The GMC Jimmy has 28 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 1981–2004. On average a defect was admitted 6.74 years after the car was built, the slowest took 24 years. The most recalled system is Service Brakes, Hydraulic (6 campaigns). Owners also filed 1,475 complaints on this model — see what breaks.
What was recalled on the GMC Jimmy
Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 6 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: s -trucks equipped with 2 wheel drive. These vehicles may have had the right-hand antilock brake system (ABS) module feed pipe and/or brake crossover pipe tube nuts tightened without seating the pipe-flared-ends enough to withstand normal assembly and vehicle inputs without partially unseating. This does not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic service brake normal, emergency, and park braking performance."
Risk. If this occurred, the seating seal could be broken during vehicle assembly, or from early road inputs or brake fluid cycling, and a leak could occur increasing the brake stopping distance
Fix. Dealers will inspect the brake pipe union for signs of brake fluid, and if necessary, install a new brake pipe union
What's wrong. 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
Risk. Partial loss of braking at a time when minimum stopping distance was required could result in a vehicle crash
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pipe
What's wrong. Vehicle description: certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with ABS (antilock braking system) manufactured from september 1989 through august 1996. Under certain driving conditions the switch which signals the ABS system whether the vehicle is in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive can malfunction causing increased stopping distances during ABS stops while in the two-wheel drive mode
Risk. If this occurred at a time when minimum stopping distance was required, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning
Fix. Dealers will replace or repair the 4-wheel/2-wheel drive switch
Seat Belts 4 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and mini vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
Risk. In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained
Fix. Dealers will inspect the vehicle's safety belt buckle assembly date codes and, if necessary, will replace any safety belt buckle assembly
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and mini vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
Risk. In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained
Fix. Dealers will inspect the vehicle's safety belt buckle assembly date codes and, if necessary, will replace any safety belt buckle assembly
What's wrong. Certain sport utility vehicles were built with a driver's seat belt buckle assembly that contains an energy-absorbing loop. Sustained loads of sufficient magnitude and duration on the belt in severe crashes could fully deploy the buckle energy-absorbing loop, introducing a total of 10 additional inches of webbing into the seat belt system. The free falling latch plate used in this system may allow webbing to dynamically distribute between the lap and shoulder belt as the driver's position changes during a multiple rollover event
Risk. If the energy-absorbing loop fully deploys in a severe multiple rollover crash, it is possible that a belted driver may experience partial or even complete ejection from the vehicle
Fix. Dealers will replace the energy-absorbing seat belt assemblies with one that does not have the energy-absorbing loop. Owner notification began on august 8, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should…
Suspension 4 Read
What's wrong. 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
Risk. This condition can result in a loss of vehicle control
Fix. Dealers will inspect and retighten the right-hand lower control arm nuts to the proper torque specification
What's wrong. On certain sport utility vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin, and in the district of columbia. Failure of an upper control arm ball joint assembly could occur due to corrosion
Risk. This can result in impaired steering or steering loss, or a partial or complete collapse of the front suspension, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace both upper ball joints. Owner notification began september 4, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or oldsmobile at…
What's wrong. This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: 1996-1997 4-wheel drive chevrolet blazer, gmc jimmy, and oldsmobile bravada sport utility vehicles. Some owners have had to pay for replacement of the upper ball joints that have separated. Gm is providing a special policy to these owners to cover upper ball joint replacement if the customer followed the recommended maintenance schedule for the chassis lubrication and the vehicle still required the replacement of the upper ball joints due to separation
Risk. This could cause a loss of steering control of the vehicle
Fix. Gm has decided to conduct a customer satisfaction campaign to replace the upper ball joints on affected vehicles. This special policy is for a period of 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date the vheicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. The upper ball joint…
Visibility 4 Read
What's wrong. Certain sport utility vehicles, mini vans, and pickup trucks may develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch
Risk. If this were to happen, it could result in an inoperative switch, heat damage to the driver's door, and/or ignition of components in the driver's door and a subsequent vehicle fire without prior warning
Fix. Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on april 24, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at…
What's wrong. On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all
Risk. If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began on june 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782,…
What's wrong. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently
Risk. This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover
Exterior Lighting 3 Read
What's wrong. General motors is recalling 5,862 my 2000-2002 chevrolet blazer, my 2000-2001 gmc jimmy, and my 2000 oldsmobile bravada sport utility vehicles. The multifunction switch could develop an open circuit condition that results in the stop lamps and the rear hazard lamps becoming inoperative. The center high mounted stop lamp and turn signal functions are not affected
Risk. The loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped and could result in a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the hazard switch carrier. The recall began on june 17, 2008. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or through their website at <a href=http://www.gmownercenter.com>http://www.gmownercenter.com</a> . Note: this campaign is an…
What's wrong. Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The multifunction switch could develop an open circuit condition that results in the stop lamps and the rear hazard lamps becoming inoperative. The center high mounted stop lamp and turn signal functions are not affected
Risk. The loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped and could result in a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the hazard switch carrier. Owner notification will be conducted in two phases. The first phase began april 15, 2002, with mailings to owners of 2000 and early 2001 vehicles. The second mailing phase will be to remaining 2001 and 2002 vehicles. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer…
What's wrong. General motors is recalling 5,862 my 2000-2002 chevrolet blazer, my 2000-2001 gmc jimmy, and my 2000 oldsmobile bravada sport utility vehicles. The multifunction switch could develop an open circuit condition that results in the stop lamps and the rear hazard lamps becoming inoperative. The center high mounted stop lamp and turn signal functions are not affected
Risk. The loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped and could result in a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the hazard switch carrier. The recall began on june 17, 2008. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or through their website at <a href=http://www.gmownercenter.com>http://www.gmownercenter.com</a> . Note: this campaign is an…
Fuel System, Gasoline 3 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: 4-door, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive multi-purpose passenger vehicles. During development testing, the prop shaft contacted the inboard side of the fuel tank allowing fuel leakage. This leakage was in excess of the amount permitted by fmvss 301, "fuel system integrity."
Risk. If an ignition source is present, and there is a fuel leak, a fire could occur
Fix. Dealers will install additional shielding of the fuel tank. This will be added without removing or disassembling the fuel system
What's wrong. Certain r&b, inc. Central multiport fuel injection (cmfi) fuel return lines, models help 55163, napa balkamp 700-3270, and the connection 2560001, sold for use as replacement equipment for the vehicles listed above. The fuel return line has a mechanical bleed valve which was not installed at the proper torque
Risk. A fuel leak can occur at the valve, possibly resulting in a fire
Fix. R&b, inc. Will notify owners and at the customers request, either replace the fuel line or offer a full refund. The recall began on may 4, 2006. Owners may contact r&b, inc. At 215-712-5330
What's wrong. Vehicle description: 4-door, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive multi-purpose passenger vehicles. During development testing, the prop shaft contacted the inboard side of the fuel tank allowing fuel leakage. This leakage was in excess of the amount permitted by fmvss 301, "fuel system integrity."
Risk. If an ignition source is present, and there is a fuel leak, a fire could occur
Fix. Dealers will install additional shielding of the fuel tank. This will be added without removing or disassembling the fuel system
Equipment 1 Read
What's wrong. Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection."
Risk. Some of these vehicles include incorrect statements on one of the air bag warning labels
Fix. Owners will be provided with correct labels and installation instructions. Owner notification began on june 4, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463
What's wrong. Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection."
Risk. Some of these vehicles include incorrect statements on one of the air bag warning labels
Fix. Owners will be provided with correct labels and installation instructions. Owner notification began on june 4, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463
Engine And Engine Cooling 1 Read
What's wrong. Fan blade rivet breakage can occur causing the fan blade to separate from the spider
Risk. If this occurred while the hood was open, a person working under the hood of the vehicle or in the vicinity of the vehicle could be struck by the fan blade and injured
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace, if necessary, the fan with a newer fan having thicker-headed rivets
Seats 1 Read
What's wrong. The inertia lock mechanism may not function, allowing the seat back to fold forward, and the seat to move forward
Wheels 1 Read
What's wrong. On the involved vehicles, the rear brake drum balance weights may interfere with the aluminum wheels. This contact could cause the wheel lug nuts to loosen, leading to wheel stud failure. This could allow separation of the wheel and tire from the vehicle
Fix. The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, modify the rear brake drum balance weights without charge to owner
How long a defect stays unadmitted
Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average gap before admission | 6.74 years |
| Slowest campaign | 24 years |
| Admitted 5+ years later | 47.4% |
| Campaigns on record | 28 |
Which Jimmy years were recalled most
Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.
| Model year | Campaigns | Most recalled system |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Equipment | |
| 2003 | Equipment | |
| 2001 | Seat Belts | |
| 2000 | Seat Belts | |
| 1998 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1997 | Suspension | |
| 1996 | Suspension | |
| 1995 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1991 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1990 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1989 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1988 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1987 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1986 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1985 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1983 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1982 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1981 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic |
Check your own car
A campaign applies to a range of production, not to every car of the model. The only way to know whether yours is affected — and whether the repair was already done — is by VIN.
| Step | What you get |
|---|---|
| Enter the VIN above | Open campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA |
| Check the repair status | Whether the free fix has already been carried out on this car |
| Book at any franchised dealer | Recall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner |
Go deeper
A campaign covers a production range. Yours is one car.
- Check whether this exact VIN is affected — and whether the fix was done
- Alerts if a new campaign lands on a car in your garage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the GMC Jimmy have?
28 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 1981–2004. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.
Is recall work free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.
How do I know if my Jimmy still has an open recall?
Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.
Why did a defect take years to be recalled?
On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 6.74 years, and the slowest campaign came 24 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.