1998 GMC Jimmy: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 GMC Jimmy: 2 recalls, 238 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #97V218000 · 1997 · 19,716 vehicles
What's wrong: A fatigue fracture of the rear axle right-hand brake pipe can occur causing a slow brake fluid leak resulting in a soft brake pedal. If the brake pipe breaks, the driver would experience a sudden drop in the brake pedal, the instrument panel brake light would illuminate, and there would be a loss of rear brake performance.
Why it matters: Partial loss of braking at a time when minimum stopping distance was required could result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pipe.
Suspension Vehicle recall #98V053000 · 1998 · 72 vehicles
What's wrong: One or both of the attaching nuts for the right-hand lower control arm are under torqued. This can allow the attachment bolt to loosen and subsequent break resulting in separation of the lower control arm from the frame.
Why it matters: This condition can result in a loss of vehicle control.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and retighten the right-hand lower control arm nuts to the proper torque specification.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 15 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (81): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), leaks (6).
- Electrical (33): the most common themes are electrical failure (11), stalls / loses power (8).
- Transmission & drivetrain (30): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (13), noise or vibration (6), leaks (5).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (29): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (8), rust / corrosion (3).
The 1998 GMC Jimmy has 238 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 14 Jimmy model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 191). Complaints peaked in 2003 (52 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 71,696 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (274 complaints, 4 recalls), 1999 (137 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 GMC Jimmy.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 GMC Jimmy have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1998 GMC Jimmy. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 GMC Jimmy problems?
Owners have filed 238 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (81), electrical (33), transmission & drivetrain (30).
What gas mileage does the 1998 GMC Jimmy get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 GMC Jimmy repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.