Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickups owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Inoperative windshield wipers. The first time experiencing this problem, I was caught in a heavy rainstorm, in addition to heavy inter-city traffic conditions, on my way to work, upon turning on my windshield wipers there was no response. This is an intermittent problem which has occurred several times and appears to becoming more frequent. This problem also occurs in the washer mode and appears to have a no mode adherence. From mentioning this in conversations, I have discovered this is a reoccurring problem in several other years silverado's. Consequently, GM has another problem they are failing to recognize how many accidents/deaths are going to have to occur before they address this issue, in addition to intermittent problems regarding other equipment that creates a potential safety hazard!
I have a 1998 Chevrolet k1500 pickup, the windshield wiper motor will suddenly stop while in operation,I know there is a recall on models up to 1997,but why not the 1998 models,they use the same parts! It's kinda scary when you are going down I-95 in maine in the middle of a snow storm with your kids in the truck and the windshield wipers decide they are going to stop and you have to roll down the window and stick your head out to see where you are at on the road and hope to hell you can find a safe place to pull over. This problem has been on going with this truck since I owned it(January 2001,28000 miles) and g.m. Should pay to fix the problem. It is a major safety concern. Thank you for your time.
Windshield wipers are not functioning correctly. Fortunately the wipers are functional although they will not function intermittently. They also do not park when the switch is turned to off position and will continue to operate until they park in random positions at a random interval up to five minutes observed so far. The "mist" operation also exhibits the same behavior and but be used to eventually get them to stop in an acceptable position for driving. Internet research indicates this is a common problem for vehicles of similar type for several years previous (for which there is a recall) and is related to a connection to the circuit board that controlls wiper operation.
My 1998 Chevrolet z71 pickup has a malfunctioning windshield wiper motor. This is not the only one on this model pickup I have had to go out. I own two Pickups this year model, and both have the problem. Seems like GM should pick up on this and fix the defect. I have to keep rainx in my vehicle to help me see in rain storms. The local Chevrolet dealer wants too much to fix the problem, so I have to deal with it the only way I know how to. It has cause many near misses for me, and I am sure it will cause a wreck if it continues to go unfixed.
Windshield wipers stopped working several times. I seen this was a problem with many other vehicle years. Why didn't the 1998 models get included? The latest occurrence was 3/8/2006. I was driving down the freeway during a down pour and they just stopped. I had to work my way to the shoulder and try to get them to start again. It's very scary when this happens at 60 miles per hour. Turning off the engine and starting it again gets them going again but other times I've had to tap on the wiper motor to get them started again.
I hate to sound repetitive ,but I also have a 1998 Chevy silverado 4x4 that has a windshield wiper motor problem. I also think that GM should step-up and fix this problem because when it happens to so many of the same vehicles I feel as though it's a factory defect. This has been happening for a long time. The truck doesn't have but 61,000 miles on it. I confronted them about it and they wouldn't help me out. That's why I have a Toyota ,that's made in the USA, sitting in my driveway. God bless the USA !!!
Windshield wiper on 1998 k1500 pickup operates intermittently, sometimes stopping while operating, at other times not operating when turned on. Hitting the cover on the windshield motor will almost always restart the wipers. Identical problem to that on my 1995 k1500 pickup. Sounds identical to the problems covered in GM recall no. 03023. Problem started at about 75,000 miles, continues to this day at 126,000 miles. Incident date is approximate.
Windshield wipers start and stop. Sometimes you can get them to restart by switching them off and waiting a few seconds. Other times you have to turn the engine off and then restart it before they will operate again. Apparently this has been a problem with previous years up to 1997. Why 1998 was not included is a good question since the problem still exists.
Windshield wipers work intermitently. Stop half way through cycle. Continue to run after being shut off. Same problem GM has had for years. Same problem we had with 1995 suburban. Same problem we had with 1996 tahoe. From looking at the complaints starting to appear on your web site, the recall needs to be amended to include the 1998 model year.
My windshield wipers do not work all the time. I know that there was a recall on 1997 and older Chevrolet trucks and I brought it to the attention of the dealer that I take my truck to for service. They said that there is not any recall for my 1998 Chevrolet pickup truck. Please help me!!!!!
Related recalls
Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Certain sport utility vehicles, Mini vans, and pickup trucks May develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on April 24, 2003.
Window & Wiper complaints in other C/K Pickups years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickups?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickups, 44% of the model year's 78 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer › motor (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickups window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-093 (exterior, Mar 7, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickups window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.