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 1998 GMC Jimmy owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: the front and rear windshield wipers began to intermittently work. This was over a period of three months and later stopped working all together. Consumer did not take the vehicle to a dealer for any repairs because it was no longer under warranty. The transmission did not shift properly after acceleration for a period of about thirty seconds, and then it shifted into gear. The ABS was delayed when applying brake pressure. The brakes locked, and then the vehicle slid. The brakes pads were replaced every three months, this has been ongoing for the last two years. The steering wheel pulled to the right continuously, an alignment was performed a year ago but it did not correct the problem. In January 2004 the vehicle was involved in an accident, it struck a parked car at a speed of about 30 MPH and the air bags did not deploy. This was front impact. …
I own a 1998 GMC Jimmy, VIN no. [redacted]. The windshield wipers do not work most of the time, occasionally work intermittently, and the few times they do work, will stop in mid-cycle blocking view through the windshield. GMC has recalled all jimmys from 1993-1997 with the same problem. However, they have not included the 1998 in the same recall. I checked the certificate on my door - my car was manufactured in 02/1998. This problem is creating a safety concern for my daughter and I while in the car. I live in florida where it rains daily during the summer. I called GMC on 5/12/03 to check into the recall on the 1993-1997 Jimmy's. I spoke to two customer service representatives. …
The windshield wipers on my 1998 GMC Jimmy are sporadically not working. When they are turned on they will wipe half my windshield then stop then I have to turn off my wiper blades and turn them back on to wipe to the full extent of my windshield which is where they will stop again and must repeat this process several times to get a complete wipe. My wipers too will fail to stop wiping even though I have turned the switch to the off position. It has become more and more of a safety issue as time as worn on. I have had to pull off to the side of the road at times and completely turn my Jimmy off to get the blades to stop. This is a recurring problem, the blades will also fail to stop when I clean my windshield with the washer fluid. …
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.
My windshield wipers just stop in the middle of the windshield and start back when they feel like it. I was on my way to work at 3:00 am. In a bad rain storm this morning, and not for the first time my wipers just stopped. I almost wrecked and had to pull over to the left side of a four lane highway because I couldn't see until they just started up again. I was very late for work. I never know when they are going to stop. My sister has the same model , make and year car. Her wipers had been stopping on her for two years off and on. Hers finally just quit completely. Even after all the times of taking it in to be fixed. One of my work associates has the same trouble with his GMC van.
On my way to work, my windshield wiper keeps failing. It's almost 100% guaranteed to fail during any rain. It also fails when using the windshield washer. This is very dangerous, as I do only highway driving every day. I know that previous years had the recall, yet the 1998 has not been recalled for fix. I realized this was a problem during the first rain after I purchased my vechicle 2 1/2 years ago. I hope GM is willing to fix this problem soon. I am sincerly considering converting to another maker.
My winshield wiper/washer fails without notice. I took it to my regular repair shop and was referred to the local GMC dealer account recall code #3023 from GM. When the dealer ran the computer check it was found that my specific vehicle was not listee for this recall even if it was on a different data base. Now they want $65 for the relay and $55 to install it. This sounds like bull to me. Once again GM puts out defective parts and when they get caught they want the consumer to pay for it.ak
Tl contact owns a 1998 GMC Jimmy. While driving approximately 75 MPH in rainy weather conditions, the front and rear windshield wipers would not work when activated. The driver experienced extremely limited visibility and had to pull the vehicle over to the side of the road. He had to wait until the rain slacked up before driving the vehicle to his destination. The vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 141,000.
Defective windshield wiper controller board, 1998 GMC Jimmy. This item was recalled on all similar SUV's for several years and ended in 1997. My windshield wipers have the same symptoms as those noted in the recall for the previous models. Intermittent functioning of the windshield wipers. Often the wipers fail to operate at all. Wiggling the socket connector on the windshield wiper motor will restore function for short durations (1 to 2 days at most).
Windshield wipers are working intermittently or stopping while operating or momentary not working at all when needed. Consumer states that there is a recall on the windshield wipers. I am unable to find any thing on this recall concerning this make, model & year. NHTSA data base shows no recall on the windshield wipers. Manufacturer was notified, and informed consumer that this vehicle was not covered under that recall due to VIN.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Jimmy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 GMC Jimmy?
NHTSA has 77 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 GMC Jimmy, 32% of the model year's 238 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (31 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 GMC Jimmy window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 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.