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 Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: when driving in a hurricane induced rainstorm the windshield wipers stopped. Unable to see, this was the first time this had happened. Had to pull off road because was unable to see. These wipers were inactive for 10-15 minutes. They started back functioning on their own. They worked for about 5-7 minutes before stopping again. Consumer opened hood and shook wiring to windshield wipers and they became active again. However they were working intermittently afterwards. Did contact manufacturer, filed complaint and they noted by this problem was due to sodered joints and connector pins that cause malfunction. No repairs have been made but plan to have repairs as of tomorrow.
Intermittent windshield wiper failure. Windshield wipers will stop intermittently during use on 1998, Chevrolet Silverado pickup. A coworker owns a 1997 Silverado and my brother owns a 1999 tahoe. Both of their vehicles exhibited the same intermittent failure . Also, I own a 1996 GMC suburban that experienced the same intermittent failure. The 1996 vehicle was covered under a recall to repair the defect. The other vehicles mentioned aforementioned were not covered by this recall even though they were very similar vehicles with virtually identical failures as the 1996 model.
We own a 1998 Chevy Silverado 4x4 that has wiper problems. The recall was issued for 1994 thru 1997 model Chevy vehicles. Our son had a '93 that also had the same problems. The new "board" that was installed by dealers also would end up having the same problems. The solder spots were not large enough to cover the contact areas for the wiring and need repair in that form. We are still fighting the problem in our '98 and feel that due to safety issues during rain or snow that this should be recalled until fixed properly.
Starting around 70,000 miles, the windshield wipers started to malfunction. When I attempt to turn them off they will often continue to run for 30 seconds or longer before stopping. When they do stop, it is usually in the middle of the windshield. I have to turn them on and off 10 to 15 times to get them stopped where they are supposed to stop. When I try to use them on the inter. Speeds they often run at a regular speed with no pauses between wipes.
1998 Chevrolet, k1500,4x4, 5.7 Vortec at about 40,000 miles had to have intake manifold gasket replaced, windshield wiper motor works and then doesn't,master cylinder has failed twice,d/s electric window works and then doesn't and rear turn signal housing and connection on right side keeps failing, not bulb! Also leak resulting in loss of coolant from reservoir, in the middle of underneath vehicle. Bought new!
Tl contact owns 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The windshield wipers would remain on when the key was in the ignition. The failure was suppose to be repaired by installing a pulse board. The dealer stated that a multi function switch was the cause of the failure. He was unable to turn the windshield wipers off. The failure mileage was 82,500 and the current mileage was 83,000.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the windshield wipers would not operate when activated. The wipers would stop working when they finally activated. The failure occurred intermittently. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle. The current mileage is 90,000 and failure mileage was 60,000. Updated 08/02/07.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet 1500. While driving 70 MPH, the windshield wipers failed. NHTSA campaign number 03V159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer) and GM recall number 0203 were referenced. The failure occurs daily. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was 112,000 and failure mileage was 110,000.
Windshield wiper on 1998 k1500 pickup operates intermittently, sometimes stopping while operating, at other times not operating when turned on, and other times continuing to run when turned off or running constant when in the intermittent mode. Sounds identical to the problems covered in GM recall no. 03023.
Windshield wipers work on an intermittent basis. Some vehicles manufactured in the years 1994 through part of the year in 1997 have been recalled for this problem. I have been told by Chevy hotline that my vehicle, 1998 Chevy Silverado, is not covered under the recall even though the problem is the same.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 59 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 16% of the model year's 361 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 3% 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.