Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2001 GMC Jimmy. The contact stated that while at a complete stop with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle turned off independently. The contact stated that he had to depress the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal at the same time to keep the vehicle running. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the spider fuel injectors needed to be replaced. Additionally, there was very low compression on cylinder #1 and #3 of 55 PSI. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was unrepairable. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Tl contact owns a 2001 GMC Jimmy. The contact noticed that the on-board diagnostic system warning indicator would consistently illuminate on the instrument panel. The vehicle frequently misfired, which caused it to be inoperable. The dealer stated that he needed to replace the scpi fuel injector and the mass air flow sensors at the cost of $1,150. He is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. He called the manufacturer in reference to a voluntary recall for the state of california for 1996 to 2001 SUV's, but was not provided any assistance because the recall was not applicable for his state. The current and failure mileages were 72,000.
My truck lost power and stopped running while driving on the freeway on the afternoon of 9-19-03. It was eventually towed to the dealer. Upon inspection I was told that nothing was wrong and that it ran fine. I was not convinced. On 9-22-03 it was determined that the truck needed a new catalitic converter and was driven in. I picked it up three days later. The next day the service light came on. I called the dealer and was told to bring it in. It was determined that the truck's computer needed to be updated. However the main computer was down and as such were not able to service it at that time. I was asked to return for reprogramming. The service light came back on on the evening of the 30th. I was not going to be able to bring it in to the shop until this week and in the meanwhile I was not driving it all that much. This past week end the service light came back on on Saturday. …
2000 GMC Jimmy experienced a problem with the front right hub and the wheel speed sensor. The consumer was pulling into a parking space and the brake pedal became stiff and or would not activate. The consumer had run into a brick wall and bounced into traffic. The check ABS system light had immediately illuminated. The consumer was then able to apply the brakes and backed into a parking space. The left front hub was replaced days before the consumer purchased the vehicle. The vehicle was also losing coolant. The consumer was informed that no coolant was in the vehicle.
My mother just told me that there is a class action suit at www.dexcoolsettlement.com regarding dexcool coolant corroding the radiator and other parts due to this coolant. According to this complaint, GMC does not admit fault. I have a 1999 Jimmy that has 114,000 miles, and in the last month I've had to replace the radiator $1,000.00, water pump $800.00 and now they want me to replace the intake manifold gaskets $700. According to the suit you have to have had this problem within the first seven years of the delivery date. Unfortunately I took delivery after the lease was up at 36,000 miles. I purchased it in 2002. Is there any recall on this matter so I could be refunded the amount on this defect?
The gas gauge was constantly on full. The tank May be empty but the gauge read full. The dealer stated the fuel pump needed to be replaced. Please describe further. Consumer made numerous repairs on driver's door due to door falling off and water leaking during rain; in addition, front wheel bearing was replaced at 36,676 miles and 43,545 miles on the left and right respectively. Also, repairs on driver's seat recliner. Consumer also discovered rust on the rear hatch, and problems encountered with the heating and cooling system. Electrical problem can't be found on headlights and dash.
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.
The dealer knew about the defects to this vehicle and refused to fix them after receiving 3 separate estimates. 2 days after I repeatedly went back to the dealership to report these safety hazards the dealer continued to refuse to fix the problems and I had a car accident due to the defective vehicle. The dealer compliance board has a current case against the dealer and he has only agreed to take his vehicle back. The dealer has requested the damage from the motor vehicle accident not be fixed by the insurance company. The damage prior to the sale was so extensive from water or flood damage that the engine is completely ruined. It will not pass emissions. My fear is that the next unsuspecting consumer will be deceived by this dealer and this vehicle and I believe the next person will not be as lucky. I should be dead right now. …
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
Fan blade rivet breakage can occur causing the fan blade to separate from the spider.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace, if necessary, the fan with a newer fan having thicker-headed rivets.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Jimmy years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (76), 1996 (53), 1997 (38), 2000 (27) and 1998 (20) model years. Engine complaints make up 15% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for GMC Jimmy engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 95V-180 (fan, Sep 22, 1995). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Jimmy engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles; 24% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (64 mentions), followed by the engine (42).
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.