Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 GMC Jimmy owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Vehicle plagued with a wide range of faulty components first failing within the 36,000 mile manufacturer warranty period: 070396 (see 033199)-leaking central port injector replaced @ dealer; subsequent problems noted 091897, 042098, 112198, 022399. 091897 (see 030998): smoke & flames from driver's side under hood-connection @ junction box repaired @ dealer. Slow start also noted (see 033199). 030998 (see 091897): wires under hood smoked-ignition switch shorted out & replaced @ independent repair facility. Also noted wipers not working (see 112198). 042098: pinion seal leaking/replaced @ independent facility/check engine light on-rough start (see 033199). 060198: heat/smoke @ dash & alarm malfunctioning-short in driver side seat lumbar support switch wiring repaired @ independent facility. …
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! …
The vehicle had an electrical wiring problem which caused it to catch on fire while parked in a garage. 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.
Vehicle campaign nos. 96070 and 99041 were serviced in August, 2000. Immediately after this the brake fuse began to blow every time the brakes were applied moderate to hard. Easy brake application does not blow the fuse. The brakes are all good, fluid is full, all wiring has been inspected for possible damage, wheel sensors are functioning, and nothing else happened to the vehicle since the campaign was performed. The dealer says that the problem is unrelated to the campaign, but I disagree. Mechanically, everything checks out fine and in all probability I think that the problem lies in the computer system, which was modified during the campaign. The problem did not exist until right after the campaign was performed. I do not think that I should have to pay to have this problem fixed because it started after the campaign was performed and in all probability as a result of it. …
The OEM battery developed a slow leak. The highly corrosive fluid dripped onto several brake lines and the actuator cable for the 4wd transfer case. The corrosive destroyed the cable and began to eat away at several brake lines that run to the front brakes. If I had not found the leak in time, the battery corrosive would have eaten through the brake lines causing complete brake failure. The battery acid also corroded the right front frame member. I recently discovered that other GMC trucks (not Jimmy/blazer) have had the same/similar problem which triggered a nhtsb product safety alert. This is a serious problem. I contacted GMC and told them about this...they seemed indifferent. I tried to tell them about the product safety alert for this same problem to their yukons & suburbans but GMC would not corroborate my information. The file number GMC issued for my complaint was 00048689. …
With the first event they replaced-battery nad serb belt. The next event happened 2 months later. The next event occurred when the engine began to run so roughly that the brakes would barely stop the car. That time they replacedan EGR valve. Within the week a third event occured. The car wouldn't start because of a dead battery. The problems were finally traced to a leaking battery and corroded battery cable. So far I haves spent a total of $935.86 having the things fixed that eventually was traced to the battery/battery cable leakage
While driving at 10 MPH vehicle dies out without prior warning. When consumer gets into the vehicle and shuts the door, she can hear all types of noises coming from the vehicle. Vehicle has been in repair shop nine times for repairs, and consumer is still having problems with the alarm system/ windows/head lights, and windshield wipers that are working intermittently. Dealer can't determine the cause of the problem.
Battery has gone bad/died due to leaking acid, consumer noted burning acid in the upper corner of the battery towards the engine. The acid was eating up the wiring. Also, around axle and wheel chassis there were acid burns. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Ea-00-013. Wiring harness taped and inspected by dealer. Some wires burnt through to expose metal and allow for shorts.
Vehicle was parked inside of employee parking lot. Consumer got into t vehicle and turn it on, and there was black smoke coming from steering column. He could smell it, and he got out of vehicle. Took key out of the ignition, and car was still parked. GMC dealership has been notified at this time.
Vehicle ran rough and stalled. Engine light came on when sitting still. Problem has been since 1996. EGR valve has been replaced 4 times and cleaned once. Manufacturer sent a warranty letter out for service regarding the EGR valve, however consumer never received the original.
Electrical complaints in other Jimmy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1995 GMC Jimmy?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the electrical system of the 1995 GMC Jimmy, 5% of the model year's 499 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 GMC Jimmy electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1995 GMC Jimmy, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 GMC Jimmy electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 7,000 miles, and 100% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 3 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.