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 Silverado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Chevrolet Silverado. While operating the vehicle, the windshield wipers operated intermittently without warning. The contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 03V159000 (visibility/wiper). The contact took the vehicle to wittmeier Chevrolet (2292 forest ave, chico, ca 95928, [phone]) and was informed that the parts for the recall repair were currently on backorder. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Intermittently windshield wipers failed to operate or function properly due to the defect described in recall 03V159000. But this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. The windshield wiper motor had to be replaced.
I have been on the freeway three times during heavy thunderstomes when my windshield wipers have failed to come on. I had heard a recall existed for 1996 Chevrolet pickups. I called my local dealer and Chevy customer service and was told my vehicle VIN was not included in the recall and I would have to pay 100% of the cost to replace the computer board for the wipers. I was told by Chevy customer service mine was an unfortunate incident and uncommon occurrence. I long since talked to other people and seen comments on the internet that my problem is not an isolated incident and other people are having the same problem and frustration as I am. …
Windshield wiper motor operates intermittently. Last failure occurred at 60 miles an hour during heavy thunderstorm. I was pulling a 7000 trailer on a two lane road with no shoulder. I had to slow down to approximately 25 MPH so that I could see well enough to stay on the road, hopeing no one would rear end me. This problem is in GM's recall # 98043 and your # 98V150, but does not include my VIN # , even though the problem is exactly as explained in GM's recall. Thisw is a $270 repair that gmshould cover because the wiper motor is obviously defective and is a major safety problem. Thank you, [redacted]. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6).
Windshield wipers intermittently failed to turn on when driving and starts to rain. Cannot see road when driving . Did not receive recall notification 98V150001. GM must widen scope of recall to include this vehicle and others. Please command GM to include this vehicle under recall 98V150001. I am too poor to repair this dangerous safety defect myself what with all the other recent unanticipated repairs that I have had to make to this vehicle recently. GM is liable for safety defect and by law must pay to remedy the situation. I love this truck. I have owned 6 Chevy trucks all bought brand new from dealer. GM and NHTSA please help. Mr
This module controls the windshield wipers, and it "freezes up" causing the wipers to stop. I was in a heavy rain, and had to stop. The dealer said that it is a recall item on s-10's, but not full size chevrolets. This is the most unsafe defect I have ever heard of in my 54 years of life, 38 driving. Chevrolet should be ashamed!!! It failed once too many times, so I bought the part and fixed it myself. I think that maybe chevrelot should revert to "vacuum" wipers from the 40's as they, although slow at times, at least never quit on a driver.
Windshield wipers malfunctioned, causing the wipers to fail, affecting visibility. There is a recall for this problem, but this vehicle is not included in the recall due to VIN. Also problems with the brake booster failing, which May cause extended stopping distance. Also Chevrolet tahoe 1996 is having the same problem with the brake booster malfunctioning. Please provide further information and VIN#'s.)ak
There are many examples of windsheald wipers failures on 1996 Silverado trucks ,but GM says that the VIN number dosent include my truck.I beleave you should expand this recall because its apparent that many other trucks have the same deadly problem.I suspect from my research on the web the ac and fuel pump problems are also common.I received my truck just after the strike. That was a big mistake .
Windshield wipers intermittentley stop working during operation. Dealer notified and informed consumer that they were not under recall and repairs would be at consumer's cost. Seeking help from NHTSA in this matter because it is a manufacturer's recall on another vehicle with the same part and problem. But this vehicle is not under recall due to VIN. NHTSA needs to investigate.
Windshield wipers will fail intermittently, causing poor visibility. Dealer has replaced pulse wiper module which corrected defect. Dealer claimed this was the same part as indicated in the recall which only applied on prior vehicles of that same model. The recall on windshield wiper was issued but this vehicle was not part of the recall eventhough part are the same.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1996 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 73 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1996 Chevrolet Silverado, 39% of the model year's 186 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer › motor (51 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chevrolet Silverado window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1996 Chevrolet Silverado. 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 1996 Chevrolet Silverado window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 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.