The most-reported Jimmy run is 1GKDT13W0T2 (1996 builds) with 22 complaints, 6.5× the typical run. Service brakes problems make up 25% of reports; 1998 is the worst model year at 4.9 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 28 recall campaigns for Jimmy model years 1981–2004.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The GMC Jimmy has 437 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 7% of every Jimmy complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1GKDT13W0T2•••••• | 1996 | 3 | 2 | |
| 1GKDT13W9V2•••••• | 1997 | 1 | — | |
| 1GKDT13W9T2•••••• | 1996 | 2 | 1 | |
| 1GKDT13W8T2•••••• | 1996 | — | — | |
| 1GKDT13W3T2•••••• | 1996 | 2 | 2 | |
| 1GKDT13W7S2•••••• | 1995 | 5 | — | |
| 1GKDT13W7T2•••••• | 1996 | 2 | — | |
| 1GKDT13W4T2•••••• | 1996 | 4 | 1 | |
| 1GKDT13W2T2•••••• | 1996 | 1 | — | |
| 1GKDT13WXS2•••••• | 1995 | 3 | — | |
| 1GKDT13W5T2•••••• | 1996 | 5 | — | |
| 1GKDT13W4S2•••••• | 1995 | 4 | — |
Each of the other 425 Jimmy runs has 16 complaints or fewer.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the GMC Jimmy the gap between build years is 4.9×: a 1998 car draws 4.9 complaints per run, a 1984 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 86 | 40 | 9 | |
| 2000 | 151 | 35 | 11 | |
| 1999 | 100 | 35 | 10 | |
| 1998 | 181 | 37 | 14 | |
| 1997 | 210 | 51 | 18 | |
| 1996 | 324 | 86 | 45 | |
| 1995 | 388 | 134 | 54 | |
| 1990 | 6 | 6 | 1 | |
| 1989 | 9 | 9 | 2 | |
| 1988 | 8 | 7 | 1 | |
| 1987 | 4 | 4 | — | |
| 1985 | 4 | 4 | 1 | |
| 1984 | 3 | 3 | — |
Heaviest year here is 1998 at 4.9 complaints per run; lightest is 1984 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 25% of everything GMC Jimmy owners report: Service Brakes, 445 of 1,475 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 81 | 1 | |
| Hydraulic | 72 | 1 | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 7 | 7 | |
| Suspension | 6 | — | |
| Power Train | 5 | 2 | |
| Electrical System | 3 | 10 | |
| Fuel System | 4 | 1 |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 28 recall campaigns on the GMC Jimmy; the 6 below cover build years 1982 to 2004. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 06E026000 | Exterior Lighting | 1982–1991 |
| 99V193000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip | 1991–1996 |
| 04V132000 | Equipment:other:labels | 2003–2004 |
| 00V228003 | Seat Belts | 2000–2001 |
| 08V231000 | Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch | 2000–2001 |
| 01V364000 | Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch | 2000–2001 |
The Jimmy against its rivals
The Jimmy draws 3.4 complaints per production run; the Isuzu Trooper 1.8. That is the highest rate of the 2.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Jimmy | 1,475 | 437 | 11.3% | |
| Isuzu Trooper | 423 | 231 | 9.5% |
How serious were they
Of the 1,475 reports on the GMC Jimmy, 11.3% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | GMC Jimmy | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 1,475 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 166 (11.3%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 21 (1.4%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 137 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 2 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 95% above the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The GMC Jimmy share of that is 1,475 complaints over 437 runs, 0.13% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a GMC Jimmy VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 1,475 NHTSA complaints from 437 Jimmy runs and 28 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Jimmy production run has the most complaints?
1GKDT13W0T2, a 1996 build, with 22 complaints, 3 of them after a crash. The typical Jimmy run has 3.4.
Which Jimmy years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 1998 is heaviest at 4.9 complaints per run and 1984 lightest at 1.
Does the Jimmy get more complaints than the Isuzu Trooper?
Yes: 3.4 complaints per production run for the Jimmy against 1.8 for the Isuzu Trooper.
How many Jimmy complaints involve a crash?
11.3% of 1,475 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 21 involved a fire.
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