GMC Jimmy Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems
Owners have filed 542 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the GMC Jimmy across 9 model years. The 1995 model year has the most (234). The words owners use most often: “stopping distance” (15% of reports).
- 542service brakes, hydraulic complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 90mention a crash
- 32mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- 15%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Stopping distance: mentioned in 80 of 542 complaints (15%)
- ABS brakes: mentioned in 66 of 542 complaints (12%)
- Anti lock: mentioned in 43 of 542 complaints (8%)
- Pedal goes: mentioned in 35 of 542 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems happen?
Based on 51 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 542 complaints, 90 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 32 an injury.
GMC Jimmy service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Jimmy | 1 | 50% | 23,508 |
| 2003 Jimmy | 1 | 100% | 200,000 |
| 2001 Jimmy | 9 | 9% | 46,250 |
| 2000 Jimmy | 32 | 15% | 75,000 |
| 1999 Jimmy | 13 | 9% | 94,000 |
| 1998 Jimmy | 29 | 12% | 100,000 |
| 1997 Jimmy | 51 | 19% | 116,000 |
| 1996 Jimmy | 172 | 42% | 100,000 |
| 1995 Jimmy | 234 | 47% | 118,365 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Model years: 2000
Problem: Vehicle description: s -trucks equipped with 2 wheel drive. These vehicles may have had the right-hand antilock brake system (abs) module feed pipe and/or brake crossover pipe tube nuts tightened without seating the pipe-flared-ends enough to withstand normal assembly and vehicle inputs without partially unseating. This does not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic service brake normal, emergency, and park braking performance."
Risk: If this occurred, the seating seal could be broken during vehicle assembly, or from early road inputs or brake fluid cycling, and a leak could occur increasing the brake stopping distance.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the brake pipe union for signs of brake fluid, and if necessary, install a new brake pipe union.
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Model years: 1995, 1996
Problem: Vehicle description: certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with abs (antilock braking system) manufactured from september 1989 through august 1996. Under certain driving conditions the switch which signals the abs system whether the vehicle is in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive can malfunction causing increased stopping distances during abs stops while in the two-wheel drive mode.
Risk: If this occurred at a time when minimum stopping distance was required, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning.
Fix: Dealers will replace or repair the 4-wheel/2-wheel drive switch.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 1998
Problem: Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. 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.
Risk: Partial loss of braking at a time when minimum stopping distance was required could result in a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pipe.
Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
Model years: 1995
Problem: The brake pedal pivot bolt was started in the weld nut, but was not torqued correctly causing the bolt to disengage from the weld nut.
Risk: This condition can result in a total loss of brakingcapability.
Fix: Dealers will inspect for hand-started brake pedal bolts and torque them to correct specifications.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
At 94,445 miles: noticed a small leakage on garage floor, forward of left rear tire--within 10 miles noted significantly reduced braking capability. Taken to repair facility the following morning...the steel brake lines on driver's side were found corroded and cracked which caused brake fluid loss…
Brake line failed and now noticed all brake lines are rusted about 2 feet from the abs where they meet at to route down to the frame rails. *tr
Upon inspection of 2000 gmc jimmy 4dr / 4wd brake line drivers side over frame next to fuel tank held down by a clip leading to rear brakes ruptured due to corrosion around the clip area that holds the line to frame causing total loss rear brakes and proper braking when brake pedal went to the…
Abs activates at or below 5mph on dry roads/pavement while attempting to stop vehicle. Occurs often while attempting to stop at stop signs/lights or parking areas posing danger to other vehicles. *tr
1999 and 2000 gmc jimmy's. Consumer states left steel brake line was corroded/cracked which caused loss of brake fluid in the 2000 and numerous gas lines leaking, corrosion on the 1999 gmc jimmy. *tgw
Frequently asked questions
Do all GMC Jimmys have service brakes, hydraulic problems?
No. NHTSA has 542 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic for the GMC Jimmy. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the GMC Jimmy service brakes, hydraulic?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list service brakes, hydraulic. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the GMC Jimmy?
The most frequent phrase is “stopping distance”, in 80 of 542 complaints, followed by “abs brakes” (66).
Other GMC Jimmy problems
- Visibility problems (285)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (234)
- Suspension problems (226)
- Power Train problems (186)
- Electrical System problems (161)
- Air Bags problems (107)
See all GMC Jimmy problems.