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1998 GMC Jimmy reliability record

Every consumer complaint and recall the U.S. government (NHTSA) has on file for the 1998 GMC Jimmy — the repair risk behind the ownership cost.

Source-verified · 2026NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Official source ↗
NHTSA complaints
355
on record
Top problem area
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
31 complaints
Recalls on record
0
none on record
Reported harm
26 reported crashes · 20 injuries · 5 fires

How this record compares

raw NHTSA counts, not defect rates

Complaint rank

#1,469

of 4,194 vehicle records

Vs GMC median

+107

median 248 across 165 GMC records

Vs 1996-2000

+87

median 268 complaints in 623 records

Top component share

16%

Visibility: 56 complaints

What owners report fails — 1998 GMC Jimmy

  • VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER 31
  • VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR 25
  • POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 17
  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP 15
  • AIR BAGS:FRONTAL 11

Estimate the 5-year cost to own a 1998 GMC Jimmy

A vehicle's complaint record hints at the repair and maintenance budget you'll need. Add your state, purchase price, and mileage to the TCO calculator for the full picture.

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These are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many 1998 GMC Jimmy units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle. Data as of 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1998 GMC Jimmy reliable?

NHTSA has 355 consumer complaints on record for the 1998 GMC Jimmy. The most-reported problem area is visibility:windshield wiper/washer (31 reports). These are unverified consumer reports filed with the government, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many 1998 GMC Jimmy units were produced — popular vehicles naturally accumulate more reports.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 GMC Jimmy?

Owners most often report problems with: visibility:windshield wiper/washer (31), visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor (25), power train:automatic transmission (17), service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (15). Each figure is the number of complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

How much does it cost to own a 1998 GMC Jimmy?

Ownership cost depends on your state taxes, insurance, fuel, and the maintenance the vehicle's reliability record implies. Use the CarOutlay 5-year TCO calculator to estimate the full cost including the repair risk this complaint record suggests.

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