1999 GMC Jimmy Problems: 4 Known Issues
1999 model year · 240+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 240+ owner reports, the 1999 GMC Jimmy has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are 4.3L Vortec Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Leak ($200-$600 repair) and Lower Ball Joint Failure ($200-$600 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 4.3L Vortec Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Leak with 240 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $80 to $600. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls11 recalls
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 5,862 MY 2000-2002 CHEVROLET BLAZER, MY 2000-2001 GMC JIMMY, AND MY 2000 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH COULD DEVELOP AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION THAT RESULTS IN THE STOP LAMPS AND THE REAR HAZARD LAMPS BECOMING INOPERATIVE. THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP AND TURN SIGNAL FUNCTIONS ARE NOT AFFECTED.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH COULD DEVELOP AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION THAT RESULTS IN THE STOP LAMPS AND THE REAR HAZARD LAMPS BECOMING INOPERATIVE. THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP AND TURN SIGNAL FUNCTIONS ARE NOT AFFECTED.
SEAT BELTS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. FAILURE OF AN UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY COULD OCCUR DUE TO CORROSION.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common GMC Jimmy problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 240+ owner reports, the 1999 GMC Jimmy has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 4.3L Vortec Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Leak, Lower Ball Joint Failure, Fuel Pressure Regulator Diaphragm Leak. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the GMC Jimmy reliable?
The 1999 GMC Jimmy has 4 known issues documented across 240+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 4.3L Vortec Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Leak and Lower Ball Joint Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common GMC Jimmy problems?
Repair costs for known GMC Jimmy issues range from $80 to $600, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 4.3L Vortec Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Leak, typically costs $200-$600 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1996-2001 GMC Jimmy 4.3L Vortec Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Leak?
The 4.3L Vortec V6 uses a lower intake manifold gasket that develops coolant and oil leaks where it seals the intake to the block. The OEM gaskets use a plastic carrier that warps over time, allowing coolant to mix with oil or leak externally. Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: high.
What is the 1995-2001 GMC Jimmy Lower Ball Joint Failure?
Same ball joint issue as S-10/Blazer. Lower ball joints wear prematurely, especially on 4WD models, and can separate. Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: high.
What is the 1996-2001 GMC Jimmy Fuel Pressure Regulator Diaphragm Leak?
The fuel pressure regulator diaphragm ruptures, allowing raw fuel to be drawn into the intake manifold through the vacuum line. Causes rich running, hard hot starts, and fuel smell. Can flood the engine with fuel. Repairs typically run $80-$250. Severity: medium.
What is the 1998-2001 GMC Jimmy Transfer Case Encoder Motor Failure (AutoTrac)?
The NP136 AutoTrac transfer case encoder motor fails, preventing the system from engaging 4WD or switching between 2WD and 4WD modes. The "Service 4WD" message illuminates on the dash. Repairs typically run $150-$400. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.