Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 GMC Jimmy owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was involved in a crash in June. A vehicle stopped in front of me and I struck the rear of that vehicle. The road was wet from rain. My brakes, all four wheels, locked up and I slid into that vehicle. No injuries. Property damage probably $4,000. Total brake lockup. Had anti lock brakes worked properly I believe I would have plenty of room to stop and avoid crash.
The dealer knew about the defects to this vehicle and refused to fix them after receiving 3 separate estimates. 2 days after I repeatedly went back to the dealership to report these safety hazards the dealer continued to refuse to fix the problems and I had a car accident due to the defective vehicle. The dealer compliance board has a current case against the dealer and he has only agreed to take his vehicle back. The dealer has requested the damage from the motor vehicle accident not be fixed by the insurance company. The damage prior to the sale was so extensive from water or flood damage that the engine is completely ruined. It will not pass emissions. My fear is that the next unsuspecting consumer will be deceived by this dealer and this vehicle and I believe the next person will not be as lucky. I should be dead right now. …
Dt:the contact stated the upper and lower ball joints on both sides broke while driving in a parking lot. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership, where the ball joints and the anti lock brake sensors were replaced. Contacted the manufacturer, there were NHTSA recalls 01i018000 and 01V200000, but this vehicle was not included in the recalls due to VIN. In addition, this vehicle experienced several other problems as well. The left door broke off while in the driveway, the male joint of the door broke when shutting the door. Also, the transmission and anti lock brakes were replaced. The anti lock brake sensor was replaced twice.
Accident on ABS failure about $2800. $850 out of my pocket for ABS repair. Windshield wipers work sometimes and sometimes they dont. Mentioned windshield wiper not working to the tech at dealer. He said "we have quite a few wiper problems on that model, I expect a recall soon." please let me know if there is anything I can do. Thank you.
ABS brakes failed, vehicle lost control, resulting in a head-on collision. Upon impact, driver's/passenger's air bags failed to deploy, resulting in injuries. In addition, ignition locked up/fuel gauge and alternator failed.
Had vehicle towed due to lack of ABS brakes. Brake pedal went to floor when applied. Vehicle failed to stop like it was suppose to do. Hit a tree. Dealer bled brakes first & then master cylinder.
Defective engine and throttle for a 1997 GM Jimmy, VIN [redacted]. While attempting to deactivate the cruise control, by pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate. It was later determined that the cruise control module was the cause of the problem. The consumer had other components of the vehicle replaced which include the brake pad sensor, brake pads, electrical wiring. On the day of delivery the vehicle's left front wheel assembly separated from the vehicle. This failure was due to the loss of four major bolt which held the assembly to the chassis.
A/C compressor failures other- intake manifold coolant leak due to use of plastic intake manifold master cylinder failure (loss of pedal/leal). Replaced master cylinder short time later same problem and dealer reported failure of anti lock computer at cost of $1200.00. Repair refused and after a few weeks had them recheck master and they replaced the unit. No problem several months later.
Intermittent ABS brake problem. Sensor light would come on, indicating brake failure. Brake pedal felt spongy, and when applied, vehicle pulled to the right. Vehicle has been in / out of dealer shop on several occasions. Major repairs were made by replacing all major parts. However, problem still occurs. Can NHTSA help in this matter.
Pe94038 ;ABS brake system failure. The front disc brake sensor did not make warning sound to alert driver to check brake system. Therefore, one of the brake pads stuck to the brake cylinder which wore the cylinder down. Owner had problem corrected at brake shop. Owner also notified the dealer and the manufacturer about the brake problem.
NHTSA investigations
ABS braking system
This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v-193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.
Brake complaints in other Jimmy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 GMC Jimmy?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 GMC Jimmy, 20% of the model year's 274 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (38 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 GMC Jimmy brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 GMC Jimmy, though it has 4 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 1997 GMC Jimmy brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 181,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 8 injuries to brakes 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.