Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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. …
Windshield wipers do not work all the time. I was in a bad rainstorm last night and had to pull off the road because we couldn't see anything. Scary - this is a potential big law suit for GMC if anyone dies in an accident due to this common complaint. My GMC mechanic revealed that this happens on almost all GMC Jimmy's, yet there is no recall to replace the defective part to date. Transmission - slipped badly. I paid to have it replaced and sometimes it still slips. This transmission repair shop said that this is common with the Jimmy, as well as a faulty gas gauge, faulty ball joints and oxygen sensors. I did have to replace the oxygen sensor, but I consider that normal repairs.
The coolant temperature gauge would rise and fall quickly in an erratic manner. Upon inspection the radiator was found to be full of a thick reddish substance. The mechanic said that this is a know issue related to the dex cool coolant. He also said that there is a TSB that instructs the mechanic to flush and replace the fluid. My complaint is with the OEM for not informing me of the problem with the coolant. If I would have known of the problem, then I would have had the service performed before damaging my coolant system. The damage cost me about $2000 in repairs to replace the radiator, water pump and sensors.
Transmission failure / replaced transmission - upper & lower ball joint failure / replaced upper & lower ball joints - rear window wiper failure / inoperable at this point - extremely expensive replacements with no old parts available at this point. Events leading up to failure I can only attribute to severely poor manufacturing of products, there was no operating misuse or abuse. Also other parts that have failed and have since been replaced are the: alternator, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator and cooling system failures.
While driving consumer looked in the rear view mirror and noticed smoke in the road and pulled over to the side of the road and when he opened the hood, there were flames engulfing the engine, consumer then closed the hood and moved away from the vehicle. Ohio traffic crash report (10-89-383).
I have had to replace 1 upper ball joint and two lower ones , I was told my VIN number did not match for the recall listed on your site. I have also had to replace both of my oil cooling lines that started leaking badly, this is part of the towing package offered by GMC.
Transmission has a history of "shifting hard" between 1st and 2nd, especially when warm. During a routine oil change, mechanic noticed a "rusted trans dip stick". Though protested by GM as a defect, extended warenty covered. I had to go elsewhere for trans flush, dealer did not have equipment. Problem persists through 2000. Trasmission overheated on hwy causing overflow and slipage. Dealer found "rust in radiator" and "debrise in trans". Had to replace radiator/flush engine and trans. At my expense 1/2001. Now, with warmer weather, trans. Oil is "varnished" and shift hard between 1 & 2nd again just 5000 miles later. Engine lite on. Found multible simular complaints at http://www.thecomplaintstation.com/g/gm_toc.htm. GM is not recognizing what appears to be an expensive, chronic problem with transmission and associated cooling components. …
My car began leaking a significant amount of oil in front of and behind the left front tire. My local dealer suggested I bring the car in to be inspected. It was diagnosed as having a badly leaking oil cooling line. They said the parts for this repair are on a 7-10 day back order because the problem is so common. I am extremely concerned that this is such a common problem in vehicles of my class, but GMC has not recalled or sent out a service notice. I am really glad that I noticed the leak when I did. I was about an hour away from leaving on a trip. I am 7 months pregnant and would have been traveling with my 3 year old daughter. That would have been a very difficult situation for me to be in, had the oil line blown. I had noticed approximately 12 drips of oil on my garage floor where I park the car, over the last 30 days. …
The truck I have is 1997 GMC Jimmy 4x4 slt model I purchased the truck in 2000 knowing it was a pre owned vehicle for the first two years the vehicle was nice but the next two years I have have had nothing but troubles so far with this vehicle I have replaced 1) ignition switch that costed 700.oo 2) pulley 3) alternator 4) heater core 5) compressor for A/C is gone havent replaced 6) fuel pump is gone havent replaced 7)winshield wipers work when they want to usual on clear days but when its storming they dont work which has resulted in me getting drenched 8) tailgate doenst want to go up I have had two years of problems with my truck and still contine to do so I purchased my truck with 21,252 mi and I now have 70,329 mi I need ball joints which I have not replaced in my opinion this is the worst vehicle I have ever ownmed and I believe ever made.
Vehicle suddenly accelerated when idiling. Dealer has been contacted, and has replaced fuel injectors. Please provide further details. The heating system malfunctioned due to heating core failure. The A/C was not blowing warm air. There was a clicking noise from the engine area because the power steering pump was leaking fluid. The vehicle leans to the left due to torsion bar out of adjustment. Front left and right axle seals were leaking. Transmission was leaking. Back window had air leak. The rear wiper sticks due to wiper motor failure. Front end makes clunking noise due to ball joint failure. There was clunk noise when shifting into gear due to rear d-shaft and u-joint failures. The intake gasket was leaking and was replaced. The throttle sticks. The serpentine belt failed and was replaced.
Engine complaints in other Jimmy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 GMC Jimmy?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 GMC Jimmy, 14% of the model year's 274 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 GMC Jimmy engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.