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
Vehicle purchased 2/23/04 new 2004 s-10 club cab - in feb 05 was returned due to coolant leak - both eng. Oil cooler hoses replaced. Also fuel gauge was erratic they replaced fuel level sensor in tank replaced mileage 15777. At that time the 4wd was not engaging properly but they could not duplicate the problem so no repair was made. March 9, 2005 motor had a ticking noise - a lifter collapsed and replaced along with the intake gasket. There was also a leak - they found the rear extension housing leaking -the rear drive shaft was removed and seal replaced. Oct 10, 2005 transmission leak and engine noise under acceleration - rear transfer case output seal replaced and engine pressure check. March 30, 2006 check engine light on and exhaust system rattling - thermostat replaced and catalytic converter. Mileage 34,997 June 2007 tail light on right not working - wiring issues repaired twice. …
The front windows on my truck would come off track while being rolled up when traveling. I drive a 2004 Chevrolet S10 crew cab. I had this problem for awhile. Every time I took vehicle to Chevrolet for repairs they would say it was fixed, but it wasn't. Then they found out from GM that this was a problem in a lot of the same trucks. So GM told the dealership to put shims in the windows to keep them on track. Since this has been fixed I have had to take it in to Chevrolet again for the window motor burning out from the pressure the shims were putting on the motor.
When trying to use the wipers the switch refuses to operate correctly. Been replaced twice ( this happens under all three switches). When you turn it on it will not respond and does not wipe. When you use the single wipe will wipe continual and not shut off at times. Some times when you use the fluid will not turn off unless you turn the engine off and restart the vehicle. When in the first two notches for wiping will start to wipe and stop about 1/4 of the way up the windshield. In high position operates as if normal, must set it above high to get it to operate in high. Sometimes it only operates at one speed no matter the position except when in high mode. Many times will not turn on when you turn it on and when you turn it off will not turn of if working. This is the third switch that has done this to me. ? …
This is second vehicle of previous complaint. We have two 2003 Chevrolet s-10s where the wipers stop working during rain. In most cases during heavy rains while driving on highways and interstates. Vehicle has to be pulled over and the hood has to be raised to tap the motor to be able to continue.
Windshield wiper board was replaced with a new one. After the repair windshield wipers didn't start to operate until 20 seconds after turning the switch on. Dealer indicated that this was how the windshield wipers were suppose to function.
When applying ABS brakes vehicle intermittently pulls to right or left, cause unknown. Dealer first replaced brake hoses, however problem occurred again, dealer then filed calipers and aligned front end, this helped some but still did not correct problem, consumer removed ABS fuse and vehicle did not pull when braking anymore, consumer told dealer about this, dealer replaced ABS module and valve, replaced calipers, and problem still exists. Inside mirror replaced, it would not adjust. 3 uniroyal tires were out of round and were replaced, size p205/75r158, tires caused vibration and shaking.
My dad purchased my truck from the church secretary where he attended in March of 2015. At the time of purchase it only had 66,000 miles on it. The secretary's father owned it and used it from new until 6 months before we purchased it and only used it to help feed his cows. 1. Window washer motor circuit 2. Seatbelt need's stitched 3. The overload sticker is wrong Came in after we purchased the truck but my dad was sick and he passed away 3/8/2016 Coated brake rotor & hub assembly (86757CR)x2 Tie rod end (NCD 2693017)x2 Ball joint front lower (NCD 2601130)x2 Tie rod end control arm front left (NCD 2605330) Tie rod end control arm and ball joint front right upper (NCP 2605329) Tie rod adjusting sleeve front (NCD 2691109)x2 Idler arm assembly (NCD 2683654) Tie rod End outer (NCD 2683267)x2 Steering center link (NCD 2721591) TOO MUCH NOISE AND WHEN MAKING A PARKING LOT TURN IT FELT AND …
Vehicle hit another vehicle head on at 42 MPH. This vehicle was declared totaled. Air bags did not deploy. Dealer has been contacted. Signal light would come on at random. Brake pads and shoes replaced. Whenever it rained, vehicle filled with water, the carpet was ruined and had to be replaced. Windows would not roll down.
Related recalls (3)
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%.
NHTSA investigations
Windshield wiper
During this preliminary evaluation, over 400 additional complaints were furnished by GM.in addition GM reported over 3000 wiper system warranty repairs on the subject vehicles.
Windshield wiper failure
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet S10 years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (204), 1998 (199), 1997 (117), 1996 (99) and 2003 (9) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 22% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet S10 window & wiper problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 03V-159 (windshield wiper/washer, Apr 28, 2003); 98V150001 (windshield wiper/washer, Jul 1, 1998); 97V008001 (windshield, Jan 27, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet S10 window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the windshield wiper/washer › motor (293 mentions), followed by the windshield wiper/washer (264).
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.