Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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. …
When I got to work on Tuesday morning, went to park car in space, put in reverse, clunk, no reverse, can't get out of first gear. I had to have my car towed 30 miles each way to my mechanic. Turns out the planetary gear went, need a new transmission, costing over $3000.00. After doing some research on the internet I see there are thousands of complaints on something called the sunshell gear 4160e that seems to have been a problem on many of GMC passenger cars and light duty trucks. I even came across a service bulletin they put out about the problem, but never any recall on such a problem. I have a 2001 GMC Jimmy. The service bulletin runs in autos from 1993-2005. Now, I wonder, why no recall on such a huge problem. I mean it's the most costly thing to repair and happens without any warning at all. …
1st 3 time now my check engine light went on for the samr thing secondary air injector system malfunction.it was just a bad sensor its still doing it.they want 140. Just for parts to fix it. 2nd I spent about 1000.00 to fix frount brakes rotors pads andwheel berrings.the owner of the garage said that he fixed about 50 of these a year my SUV was only 2 at the time 3rdi also spent almost 3000. 00 on a tranny last year because I lost all gears I only had drive.I had recomened the GMC Jimmy to at least 8 to 10 friends 7 bought them 5 have had the same problems as I have with tranny and brakes now my brakes are squeeking frount and back not grinding nothing wrong with back brakes ever had them checked they said they are fine.but very squeeky that is very annoying.when we lost reverce we was backing up and if the car behind us didnt back up we would have hit him.I thought I woul let you know …
Many problems with this 2000 Jimmy. Bought it used from carmax at 18K miles on jan 2003, got ext. Warranty, but soon after, front brakes need to be replaced, replaced by carmax for free, but 6 mos later brakes needed replaced. Was advised that rear rotors and brakes were almost at end of life. 9 mos later, replaced rear brakes and rotors, not covered under warranty due to wear and tear, spent $450 as well as replacing serpentine belt and flushing break fluid, total cost $650. Problems with sunroof started in apr 2003, it finally stopped working and was replaced at 43K miles under ext warranty, had to get new battery, noise in under carriage on drivers side, determined to be problems with hub bearings and idle arm, inner tie rod, all replaced under ext warranty, total cost would have been $750.
The transmission slips from 2nd to 4th gear and yet the 3 automotive shops can not locate a problem! Each one has replaced a part or 2 but they all say it is not the transmission nor the computer but none of them can fix it. I just keep getting passed down to another shop so they can get their $200.00 to $300.00 from me. The dealership I purchased it from will not even call me back to discuss the problem and I had paid an extra $1800.00 for an additional warranty on the vehicle. I will never buy another GMC again!
I bought my 1999 GMC Jimmy when I was 16, I loved it 4x4 but the transfer case locked up and the engine light came on causing the thing not to read how much gas I have and not allowing it to pass inspection. Yes its old but it shouldn't of made the e-vap system do that and the problem is when it dose do this your wasting gas like crazy causing you to run out of gas in danger spots while driving. Recall the 1999 GMC Jimmy for the e-vap system. Cost to repair by owner used $499.00 new $699.00 with out labor.
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. …
The transmission on my vehicle has been slipping-for lack of a better word-when it gets warm. It began at 50000 miles and the transmission had to be rebuilt-with GM parts at 85000 miles. It has begun to slip again. I understand from reviewing a site called complaint station that this is not an isolated problem.
NHTSA investigations
Upper control arm ball joint breakage
An upper control arm ball joint fails, resulting in the front suspension collapsing on the failed side.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Jimmy years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (33), 1995 (31), 1998 (30), 2000 (29) and 1996 (28) model years. Transmission complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for GMC Jimmy transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (90 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (13).
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.