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 1996 Chevrolet S10 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
There is an intermittent short in the wiper control/ motor system that each time I reported it to the Chevy dealers in this area was told that they could not find a problem . And that there were not any other reports of this kind. As I can see from the NHTSA website this is patently untrue. Since my vehicle is currently past warranty due to your agents stalling tactics , if this letter does not bring redress to this issue I will be forced to turn this issue over to my attorneys. Sincerely [redacted].
Recall on wiper motor on 1996 Chevrolet s-10 pickup was done in the early 90's. Whenever it rains now, wipers don't turn off right away. I had the same problem before I had recall done, and was OK until just recently.
Have had problems with the windshield wipers from the beginning. I would be driving in pouring-down rain and the wipers would go out causing me to have to pull over. Right now they do not work at all. I had to work on my brakes the first year and a couple of times thereafter. I recently had to have my air-conditioner done. The latest was my water pump that I fixed myself. The worse was my motor. I had been stalled a number of times till finally it wouldn't go at all. I had it towed to michael holley Chevrolet in lakeland (the town I worked in). They refused to honor my smartcare saying I had not changed the oil. That was not true since I had changed it myself and had it changed also. They wanted over 3000 for a new motor. I am and was still paying on my truck and did not have that much cash. I had to tow it at my mothers and park it. …
Failure occurred during heavy rain/hail storm. Has also failed in light rain. Contacted manufacturer who states that vehicle is not on recall list. I asked if I could further report this problem. I was told no ,that vehicle was not on recall list and that was all they could do for me. I have contacted parts dept so that I could replace wiper motor circuit board and cover myself. I was advised by parts dept that part number for my vehicle was the same as for the vehicles that were recalled. Note when I inquired of team how much the repair would be I was informed $170.00. The part is appx $50.00 it appears that to replace the part all you have to do is remove the cover and swap out the part .looks to me that it should not take more than a few mintues. I haven't done it yet so I May be wrong.
Ever since I have had my truck the windshield wipers have been very inconsistant. Sometimes they turn on when I want them to, and sometimes they do not turn on. Even when they do turn on they turn off in the middle of use. This has become a great hassle for me, because when they do not turn on when it is raining my visibility is very restricted. This has been very dangerous, for example, one time I was driving on the freeway and it was pouring down rain and my windshield wipers stopped working, and I could hardly see the road in front of me.
The problem I am having is the windshield wipers stop without warning, sometimes they restart and sometimes you must stop the vehicle and pull on them. This causes them to restart for an intermittent amount of time. This problem is addressed by NHTSA campaigh id number: 98V150000 and 98V150001. Due to the fact my vehicle was manufactured in June 1996, it is not covered only vehicles produced aug. 1994 to May 1996. I have the same problem but due to the fact mine was made in June and not May it is not covered.
The truck was taken to the dealership after seeing the campaign #98V150001 and having the windshield wipers failing to operate numerous times--the dealership replaced the module which they stated was the same part in the recall but did not replace it for free since my truck was not under "recall status" I called GM directly with the # the dealership provided and GM would not authorize any payment or remedy to help fix my truck. Please help me look into this matter!!! Thanks.
Turn signals malfunctioned. The A/C stopped working due to a faulty evaporator. The stabilizer bar broke on right side which caused drift/pull. Engine coolant/antifreeze leaked. The ball joint for the right-front tire gave out. The alternator had to be fixed and replaced the battery. Speedometer seemed to be off by 5 MPH. The windshield wipers would not work properly and stopped in the middle of a down-pour. The device to lower the spare tire had to be replaced.
Recall 99 v 193 000/ABS: ABS system engages intermittently and causes extended stopping distance. Also, recall 98 v 150 001/windshield wipers: windshield wipers work intermittently. This can result in inoperative wipers, thus, reducing driver's visibilty, and increasing risk of a vehicle crash. Dealer/manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under the recall due to VIN. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.
First failure occurred in rush hour traffic. Next, same day, at night, at approx. 65 MPH. Problem now constant, windshield wipers not reliable; quick-fix by manipulating harness under hood. Mfgr (Chevrolet request no. C05533481, teresa rangel) said nhsta recall 98V150 did not apply by VIN although problem is exactly as reported in the recall. Representative was courteous but did not resolve my problem.
Related recalls
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 › Windshield wiper/washer
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
Visibility › Windshield
The top coat paint severely peels due to overbaking of the powder primer prior to the top coat application. Since the windshield primer and adhesive adhere to the top coat paint onthe windshield opening flange, the windshield does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, "windshield mounting."
Remedy: All vehicles have been repurchased. This campaign is 100%.
Window & Wiper complaints in other S10 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1996 Chevrolet S10?
NHTSA has 99 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1996 Chevrolet S10, 15% of the model year's 670 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer › motor (59 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chevrolet S10 window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-159 (windshield wiper/washer, Apr 28, 2003); NHTSA recall 98V150001 (windshield wiper/washer, Jul 1, 1998); NHTSA recall 97V008001 (windshield, Jan 27, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet S10 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
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.