1998 GMC Jimmy: common problems and reliability
260 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about visibility. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 Jimmy?The 1998 GMC Jimmy has 260 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are visibility and electrical system.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 GMC Jimmy vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the Jimmy?
Across the 6 Jimmy model years we track, complaint volume runs from 110 (2001) to 508 (1996). With 260 complaints, the 1998 Jimmy sits about the same as the model's median of 260.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1998 Jimmy
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 97V218000VEHICLE 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.
suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
Campaign 98V053000VEHICLE 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.
What owners say across generations
Owner sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, characterized by widespread reports of poor build quality, unreliable components, and frequent mechanical failures.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Jimmy. See the full Jimmy owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Jimmy listings typically run $8,270–$27,445 across 1983 to 2001 model years.
Other Jimmy model years
Compare every Jimmy year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Jimmy against its rivals
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