Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Windshield wipers are now dependably non-functional, especially when they're needed the most (like when it's raining). They are inoperable about 90% of the time, nothing seems able to coax the wiper system back into operation under these conditions, and the vehicle's operator is simple left soaking wet and wholly irritated for his efforts. If the vehicle is in operation when these failures occur, the driver must negotiate traffic like some jedi knight using "the force" before he can even get safely pulled over. And on an interstate highway, that's no small trick! This is a dangerous problem, and general motors' seemingly cavalier attitude about addressing it is unacceptable! …
Windshield wipers function intermittently at best; have been this way for almost two years now, but have been getting steadily less reliable. Wipers failed recently on I-35s in waco, tx during rain shower; anyone who's driven this stretch of road doesn't have to be told how dangerous a situation that was. Windshield washers are only partially effective (passenger side nozzle is almost totally inoperative); this has been the case for approximately 8 years now. Have tried blowing out line/nozzle without successful remedy; obviously problem lies with system design and/or fluid pump. This problem is an obvious safety hazard, and the "bean counters" at GM need to start realizing that a recall is less costly than a class-action lawsuit. I understand (from perusing this site) that there are numerous complaints against the windshield wiper system. …
Dt: the vehicle is a 1997 GMC Jimmy. Consumer received notice g02054 from the manufacturer, which told him that there was a problem with the windshield wiper motor. There was a cracked solder joint on the controller circuit board. This would cause the windshield wipers to work intermittently or not all. The letter stated that if consumer did not have this problem or did not believe he had this problem not to bring vehicle to the dealer for repairs. Consumer did not have this problem at that time. He received the letter in 2-2003. The problem started before he received the letter, and he did not know why. Consumer stated that when he got the letter the problem stopped. So he did not have it fixed. It was fine up until the past year or so. Consumer had stuck the letter in glove box with owners manual. When he found the letter he called GMC at [phone]. …
Dt: on 5/24/05 caller was driving at 40 MPH on level ground on the highway and the spare tire fell out from underneath the vehicle. The cable that holds the spare onto the vehicle broke and allowed spare to break away and fell onto the highway. The windshield wipers have caused many problems in the past as well. The wipers would start and stop unannounced and had to be repaired and the blinkers would come on and go off on their own. The consumer believed there was a general problem with the electrical system. The car was regularly maintained. Each time the consumer filled the vehicle with gas, the inside of the vehicle would smell like gas and for a couple of days, the gas gauge did not work.
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.
Sitting in car with motor off..lights off. Back window exploded. Window shot up over car and broke into a million pieces, while window stayed locked. Sounded like a bomb went off . I was sitting in passenger side of vehicle. Police reported to scene. GMC of fresno could find no reason, said it was not electrical. Took vehicle to another garage..they could find no reason either. Insurance refuses to repair because report states not caused by electrical. Also caused front dash equipment to malfunction. Very, very scary!! Glass blew out everywhere!
Electric outside review mirror switch shorted out on my 1997 GMC Jimmy. Although there is a recall for this problem, I was told by the dealership and GMC that my vehicle was not included in the recall (NHTSA campaign id number: 03V093000). When the switch shorted out it created a noxious burning smell that shorts create and the switch was hot. The fuse on that circuit also blew. The recall should be extended to all 1997 GMC jimmys - not just a few.
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.
Rear window latch motor cycling, but will not release window. Told by dealership that this is a common problem with 97 GMC Jimmy and 97 Chevy blazer. Cost at dealership to fix is over $450. This item should be recalled! I can be reached anytime at [phone] to clarify this issue...cpt burgess.
Windshield wipers failed to work on my 1997 GMC Jimmy while my wife was driving home from work in a rainstorm. She had to pull off to the side of the road immediately into someones driveway and pull on the wiper arms to get them to start working.
Related recalls
Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Certain sport utility vehicles, Mini vans, and pickup trucks May develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on April 24, 2003.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Jimmy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1997 GMC Jimmy?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1997 GMC Jimmy, 16% of the model year's 274 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 GMC Jimmy window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-093 (exterior, Mar 7, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 GMC Jimmy window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.