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 1998 GMC Jimmy owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The first time it happened, I started the vehicle and left the parking lot, stopped at a stop sign, proceeded into the roadway and engine died. Everything went off - all power all electrical. I had just purchased the vehicle second hand and the owner told me later that she had battery problems, but she put in a new battery. The dealer could not fix it. My husband figured it was the ignition switch. I kept the car for twelve years and had to change it twice, plus the initial repair was warrantied. When it first occurred in 2000 I looked for a recall, but there was none. I remember the previous owner had a very large keychain, and we did figure out on our own to carry a single key, but after about 5-6 years you still need to change the ignition, you can tell cause the electronics start going wacky in the vehicle. Then it won't start, like you think its the battery. …
Drive an 1998 GMC Jimmy with around 172,000 miles on it (I know this is a lot of miles). Had the local GM dealer work on my rear defroster (one of the clips fell off). After receiving the vehicle back from the dealer I turned my defroster on about two weeks later. The back window exploded like a shotgun after about 15-20 seconds. Dealer says rear defroster voltage regulator must have went bad. I argued that a fuse should had blown before an explosion took place. GM complaint department also disagrees, saying that the vehicle is old and things like this happen. Luckily, no one was standing by the rear window when it exploded because it probably would have killed them. If I'm wrong tell me I'm wrong but I believe GM is responsible for no only replacing the window but fixing the rear defroster voltage regulator. …
Noted issues with my 98 Jimmy (purchased 12/97)that I have had to repair which I believe were defective parts: 1) 10/00 mileage=57248 replaced faulty ignition switch due to dash board lights not working 2) not repaired to date: wipers have had occasions they did not work. I usually can get them working by turning them on/off a few times. Intermittent mode takes a long time(3-10 seconds) to start running in best scenario. 3) both front reclining seat levers broke off(brittle metal rod)within first 3 years of usage. I have not replaced due to cost of replacing complete seat assemblies is only fix. 4) 12/04 mileage=129,518 throttle choke plate assembly disintegrated partially and jammed throttle open. This almost caused an accident as could not come to a complete stop while car was running. After broken piece worked its way past the valves I needed $1900 in cylinder head repairs.
I have a GMC Jimmy and the electrical switch keeps going on it. For two years now this is the thrid one I had to replace. When the switch goes, you no longer have any dash lights and your transmission does not work properly. You only have 2nd, and 3rd gear which causes a hazard because you have very little power when you are at a complete stop and then proceed to go. You better make sure nothing is coming as far as you can see because you start out very very slowly and it takes a while to get going at a faster rate to keep up with traffic. You also do not know on how fast you are traveling for a safe speed. I find this problem to be very dangerous for the driver and others out there on the road and considering it has happened 3 times within 2 years, I believe something should be looked into further on this.
I have a GMC Jimmy that is experiencing multiple dashboard failures. When I fill the gas tank the gauge goes to empty, then when I drive a while it goes to full and then back to empty. I never have a partially full reading. Also the air bag light comes off and on. My oil pressure gauge reves up and down like I am out of oil. I pull off the road and check and the oil is fine. I am not sure what to do about this. I took it to the GM dealer and they want more than I can afford just to look at it and can't guarantee anything. I did pay $85 to put it on the diagnostic tester but this never showed up. Please help!
My 1998 GMC Jimmy has a defect where the key get stuck in the ignition and will not come out. I had this problem looked at 18 months ago and the ignition cylinder was replaced. I understand from the dealer that this is a common problem with the floor shifter, if this is a common problem why isn't there a recall. This is dangerous keys left in the ignition can lead to someone taking the car without permission especially a child.
Since owning this vehicle, two problems have been chronic. #1 the drivers side window does not fully open nor close without assistance. #2 the blinker sound comes on for no reason and stays on for random lengths of time. Tapping on the brake will turn off the blinker noise for a short time, but it comes back on often. Yes, I have replaced the fuses multiple times.
Consumer states that while driving at any speed on the highway whenever the windshield wipers are used they would stop working without warning. It was later discovered that a bad circuit broad and faulty soldering were the cause of the problem. A recall was issued for the 1997 vehicles but not the 1998. The manufacturer was notified.
Everytime I start my vehicle, all the panel lights comes on. I took it to the dealer and they stated the vehicle has a bad wiring problem. The vehicle have trouble cranking most times and the compressor has died for no apparent reason. This problem needs to be addressed before someone ends up in a fatal accident.
Continous pre-existing vehicle problems and 3-4 or more attempts to correct problem of off and on occurrence of vehicle not cranking up/starting when turning ignition key. I fear vehicle will cut off while driving which can result in a harmful or fatal auto accident
Electrical complaints in other Jimmy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1998 GMC Jimmy?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 GMC Jimmy, 14% of the model year's 238 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › switch (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 GMC Jimmy electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1998 GMC Jimmy, though it has 2 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 1998 GMC Jimmy electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.