1999 GMC Jimmy SLS from North America - Comments

Both front wheel bearings had to be replaced.

Transmission had to be fully repaired.

Oil lines, both out and return lines had to be replaced.

4WD transmission motor had to be replaced ($1950.00).

Driver information cluster had to be replaced (Thank god it was under warranty on this one)

Both front door hinges had to be replaced, water was leaking inside.

As you're driving (summer or winter), there's always hot air coming at foot level, even with the temperature control switched off.

All, except one of the above problems happened after the warranty ended. So this car really put our finances in bed shape. GM off course adopts the policy (you bought it, its yours).

I would never buy this car again.

I agree with Steven. This car is not well engineered, nor would I ever buy a GM vehicle again.

I have a 1999 GMC Jimmy SLT and I can't seem to get the brakes to stop squeaking, my husband put new breaks on the front 2 times in the past 6 months, they stop squeaking for a day then go right back to the same old thing. The leather interior is starting to crack. I would never buy another one again so buyers beware!!!

I too have experienced many of the problems that you have had with your 99 Jimmy. I had my door hinges needed to be replaced after one year. The almighty Dex-Cool anti-freeze started to crystalize which really messed up my heating system. Both front wheel bearings needed to be replaced, and now I hear a soft, but annoying hum coming from the front transfer case and or transmission... what might this problem be???

Just had to say, mine hasn't been that big of a problem... my only problem now is trying to get SOMEONE to tell me why it has started misfiring at 106,000 miles. I changed the cap, rotor, wires, plugs, fuel filter, and the dealer changed 2 fuel injectors, all of which seems to help for about 2-3 days, and then it's back to square one.

I have had a used SLS for two years now, but have not seen near the issues that I am reading from others. I have had a couple of things go wrong (driver front hub needed to be replaced, rear bearings were leaking) but nothing major. Both were very cheap to fix. I'm not a fan of GM, Ford or Chrysler in general. I have had all and all have had their fair share of issues. The Jimmy has actually had many less problems than a ford I had owned. So, to put things into perspective, not that bad of a vehicle overall. It has served me well.

I have a 99 GMC Jimmy SLT and I love it. Yes, I had to replace door hinge pins and bushings, but that is very common. Other than a water pump failure, I have had no problems at all with it. I replaced the brakes recently with ceramic pads and they are great!!

We have a 99 Jimmy 4x4 (150,000 k) and have had a few problems. The drivers seat adjustment for one. We have had 2 of the handles break off. The fuel gage has gone, the door hinges need replaced, the front bearings and now the whole break system needs replacing. We have done the brakes twice before and now the emergency brake has seized and needs replaced also. A lot of money for parts. We have had trouble with the pins on the calipers breaking also. We are noticing that the paint is cracking on the hood. We have always bought new GM vehicles every 4 years, but now we are questioning buying "any" new vehicle again. It seems once the warranty is gone so is your savings!

For the most part I have been happy with my 1999 Jimmy 4x4. I have 117000 miles on it. I too have had a problem with the hinge pin on the drivers door. I recently had to replace the fuel pump and the water pump. I sell wooded land and drive the vehicle off road a lot. I think the vehicle has held up pretty well so far.

I just bought my 99 jimmy 4X4 (50K) its in really good shape and I love it!!! could you tell me about at how many miles was it? when things went wrong?

I have a 99 Jimmy with 200,000 miles on it and I took good care of it, I have had no major problems with any of the things that were listed and most of the problems that others experienced were either minor, or due to your lack of care for a the vehicle... and door pins go to heck on every vehicle no matter the make, especially with all the new gadgets on the doors which make them heavier, cost to repair... pocket change practically so quit your complaining and learn to drive properly and maintain the vehicle.

I have a 2000 jimmy 2 door and what a nightmare. First of all, I'm convinced that the brakes will never be right again... no matter what I replace they continue to squeal. I have already replaced one hub at a high cost and I am expecting to replace the other one soon. My drivers seat no longer reclines because the handle broke off three times within the first 36,000 miles and now without the warranty I refuse to get it fixed. alternator, oil lines, cracked paint (i take excellent care of the exterior), the front end has pretty much been completely replaced. If you are looking to buy this vehicle...don't!!! unless its mine a year from now :)

My son has a '99 Jimmy with over 150,000 miles & loves it! However, he has a problem with the heater blowing hot air... when turned off & air conditioner on. He has tried to get it repaired 3X's, but to no avail. HELP! Hot weather is here & it gets over 100 degrees inside his vehicle.

When you have your air controls off, the vehicle lets fresh air into the vehicle through the ducts. It's meant to keep fresh air in the cabin so if you decide to drive 4 hours with the rear hatch popped or a torn rear weatherstripping and all other windows closed, you don't die of CO poisoning.

Brakes squealing? Mine do with fresh pads from a dealer. I'll take them off and spray some anti-squeal on the back and get some fresh shims and I'll bet it will disappear.

As for wheel bearings. Your driving 4x4 unitized hub trucks, you HAVE TO REPLACE THEM!!! They are NOT greasable, they come SEALED from the factory. Many other vehicles have this design, so get used to it. The 2wd trucks, like my 99 Jimmy SLT, have classic style, re-packable hubs so I can pull them apart, clean them, and repack them.

Rotors warping? 99% of the time, it's from a driver braking WAY too early or WAY too late. Either way, it builds up heat, and they warp. You'll only get, depending on your driving habits, about 60,000 miles out of rotors. They are meant to also be replaced.

Most of the stuff you all complain about is standard wear and tear stuff. Transmissions have to be rebuilt, brakes have to be replaced, door hinges go bad with use. Wake up that you have to spend money to have a vehicle. When people like you guys walk into my shop and complain that your alternator went out and your transmission is acting funny, I ask what do you do with it, you say, "Oh, I have a 1,000 watt amp with 2 15" subs and tow a 6,000 lb. boat to the beach every weekend." You just explained to me the exact reason your vehicle broke down.

1999 Jimmy starting to taste like a lemon.

Front bearings both gone.

Dex cool started to crystallize, got it out in time but cost a bundle to fix the damage. Guess we join the lawsuit like everyone else.

Compressor pump shot.

Hinges of course gone.

Oil lines I see are a common problem, ours too.

I could go on, but you get the picture.

We will never buy a GM product again, and will go back to an import. They are soooo much cheaper to maintain.

My '99 Jimmy has had similar problems at 130K miles: 3 wheel bearings replaced; door bushings replaced once (and need it again) ; tranny rebuild ($2,100, ouch) ; water pump and alternator (OK this does happen, I did alt, mechanic did WP), heater core (did this myself, big job with dash removal), passenger side seat recliner handle broke as well as motor failure on passenger side seat; intake manifold gasket leak. The e brake system is pretty shoddy. You think they would come up with a self adjusting system. I have to hold a boat on a ramp and this system does not do the job. You have to take it apart and adjust the star wheel by hand to tension the brakes (at 6 yrs, I figure the cable is stretched out enough). Safety inspection item too. Riveted ball joints????? C'mon!

My Toyota friends don't complain or do half the maintenance. One poster argues stuff happens and stop whining. I know I'll stop whining when I buy anything, but a GM.