Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Several problems with 2001 GMC Jimmy. Battery - was leaking & running down engine compartment - (under warranty) dealer was going to replace battery & fix where acid had eat up pan, under coating,wires, etc. Dealer did not do any of this - all they did was super glue bad battery connector back to battery. I went back to dealer to complain & was told that they did not have time to even look to verify that nothing was done. Warranty expired 2 days later. Go figure! Brakes - have gone thru 2 sets of pads all around - had to replace 2 rotors so far- as they were eat up completely - nothing left on one side. Makes constant grinding noise like brakes are being ridden. Lights - had to have emergency switch replaced under warranty.( had no brake lights) transmission - always revving up or dropping down. Front end - popping cracking noises. Interior lights - dim & light always on everything. …
While driving on interstate smoke started coming out from the steering wheel and I smelled something burning, I pulled over to make sure the vehicle was not going to start on fire, and found the bottom brake lights were not working but the top center brake light was working. After getting home I researched and found that my GMC VIN# had been included in a recall. But what was replaced and when it was replaced I do not know. It only stated that my VIN # was included, and that no other recalls were in affect at this time. So according to GMC web site there were 2 different recalls for this issue and 3 different parts could be the problem. …
The engine shuts off while you are driving.. Amp meter needle drops to zero. And the engine shuts off. We have replaced battery, and alternator twice.dealership can"t fix it. It is dangerous to drive but it is all we have.
Shop > vehicle resources > vehicle ownership > vehicle recall search recall information is provided "as is" from the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA). Recall notices for 2000, GMC Jimmy year: 2000 vehicle make: GMC vehicle model: Jimmy NHTSA campaign number : 01V364000 summary: vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The multi-function switch could develop an open circuit condition that results in the stop lamps and the rear hazard lamps becoming inoperative. The center high mounted stop lamp and turn signal functions are not affected. Possible consequences: the loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped and could result in a crash. Corrective action: dealers will replace the hazard switch carrier. Owner notification will be conducted in two phases. …
Upon starting the vehicle the key would not return from the start position to the run position in the ignition. This LED to the starter trying to start the engine continuously with the engine already running until I put the shifter in the drive or reverse position. The engine would not turn off until I took out the fuse for the fuel pump. The starter would not disengage until I took out the fuse for the starter. These fuses are located in the engine compartment. This had to be done with the vehicle in drive and with the parking brakes on. I believe this is related to a problem with the wiring harness that connects the floor shifter to the ignition cylinder lock system. Talking to other owners of this model vehicle, several of them have experienced problems with their keys being stuck in the ignition. …
Starting from January 13, 2007 ,everytime I turn the ignition off the key cannot be removed from the ignition switch. I have had to jiggle the key, and wait several minutes before the key can be removed. After researching this problem on the internet, I found many others are having/had this problem. Many ways to fix this problem were posted. Finally I found one that works for my truck. At least for now it does. I had to remove a plastic cap under the switch on the steering column, and insert an ink pen pushing against something to get the key to released. This needs to be recalled and fixed before someone dies because they can't remove their key so they can get out of their vehicle, in an emergency situation.
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. …
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Jimmy years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (33), 1997 (28), 1995 (27), 1996 (25) and 2000 (20) model years. Electrical complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for GMC Jimmy electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any GMC Jimmy model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do GMC Jimmy electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition (28 mentions), followed by the 12v/24v/48v battery (21).
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.