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 Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Recall 03V159 000 concerning windshield wiper motor: windshield wipers worked intermittently or not at all during inclement weather. The consumer stated the vehicle was repaired for the recall back in 1999. The consumer stated that the problem still exists and the wipers only work sometimes.
Windshield wiper worked intermittently. The dealer replaced the wiper pulse board and said it was doing the same thing the pulse boards did that were recalled. But the recall was for cars 94 to 5-96, my car was made in 8-96 and was not under the recall. I spoke with Chevrolet at [phone] claim # 990317773 and was told due to the age and milage of my car they would not cover it. This car is newer than the cars they recalled and has the same problem. Additional recalls need to be made on this part.
Wipers fail to operate at times.I contacted Chevrolet and was told there was no recall on these. My 1995 chev. 2500pu has the same problem,no recall. My brother has a 1995 chev. 2500pu with the same problem,no recall. My dad has a1994 chev.pu with the same problem ,no recall. My other brother has a 1996 chev 2500pu with the same problem, no recall according to Chevrolet on these vehicles. This is a safety issue that in my oppinion warrants a recall. Thank you, chris .
Passenger seat belt is stuck, would not un or retract from the retractor, leaving occupant without any restraints during a vehicle crash; also 98 v 150 001/windshield wiper wiring: vehicle experience a windshield wipers to work intermittently or not at all, causes reducing driver's visibility and increasing the risk of vehicle crash. Dealer notified and informed that vehicle VIN# was not cover under a mfr's recalls. Please provide any further details:
This vehicle is experiencing indentical problems as in recall# 8704 98V150000. Windshield wipers intermittently operate, reducing driver's visibilty, and increasing risk of crash. Manufacturer has advised consumer that this vehicle was not part of recall issused, and will not cover expense for repair. The manufacturer was willing to cover part cost for circuit board inside the wiper motor but dealer wants the consumer to pay for labor.
1996 Chevy Suburban windshield wiper motor failure. Occured suddenly in a downpour on a moutain highway, near collisions trying to negotiate traffic and find a safe place to pull over. Upon having the motor replaced, I found that a recall was effected for this issue that my vehicle was not included in. I wish I had know, I would have fixed the issue anyway. Concerened about the other vehicles out there that have not been corrected.
Pinion seal on rear diff. Leaked at 36K miles, fuel injectors clogged at 40K and inoperable oxygen sensor. Battery leaked at side terminal (38K miles), corroded battery cables and shelf. Winsheild wipers do not go all the way down to the starting position when turned off. Currently having problems with starting the vehicle. Starter was checked and is o.k. Probably electrical, due to leaking battery or a computer problem.
Consumer has replaced brakes 5 times; 2 sets of rotors & replaced drums 1 time. Dealer said that vehicle was heavy, and it was going to go through brakes. They have tried to put different pads on, but nothing worked. Pinion seal was leaking and the vehicle makes noise while turning. Wipers malfunction due to wiper module failure. There is a whine in the front part of the engine due to alternator failure.
The defective braking system malfunctioned, causing the brake pedalto fade and extended stopping distance. Dealer replaced brake master cylinder. Dealer cannot determine problem. Consumer states ABS kicks in before it should and that the brake pedal feels mushy, dealer replaced booster assembly and found air in system on one occasion causing pedal to be hard. Wiper blades replaced.
1) major coolant leak from intake/cyl head gasket (left rear of motor) (2) engine trouble light indicates tc 1870 code problem in transmission valve body (3)windshield wipers work intermitently safety hazard (4) A/C dash lights cycle on and off when A/C button is pushed on but fan motor is shut off. All problems are "common" per dealership service writer
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.
NHTSA investigations
Windshield wiper failure
As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, GM has expanded the population of safety recall 98v-150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my m/l vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached technical report for details.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1996 Chevrolet Suburban?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1996 Chevrolet Suburban, 12% of the model year's 360 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer › motor (25 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chevrolet Suburban window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-159 (windshield wiper/washer, Apr 28, 2003); NHTSA recall 98V150001 (windshield wiper/washer, Jul 1, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet Suburban window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 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.