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 1999 GMC Jimmy owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I replaced my front pads and rotors. Been fine for a week till yesterday I stopped at a light brakes felt slightly spongy, not long after maybe ten minutes three cars ahead of me had stopped as I hit the brake my foot went straight to the floor and I smacked the vehicle in front of me doing appx. 35-40 MPH. It was a four car pileup I took heavy front end damage more or less totaled the vehicle but the airbags had failed to deploy causing me to hit my head on the steering wheel and suffering a concussion. The seatbelt didn't lock as it should have either therefore causing my whiplash to be severe.
I was just getting ready to leave the car wash. I pressed the brake padal to put the truck in gear, a second later the padal went to the floor, thought it was air in the line. Tried a few more times then got out of the truck to look for the leak, found (steel line) drivers side rusted. Had truck towed to shop, as I could not drive it. They found heavy rust on all brake lines in the front, the control arms also have heavy rust. Thank god I was not in traffic as I am sure I would have crashed. The shop is replacing all front brake lines and are going to inspect all other lines ie: all brake lines to back, all fuel lines. Parking brake failed as well. How did this truck pass nys inspection? Truck was purchased 3/30/2006 from dealer facility #7096646 a&a used car sales inc. 969 sunrise hwy,brightwaters,ny 11706 nys inspected by station 7099758
1999 GMC Jimmy exhibits exactly the same automatic braking system defect as NHTSA campaign id number: 05V379000, mfg's report date: aug 29,2005. My VIN number [redacted] currently not covered. Vehicle ABS system activates at low speed on dry pavement causing increased stopping distances. ABS system often engages even though my foot is not on the brake pedal. Has almost caused numerous accidents. Am having vehicle repaired at my own expense tomorrow due to extreme safety factor. Updated 07/18/2012
Living near a salt mine ohio uses salt like crazy I'm fortunate that I do all the work myself rotten brake lines fuel lines that's what happens in the snow belt rot my Jimmy is mechanically sound with 190000 miles drive it almost 200 miles a day to and from work unfortunately it will rot to pieces before it dies and I don't think I should have to accept this need to find other ways to get ride of ice on roads in ohio or different alloys to make lines with. A lot of mechanics in the south won't or don't know how to work on corroded parts or some even charge a higher rate.
Problem with vehicle is intermittent malfunction of ABS system. When making emergency stops, brakes give way and increase stopping distance. This happens at low speeds mainly and has been a problem with these vehicles in past recalls that do not cover my year. Dealer cannot duplicate conditions,and I have a case number with general motors #99213442.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 GMC Jimmy. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond to deceleration attempts. The contact mentioned that the check engine warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 114,000.
Parking brake failure. Repeated service visits, first three times it was adjusted, this did not help another time I was told I needed calipers (installed). Problem persists. Parking brake fails to hold vehicle from rolling on even the slightest grade.
There are several recalls out on my model of vehicle in which my vehicle has the same symptoms but when I run a check on the year VIN it comes back with no recalls. How can I make sure that my repairs should be covered under the recalls.
I purchased a 1999 GMC Jimmy for my daughter. All through the warranty period, there have been problems that still have not been fixed.the brakes have never worked properly, parts inside the vehicle have fallen off, the antenna has fallen off,the electrical system (heating and cooling) has not worked properly,the outside mirrors and windows have not worked properly,the electrical system has buzzed when the radio is on, there has always been a banging noise underneath the vehicle. The left front hub assembly was replaced-didn't correct the probelm-had it replaced again 2 weeks ago-same condition still exists. They finally found the lower and upper ball joints on the passenger side were coming apart-replaced them-but noise (loud sometimes) is still there. Have been taking this vehicle in for repairs since I bought it-have been without the vehicle over 30 days in the warranty perioid. …
Drum in hat style parking brake 'wore out' after only about 18 months. The failure occurred incrementally during the period as the pedal gradually had to be depressed further and further to be effective. Dealer replaced only shoes under warranty. One year later, after the same gradual decline in performance mentioned above, the parking brake lost functionality again. Dealer claimed neglect on our part by leaving the brake engaged while driving even though the gradual nature of the failure could be considered evidence to the contrary. A cable adjustment was made which did restore partial functionality. Yet even though we employed judicious use of the brake from then on, the repair lasted only a few years. We have had no functionality for several years now believing that some flaw in the design made them non-repairable. …
Brake complaints in other Jimmy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 GMC Jimmy?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 GMC Jimmy, 15% of the model year's 137 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 GMC Jimmy brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1999 GMC Jimmy. 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 1999 GMC Jimmy brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 114,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 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.