOOSE TRACTION. ENGINE LOCKED UP. *JB
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE INVOLVED IN HEAD-ON COLLISION AT 45 MPH. VEHICLE WAS DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, RESULTING IN INJURIES TO DRIVER'S CHEST AND ARMS. GMC HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
I HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AND MY AIR BAG DIDN'T GO OFF WHICH CAUSED ME TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND HURT MY CHIN AND JAW. DT
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE ARE 8 DIFFERENT SERIOUS SAFETY RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE THAT I WAS NOT INFORMED OF. *TR
BOTH OUTSIDE MIRRORS HAVE FALLEN OFF BEFORE 90K MILES. THIS WAS DUE TO THE PLASTIC DETERIORATING AT THE JUNCTION WHERE THE MIRROR "FOLDS AWAY." REPLACED EGR VALVE SEVERAL TIMES. THE FIRST THREE WERE UNDER WARRANTY, THE REST HAVE BEEN ON ME. IN ADDITION, MOST MAJOR FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, OR REPAIRED. THE IDLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ROUGH, AND IT WILL ON OCCASION, SMOKE AND OMIT STRONG ODORS OF UNBURNED FUEL. WIPERS FAILED AT 20K MILES. I RESOLDERED THE CIRCUIT BOARD TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. DRIVERS SEAT WILL NOT STAY IN A LOCKED POSITION, WHICH CAUSES ME SOME CONCERN. BY THE WAY, THE FIRST WEEK I HAD THE CAR (BOUGHT IT NEW), THE SEAT WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, AND WAS PROMPTLY TOLD THAT "IT IS A NORMAL CONDITION." HMMM, AS A DESIGN ENGINEER I HAVE TO WONDER ABOUT THE LOGIC BEHIND THIS; AS ANY FORWARD OR REARWARD IMPACT WOULD ALLOW THE SEAT TO FLEX WHICH COULD MAKE A MINOR NON-INJURY ACCIDENT SOMETHING FAR WORSE. THE WATER PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, ALTERNATOR TWICE, BATTERY FIVE. ALL PARTS WERE REPLACED WITH ORIGINAL PARTS THROUGH GM. I HAVE HAD ALL BRAKE COMPONENTS REPLACED THREE TIMES, AND STILL THERE IS A PAINFUL CHATTER OF THE PEDAL UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, WHICH IS OUTSIDE THE ABS PARAMETERS. WIND NOISE IS QUITE LOUD, AS THE FIT OF THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR IS, FOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD, TERRIBLE. THE PLASTIC WHICH COVERS THE A/C WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HAS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAS BROKEN AND FALLEN AWAY, PIECE BY PIECE, SOMETIMES LODGING ITSELF ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, CAUSING SOME RATHER UNPLEASANT ODORS. OH, AND SINCE THERE IS NO LONGER ANY COVERING OVER THE A/C, IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT THE COLDNESS, WHICH WAS THE SAVING GRACE OF THIS VEHICLE, HAS BEEN REDUCED TO THAT OF A GLORIFIED FAN. *NM
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOTH OUTSIDE MIRRORS HAVE FALLEN OFF BEFORE 90K MILES. THIS WAS DUE TO THE PLASTIC DETERIORATING AT THE JUNCTION WHERE THE MIRROR "FOLDS AWAY." REPLACED EGR VALVE SEVERAL TIMES. THE FIRST THREE WERE UNDER WARRANTY, THE REST HAVE BEEN ON ME. IN ADDITION, MOST MAJOR FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, OR REPAIRED. THE IDLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ROUGH, AND IT WILL ON OCCASION, SMOKE AND OMIT STRONG ODORS OF UNBURNED FUEL. WIPERS FAILED AT 20K MILES. I RESOLDERED THE CIRCUIT BOARD TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. DRIVERS SEAT WILL NOT STAY IN A LOCKED POSITION, WHICH CAUSES ME SOME CONCERN. BY THE WAY, THE FIRST WEEK I HAD THE CAR (BOUGHT IT NEW), THE SEAT WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, AND WAS PROMPTLY TOLD THAT "IT IS A NORMAL CONDITION." HMMM, AS A DESIGN ENGINEER I HAVE TO WONDER ABOUT THE LOGIC BEHIND THIS; AS ANY FORWARD OR REARWARD IMPACT WOULD ALLOW THE SEAT TO FLEX WHICH COULD MAKE A MINOR NON-INJURY ACCIDENT SOMETHING FAR WORSE. THE WATER PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, ALTERNATOR TWICE, BATTERY FIVE. ALL PARTS WERE REPLACED WITH ORIGINAL PARTS THROUGH GM. I HAVE HAD ALL BRAKE COMPONENTS REPLACED THREE TIMES, AND STILL THERE IS A PAINFUL CHATTER OF THE PEDAL UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, WHICH IS OUTSIDE THE ABS PARAMETERS. WIND NOISE IS QUITE LOUD, AS THE FIT OF THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR IS, FOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD, TERRIBLE. THE PLASTIC WHICH COVERS THE A/C WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HAS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAS BROKEN AND FALLEN AWAY, PIECE BY PIECE, SOMETIMES LODGING ITSELF ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, CAUSING SOME RATHER UNPLEASANT ODORS. OH, AND SINCE THERE IS NO LONGER ANY COVERING OVER THE A/C, IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT THE COLDNESS, WHICH WAS THE SAVING GRACE OF THIS VEHICLE, HAS BEEN REDUCED TO THAT OF A GLORIFIED FAN. *NM
THE VEHICLE HAD AN ELECTRICAL WIRING PROBLEM WHICH CAUSED IT TO CATCH ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN A GARAGE. *NM THE VEHICLE WAS STORED IN THE GARAGE AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE. A SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURRED IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC. *SC *JB
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAD BOUGHT A CAR WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT HAVING A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, AND I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A NEW ONE JUST PUT IN. ABOUT 3-4 DAYS LATER THE CAR BROKE DOWN BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION HAD GONE BAD. I GAVE THE CAR BACK TO THE PERSON I BOUGHT IT FROM BECAUSE HE SAID HE WOULD FIX IT FOR ME ,AND IT HAS BEEN 8 MONTHS WITHOUT MY MONEY OR THE CAR, AND WON'T ANSWER MY PHONE CALLS. *AK
TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 67,000 MILES. RUST ON DIPSTICK. TRANSMISSION FLUID BURNED. BOUGHT GOODWRENCH TRANSMISSION AND HAD IT INSTALLED. THIS COST $1450. NOW THIS TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED WITH ONLY 40,000 ON IT. SAME PROBLEM AS BEFORE, RUST ON DIPSTICK AND FLUID BURNED. WHEN I CONTACTED GENERAL MOTORS THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I'M ASKING FOR HELP. I'VE READ SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT RUST ON DIPSTICK AND IN TRANSMISSION. I'M AFRAID TO SPEND MORE MONEY ON THIS THINKING IT MIGHT HAPPEN AGAIN. PLEAS LOOK INTO THIS. THANK YOU. *NLM
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TORQUE BAR SPLIT AND FELL OUT OF VECHICLE WHILE DRIVING IT. *TR
UPPER BALL JOINT ON RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BROKE WHILE DRIVING, ALMOST CAUSING UPPER WHEEL TO FALL OFF. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE RIGHT FRONT END OF VEHICLE HAS HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY SINCE PURCHASE, COMPLAINTS WRE ADE TO DEALER BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE, CONSUMER BELIEVES BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE FROM THE START, MANUFACTURER NOT WILLING TO REIMBURSE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL.*JB
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOTH OUTSIDE MIRRORS HAVE FALLEN OFF BEFORE 90K MILES. THIS WAS DUE TO THE PLASTIC DETERIORATING AT THE JUNCTION WHERE THE MIRROR "FOLDS AWAY." REPLACED EGR VALVE SEVERAL TIMES. THE FIRST THREE WERE UNDER WARRANTY, THE REST HAVE BEEN ON ME. IN ADDITION, MOST MAJOR FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, OR REPAIRED. THE IDLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ROUGH, AND IT WILL ON OCCASION, SMOKE AND OMIT STRONG ODORS OF UNBURNED FUEL. WIPERS FAILED AT 20K MILES. I RESOLDERED THE CIRCUIT BOARD TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. DRIVERS SEAT WILL NOT STAY IN A LOCKED POSITION, WHICH CAUSES ME SOME CONCERN. BY THE WAY, THE FIRST WEEK I HAD THE CAR (BOUGHT IT NEW), THE SEAT WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, AND WAS PROMPTLY TOLD THAT "IT IS A NORMAL CONDITION." HMMM, AS A DESIGN ENGINEER I HAVE TO WONDER ABOUT THE LOGIC BEHIND THIS; AS ANY FORWARD OR REARWARD IMPACT WOULD ALLOW THE SEAT TO FLEX WHICH COULD MAKE A MINOR NON-INJURY ACCIDENT SOMETHING FAR WORSE. THE WATER PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, ALTERNATOR TWICE, BATTERY FIVE. ALL PARTS WERE REPLACED WITH ORIGINAL PARTS THROUGH GM. I HAVE HAD ALL BRAKE COMPONENTS REPLACED THREE TIMES, AND STILL THERE IS A PAINFUL CHATTER OF THE PEDAL UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, WHICH IS OUTSIDE THE ABS PARAMETERS. WIND NOISE IS QUITE LOUD, AS THE FIT OF THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR IS, FOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD, TERRIBLE. THE PLASTIC WHICH COVERS THE A/C WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HAS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAS BROKEN AND FALLEN AWAY, PIECE BY PIECE, SOMETIMES LODGING ITSELF ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, CAUSING SOME RATHER UNPLEASANT ODORS. OH, AND SINCE THERE IS NO LONGER ANY COVERING OVER THE A/C, IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT THE COLDNESS, WHICH WAS THE SAVING GRACE OF THIS VEHICLE, HAS BEEN REDUCED TO THAT OF A GLORIFIED FAN. *NM
1995 GMC JIMMY SLS 4 DOOR 4WD VORTEC 4.3 L V6. WE HAVE HAD THIS THING FOR 7 YEARS AND NOTHING I HAVE EVER OWNED HAS TAUGHT ME MORE ABOUT BEING A "SHADETREE" MECHANIC! THE LIST IS AS FOLLOWS, BREAK BOOSTER REPLACED 2 TIMES. EGR VALVE REPLACED 3 TIMES. FRONT BRAKES REPLACED AT LEAST 12 TIMES (THEY FAIL EVERY 1500 TO 1800 MILES!) BACK HATCH WONT OPEN. BOTH SET OF WIPERS, FRONT AND BACK DO NOT WORK( SAFETY ISSUE!) ENGINE OVERHEATS. WATER PUMP REPLACED 2 TIMES. THERMOSTAT REPLACED 3 TIMES. LIGHTS FLICKER AS IF THE ALTENATOR IS GOING BAD,(RESULTING IN POLICE ASKING ME TO CHECK INTO THIS.) BATTERY REPLACED 4 TIMES (AVERAGE LIFE OF NEW BATTERY, 4 YEARS!) TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY HARD WHEN ENGINE IS COOL/ HOT! STARTING TO SEE RUST IN TRANS, DIPSTICK. SOMETIMES CANT SHIFT FROM 2 WD TO 4 WD AND WHEN ABLE, TRANSFER CASE MAKES CLICKING SOUND. THIS IS NOT A PHONY COMPLAINT! I NEED HELP WITH THIS AS I NEVER SEE A RECALL, WARRANTY IS OUT AND I CANT AFFORD TO TAKE IT IN. I DON'T THINK I LEFT ANY THING OUT, BUT IM SURE MY WIFE WILL LET ME KNOW. YOU CAN GIVE MY NAME TO WHO EVER WHEN EVER IF IT WILL HELP US FIX THIS SITUATION. *NLM
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND TOOK OFF IN REVERSE AND RAN INTO A CONCRETE PARKING RAMP STRUCTURE. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS UNDETERMINED AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. *JB
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOTH OUTSIDE MIRRORS HAVE FALLEN OFF BEFORE 90K MILES. THIS WAS DUE TO THE PLASTIC DETERIORATING AT THE JUNCTION WHERE THE MIRROR "FOLDS AWAY." REPLACED EGR VALVE SEVERAL TIMES. THE FIRST THREE WERE UNDER WARRANTY, THE REST HAVE BEEN ON ME. IN ADDITION, MOST MAJOR FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, OR REPAIRED. THE IDLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ROUGH, AND IT WILL ON OCCASION, SMOKE AND OMIT STRONG ODORS OF UNBURNED FUEL. WIPERS FAILED AT 20K MILES. I RESOLDERED THE CIRCUIT BOARD TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. DRIVERS SEAT WILL NOT STAY IN A LOCKED POSITION, WHICH CAUSES ME SOME CONCERN. BY THE WAY, THE FIRST WEEK I HAD THE CAR (BOUGHT IT NEW), THE SEAT WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, AND WAS PROMPTLY TOLD THAT "IT IS A NORMAL CONDITION." HMMM, AS A DESIGN ENGINEER I HAVE TO WONDER ABOUT THE LOGIC BEHIND THIS; AS ANY FORWARD OR REARWARD IMPACT WOULD ALLOW THE SEAT TO FLEX WHICH COULD MAKE A MINOR NON-INJURY ACCIDENT SOMETHING FAR WORSE. THE WATER PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, ALTERNATOR TWICE, BATTERY FIVE. ALL PARTS WERE REPLACED WITH ORIGINAL PARTS THROUGH GM. I HAVE HAD ALL BRAKE COMPONENTS REPLACED THREE TIMES, AND STILL THERE IS A PAINFUL CHATTER OF THE PEDAL UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, WHICH IS OUTSIDE THE ABS PARAMETERS. WIND NOISE IS QUITE LOUD, AS THE FIT OF THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR IS, FOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD, TERRIBLE. THE PLASTIC WHICH COVERS THE A/C WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HAS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAS BROKEN AND FALLEN AWAY, PIECE BY PIECE, SOMETIMES LODGING ITSELF ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, CAUSING SOME RATHER UNPLEASANT ODORS. OH, AND SINCE THERE IS NO LONGER ANY COVERING OVER THE A/C, IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT THE COLDNESS, WHICH WAS THE SAVING GRACE OF THIS VEHICLE, HAS BEEN REDUCED TO THAT OF A GLORIFIED FAN. *NM
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING WITH NO WARNING THE FRONT SEAT BOLT SNAPPED CAUSING THE SEAT TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH. DEALER NOTIFIED. *MR ALSO, CONSUMER STATED THAT FLOOR PAN SPLIT AT DRIVER?S SIDE SEAT MOUNTING REINFORCEMENT PLATE. *YH
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
CARBON BUILD UP IN THE SYSTEM HAS HAD ME TO HAVE THE EGR VALVES REPLACED AND VACUUMED OUT 3 TIMES. THE WHOLE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS REPLACED IN JAN 2000 AND IT IS DOING IT AGAIN. REAR CENTER SEAT BELTS WILL NOT LOCK ON OCCASIONS. OIL LINES CONTINUOUSLY LEAK *AK
REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT KEEPS GETTING TIGHTER , IT DOESN'T LOCK. *AK
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING AND WILL NOT START FOR SEVERAL HOURS. THE GAS SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED, NEW COIL AND DISTRIBUTOR, OIL, AND STILL IT STOPS. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAD TO PARK THEIR JIMMY DUE TO THE UNSAFE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM, THE JIMMY HAS BEEN TO 3 DEALERS WHO CHARGED A LOT OF MONEY BUT NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEM.
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STREET STEERING WHEEL FELL OFF. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT THIS IS A TEST. *AK
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED A 1995 GMC JIMMY WITH 37,000 MILES IN 1997. I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT SHIFTING AROUND 50,000 MILES. I HAD NEVER TOWED ANYTHING WITH IT. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER CHANGED TO SEE IF IT WOULD HELP. THE DIPSTICK WAS RUSTED VERY BADLY AND THE FLUID WAS MILKY AND BURNED. I HAD A TRANSMISSION SHOP CHECK IT THAT TOLD ME IT NEEDED AN ELECTRONIC SHIFT CONTROL MODULE. I HAD IT REPLACED BUT IT DIDN'T HELP. AT 67,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETELY. I PURCHASED A GOODWRENCH TRANSMISSION FROM A DEALERSHIP IN MY TOWN THINKING THIS WOULD BE THE BEST THING TO DO BECAUSE IT HAD A 3 YEAR 50,000 MILE WARRANTY. THE TRANSMISSION COST $1350 AND THE INSTALLATION COST $100. THIS WAS A REPUTABLE TRANSMISSION SHOP. I ALSO REMOVED THE RADIATOR AND HAD IT COMPLETELY RODDED OUT AND THE TRANSMISSION COOLER REPLACED TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING WAS OK. AT 104,000 MILES, APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES ON THE GOODWRENCH TRANSMISSION, IT STARTED SHIFTING BADLY. I HAD THE FLUID AND FILTER CHANGED AGAIN. SAME THING, DIPSTICK VERY RUSTED AND FLUID MILKY AND BURNED. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND MY WARRANTY HAD RUN OUT BY EXACTLY ONE MONTH. I CONTACTED THE GM CORPORATION AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING COULD BE DONE. I HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE HAVING TO LET OUT OF THE THROTTLE IN ORDER FOR IT TO SHIFT FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR UNTIL NOW. NOW THIS TRANSMISSION HAS COMPLETELY FAILED. I CHANGED THE FLUID AND FILTER MYSELF THIS TIME TO SEE IF IT MIGHT WORK. THE FLUID WAS BURNED AGAIN WITH ONLY ABOUT 8 OR 9 THOUSAND MILES ON IT. I BEGAN RESEARCHING AND HAVE FOUND A LOT OF OWNERS HAVING THE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS AS I HAVE HAD. I HAVE BEEN TOLD GM HAS COME OUT WITH A NEW VALVE BODY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. THIS TELLS ME THAT THEY KNOW THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE FIRST PLACE. IF YOU GO TO WWW.THECOMPLAINTSTATION.COM YOU WILL FIND MANY OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS ME. LARRY ROGERS, 707 CLAIRE ST., GADSDEN, AL. 35901, (H)256-546-2502
CONSUMER REPLACED BRAKES AROUND 25000 MILES AND THE ABS SYSTEM FAILED AT 45000 MILES. *YH
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRAKES ON MY 1995 GMC JIMMY FAIL PERIODICALLY. THE LAST TIME I REAR ENDED A WOMEN AND DESTROYED THE FRONT OF MY CAR. EVERYTHING HAS BEEN CHECKED OVER TWICE BY MECHANICS WHO HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION IT IS THE MODULE IN THE ABS. GM HAS SAID IT IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. IF I AM DRIVING ALONG AT 25 MILES AN HOUR, I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WONDER IF AND WHEN MY BRAKES WILL FAIL AGAIN. THE BRAKES WERE PUT TO THE FLOOR AND NOTHING HAPPENED, I CONTINUED AT THE SAME RATE OF SPEED. THE FIRST TIME I ALMOST GOT BROAD SIDED AT A STOP SIGN. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR AND GM WON'T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILING COMPONENT. *NM
1995 GMC JIMMY SLS 4 DOOR 4WD VORTEC 4.3 L V6. WE HAVE HAD THIS THING FOR 7 YEARS AND NOTHING I HAVE EVER OWNED HAS TAUGHT ME MORE ABOUT BEING A "SHADETREE" MECHANIC! THE LIST IS AS FOLLOWS, BREAK BOOSTER REPLACED 2 TIMES. EGR VALVE REPLACED 3 TIMES. FRONT BRAKES REPLACED AT LEAST 12 TIMES (THEY FAIL EVERY 1500 TO 1800 MILES!) BACK HATCH WONT OPEN. BOTH SET OF WIPERS, FRONT AND BACK DO NOT WORK( SAFETY ISSUE!) ENGINE OVERHEATS. WATER PUMP REPLACED 2 TIMES. THERMOSTAT REPLACED 3 TIMES. LIGHTS FLICKER AS IF THE ALTENATOR IS GOING BAD,(RESULTING IN POLICE ASKING ME TO CHECK INTO THIS.) BATTERY REPLACED 4 TIMES (AVERAGE LIFE OF NEW BATTERY, 4 YEARS!) TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY HARD WHEN ENGINE IS COOL/ HOT! STARTING TO SEE RUST IN TRANS, DIPSTICK. SOMETIMES CANT SHIFT FROM 2 WD TO 4 WD AND WHEN ABLE, TRANSFER CASE MAKES CLICKING SOUND. THIS IS NOT A PHONY COMPLAINT! I NEED HELP WITH THIS AS I NEVER SEE A RECALL, WARRANTY IS OUT AND I CANT AFFORD TO TAKE IT IN. I DON'T THINK I LEFT ANY THING OUT, BUT IM SURE MY WIFE WILL LET ME KNOW. YOU CAN GIVE MY NAME TO WHO EVER WHEN EVER IF IT WILL HELP US FIX THIS SITUATION. *NLM
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING 1995 GMC JIMMY WITH NO PASSENGERS AND NO LOAD AT 40MPH ON SUBURBAN ROAD AT 10:00 IN EVENING SWERVED TO MISS SUDDEN APPEARANCE OF LARGE DEER. BOTH DRIVER SIDE TIRES (KELLY SPRINGFIELD SAFARI SJR 235-70R15) BLEW OFF THEIR RIMS CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE AS BARE RIMS HIT PAVEMENT. VEHICLE DEVELOPED SEVERE YAW CAUSING IT TO SPIN TWICE. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC SO NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED. DEALER REPLACED TIRES UNDER WARRANTY BUT NOT OEM ALLOY WHEELS WHICH COST $558 TO REPLACE.*AK
THE MUFFLER WAS REPLACED. NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 GMC JIMMY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT AND THE AIR WOULD ONLY FLOW OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD VENTS, NOT THE DASHBOARD PANEL VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP TO BE REPAIRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR. DURING SOME OF THE FAILURES, THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY AT LOW SPEEDS ONLY. THE CONTACT ALSO PERFORMED REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE HIMSELF BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000. UPDATED 01/19/11 *BF UPDATED 03/28/11
THE MUFFLER WAS REPLACED. NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
ALTHOUGH WIPER PULSE CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND WAS REPAIRED UNDER CAMPAIGN 98043 IT CONTINUES TO FAIL INTERMITENTLY CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. NLM
REAR HIGH MOUNTED LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED. CONSUMER HAS TO PAY $95 TO HAVE ENTIRE HIGH MOUNTED LIGHT REPLACED. BULBS CANNOT BE REPLACED DUE DESIGN OF THE HIGH MOUNTED LIGHT. *AK CONSUMER STATED CLOSER INSPECTION OF THE LENS REVEALED MOISTURE INSIDE OF THE LENS, IT APPEARED THAT THE SEAL FAILED IN THE PAST YEAR.*SB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .