Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
I was returning home when it started raining. I tried to turn on my windshield wipers and they did not come on. The rain became very heavy and I was unable to see. I had no was to turn off or stop so I slowed down to about 10 MPH in a 45 MPH zone, so I could even stay on the road. When I finally had a chance to pull off the road I did. The wipers did not work at any speed, nor did the wiper wash mode work. After I made it home I checked the fuse for the wipers and it was okay. I turned the ignition switch on and the wipers worked. As we have had a lot of rain in our area, this occurred 3 seperate times where the wipers failed to work when I needed them. After I had gotten home, and checked again, they worked. I researched on the web at a Chevy site and found that this was a common problem with the vehicle, mine is a 1997 Chevrolet k pickup truck. …
Recently had wipers fail during heavy storm while on freeway. Nearly caused crash. Condition is intermittent. Checked NHTSA website and found recall (03V159000) and documents showed entire production from my model was included. Took truck to penske chev. Of cerritos, ca. Asked them to check for recall applicability. They told me "the truck was too old" and my VIN number was "not a good VIN". They called GM and got the same info, no record of VIN. I am the original owner (never received owner notifications) and showed them monroney label, original bill of sale and title with this VIN. Service writer told me that without VIN, there would be no repair, despite the paperwork provided and GM recall document with affected range. Dealer acted like I was trying to steal from them.
I have a 1996 Chevy pickup. The wipers kept on turning off when raining. I have talked to my local Chevy dealer if there was a recall as well Chevy company and the both said no. I have seen recalls on this complaint on other vehicles (Chevy p/u) on the same year. But my VIN doesn't have a recall. Windshield wiper motor controller circuit board. When I was coming in to work this morning at 0430 in the rain the wiper turned off and would come back on.
Windshield wiper motor intermittent operation;I researched the problem and found there was a recall for my make ,model. However after taking my truck to the dealer I was notified my VIN was not on the list. I then contacted GM. I was told there was nothing they could do about the recall and if I felt this was a safety problem I should take it to be fixed. I feel they do not think loss of your wipers is a safety concern.
Defective wiper operation on Chevrolet p/u has caused dangerous situations in rain. This vehicle is on recall for the most part, except for certain ones including mine. I and my family have experienced wiper failure with this vehicle. I will have to fix it myself even though the majority are on recall for the exact same problem.
Well my whole family has owned this truck and it was passed down to me I drive it all the time and I have put it in the ditch due to my window wipers work when they want and on the hwy all the salt builds up and I cant see the road.
Related recalls (2)
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor May fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began on June 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
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.
NHTSA investigations
Windshield wiper failure
As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, GM has expanded the population of safety recall 98v-150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my m/l vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached technical report for details.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet C/K Pickups years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (34), 1997 (30), 1995 (6) and 1996 (6) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 44% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet C/K Pickups window & wiper problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 03V-159 (windshield wiper/washer, Apr 28, 2003); 03V-093 (exterior, Mar 7, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet C/K Pickups window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles; 20% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the windshield wiper/washer › motor (31 mentions), followed by the windshield wiper/washer (26).
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.