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 1997 Chevrolet S10 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
.while driving home from work in a very heavy down pour windshield wipers failed. Consumer tried to get truck to slow down, kost control, and had oncoming traffic on a road with no yellow line. Vehicle went across road into a yard and backwards rough a car port into a car. Consumer was cited a sthe guilty party in the accident. Insuranc ecompany raised consumer's rate by $35 a month, and Chevrolet dealer refused to help him. Consumer maintained accident was not his fault.
Dt: the vehicle was in accident where it hit trees. On a rainy day in February as vehicle was going along at or below 55 MPH. Windshield wipers failed and did not work. Driver was unable to see out of the vehicle. Driver slammed on the brakes, vehicle hydro planed, and driver lost control. Caller unsure if the windshield wipers had failed before. Vehicle was regularly maintained. Upon leaving the road and upon impact driver sustained feet injuries.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet S10. When the contact started the vehicle, the windshield wipers activated intermittently. The failure occurred in rainy weather, which caused a reduction in visibility. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 03V159000 (visibility). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.
The windshield wipers operate sporadically when turned on. Some times when you turn them on, they will operate normally and other times they will not turn on at all. The vehicle make and model were included in a recall but my VIN was not included in the recall. The problem can occur when the vehicle is moving or stopped in the driveway or parking lot. (reference GM recall 03023)
Consumer received a recall notice one year ago for the windshield wipers. The letter stated not to bring the vehicle in unless the problem existed. Consumer took the vehicle to dealer, and repairs were denied by the dealer and the manufacturer. They stated that this vehicle was never included in recall 03V159000.
About 2 weeks ago, the windshield wipers on my 1997 S10 pickup began to intermittently malfunction (there have been 4 instances of this so far). In my ensuing investigation of the problem, I learned that there is a recall to fix the problem. On 9-8-2004 I took the vehicle to southview Chevrolet in inver grove heights, mn to get the wiper module replaced. After entering the VIN number into their computer, they told me my S10 wasn't elligible to have the repairs done at no cost to me. Even though one of their documents stated that the recall was for beginning of production to end of production, they said that the recall expired 2-29-2004. I then called Chevrolet's [phone] number and asked 2 people why I wasn't notified of a recall, and how can a recall expire. …
Tl contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet S10. When attempting to shut off the windshield wipers, they failed to return to the correct position on the windshield. Shortly after, the windshield wipers failed again and would sporadically change speed. The next time the contact attempted to use the wipers, they were completely inoperable. He realized that he was experiencing the same failure as noted in NHTSA campaign id number 03V159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer); however, the dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact would be responsible for the repair costs. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 14,000 and current mileage was 20,400. Updated 07/29/08. Updated 08/05/08
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet S10. The contact was driving approximately 45 MPH in rainy weather with the windshield wipers activated. Suddenly and without warning, the wipers failed to operate. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and eventually the windshield wipers began to function after continuously turning the control mechanism forcefully. There was a recall related to the defect under NHTSA campaign id number 03V159000 (visibility: windshield wiper/washer). The dealer and manufacturer were notified and they informed the contact that the vehicle was ineligible for the recall repair due to the age of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet S10 pickup truck. The windshield wipers failed to operate normally. The mechanic stated that recall NHTSA campaign id number: 03V159000, windshield wiper motor is related to the failure. The manufacturer stated the VIN was not a part of the existing recall and that they would be liable for the repairs. The contact was concerned that if this were to occur when it was raining the driver's visibility would be reduced. The contact is also concerned of the safety risk which could result in a crash. The fuel pump also failed at 27,000 miles. The current and failure mileages were approximately 70,400.
Wipers failed without warning while I was driving on the interstate during heavy downpour. Managed to navigate vehicle to the shoulder of road with several near misses. Discovered on your web site that a problem with wiper control board was identified in 1997 S10's. GM states that my VIN falls outside of the recall class (svc. Req. #1-420719550) thus my truck was not identified as a part of the recall and was not repaired before this incident. GM refuses to consider my vehicle as part of the recall, I will be required to make this critical repair on my own.
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…
Window & Wiper complaints in other S10 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1997 Chevrolet S10?
NHTSA has 117 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1997 Chevrolet S10, 25% of the model year's 469 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer › motor (62 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet S10 window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-159 (windshield wiper/washer, Apr 28, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet S10 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 2 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.