Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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! …
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.
95' GMC Jimmy slt w/ 4.3 v6 and 4l60e automatic transmission problems. There is rust covered entirely on the dipstick and I have maintained this vehicle meticulously. When driving the vehicle and more gas is applied to make a pass, approaching 3000 rpms the transmission starts to "jump and jerk" until u let off the gas.
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. …
During oil change, technician showed me my transmission dip stick, it was rusted entirely and rust particles are getting into my transmission, he thought there was a technical service bulletin out and to contact the dealer. I contacted the dealer and they stated they were unaware of any technical service bulletin. Said the dipstick would have to be replaced and the transmission fluid drained and replaced. This would cost approx. $100 not including replacement of dip stick. Can you help? I don't feel I should have to pay to have this done, since the dip stick should not be rusting out . Thank you.
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.
When applying the ABS brakes in wet weather, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. *akthe rear brake are wet with differential fluid, the left and right rear axle seals failed allowing brake shoes to get wet, rear brakes failed causing the rear of the vehicle to slide to the right of the car as a result the vehicle slid sideways until it hit curd and stopped against fence.
We purchased this vehicle in December 1996, the EGR valve has failed five separate times (was replaced only once under warranty) and we've just recently replaced the transmission. I consider myself fortunate that no one has been hurt when the EGR valve fails as we have no warning and lose all brake function.
Vehicle shudders/vibrates on take off and slow down. Have continuously advised dealer, but am told unable to duplicate problem. Have had transmissions serviced, ball joints greased, nothing helps. This does not happen on every take off or slow down, but when it does happen, it is a very odd feeling.
When driving at any speed and applying the brakes, brakes are hard, and the engine check light keeps coming on. Almost lost power steering and brake power. Also, transmission running very rough. Vehicle has been in shop for service, and the dealer can't dete-rmine the problem.
Transmission complaints in other Jimmy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1995 GMC Jimmy?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1995 GMC Jimmy, 6% of the model year's 499 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 GMC Jimmy transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.