1GKEV18K9KF5267641989 GMC Jimmy
Executive Summary
1989 GMC Jimmy was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 13 owner complaints include 3 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- ▸1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- ▸3 injuries reported across 13 owner complaints
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
- Make
- GMC
- Model
- Jimmy
- Year
- 1989
- Trim / Series
- 1/2 Ton Nominal
- Body Style
- Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
- Vehicle Type
- MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Drive Type
- 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 8-cyl 5.7L
- Doors
- 2
- Manufacturer
- GENERAL MOTORS LLC
- Assembly
- FLINT, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Builds HD Silverado and Sierra. Heavy-duty trucks with acceptable quality history.
✓ No high-risk recall components found
- ▸1 complaint(s) involved a fire
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 1 recall is ~64%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
GMC completes recalls at a fair rate (87%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~20 months.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~20 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SummaryCERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
1 in 4 complaints involved an injury — significantly above average, indicating real-world safety incidents.
46% of complaints filed in Nov & Aug — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
The blue line shows 13 total NHTSA complaints filed over 5 years, with the worst year being 1995 (6 complaints, including 2 crash reports).
The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 100/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.
Notably, despite 13 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2 years (1995, 1996) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $48,614 (~$810/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
GMC has been fined $35M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2014: Delayed ignition switch recall.
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 1GKEV18K9KF526764 |
| Model Year | 1989 |
| Make | GMC |
| Model | Jimmy |
| Series | 1/2 Ton Nominal |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) |
| Doors | 2 |
| Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Displacement (L) | 5.7 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | GENERAL MOTORS LLC |
| Assembly City | FLINT |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 1GK |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 9 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | K |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | F |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 526764 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 1 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 13 |
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 5/9/2026, 2:28:15 AM.