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 Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that the delay feature on the windshield wipers worked sporadically. She received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 03V159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer) and GM recall number 03023 in February of 2002. The recall work was performed; however, the failure still persists. The contact wanted to notify NHTSA, before notifying the dealer and manufacturer. The VIN, engine size, and number of cylinders were unknown. The current mileage was 220,000 and failure mileage was 219,990.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that the windshield wipers and washers failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contact and confirmed that remedy repairs were performed under NHTSA campaign id number:03V159000(visibility:windshield wiper/washer) prior to the failure. The vheicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 99,000 and the current mileage was 99,200.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban. While driving at an unknown speed in the rain, the windshield wipers would not activate. The contact took her vehicle to the dealer and they stated that her vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 03V159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer). A complaint with the manufacturer was filed. The current mileage was 130,000 and failure mileage was 125,000.
Windshield wipers work intermittently and occasionally fail. Dangerous during rainstorms. This 1997 Suburban VIN# [redacted] does not show up on recall NHTSA campaign # 03V159000.
While driving in inclement weather, the windshield wipers would come on and go off on their own intermittently. The dealer was aware of the problem, and the mechanic informed the consumer that this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
Dt: the contact states there is a NHTSA recall campaign 03V159000 concerning the windshield wiper/washer motor. This vehicle experienced the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to VIN. No repairs were done .
Dt: consumer received a recall on side mirror switch ,and had repair work done. But, felt there were still hot wires on driver's side. This May be a fire hazard. Contacted dealer and manufacturer about it, and they would not remedy this problem.
NHTSA complaint # 03V159000 - Chevrolet has recalled certian vehicles with an intermittent windshiel wiper problem. My 1997 2wd Suburban is not ncluded. 1996 all suburbans are and 1997 4wd suburbans are. I have the same symptoms as the 1996 and 1997 4wd.
1997 cheverolet c1500 Suburban intermittent wiper motor failure to work properly. Causes lack of visibility during inclement weather conditions or during windshield cleaning operations. Wipers will cease to work continuous and problem is sporadic.
There was recall issued June 19, 2003 for our vehicle 1997 Chevrolet Suburban, GM recall no. 03023 for the windshield wiper/washer. We were not notified of this recall and had our wipers fail on us during a trip on a highway that is known for its accidents. We immediately pulled over and eventually got them to work again. We took our vehicle to our mechanic that very same night. He informed us of the recall. When contacting Chevrolet at [phone] we were first told that the previous owner already had the wipers fixed on this recall, that is impossible because we owned the vehicle when the notification of the recall was released. We were then put on hold for a long time then told that the recall is only valid if your vehicle had 70,000 or less miles. This recall was issued because of a potential visibility problem. How is mileage related to visibility? …
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 › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Certain sport utility vehicles, Mini vans, and pickup trucks May develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on April 24, 2003.
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 1997 Chevrolet Suburban?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban, 9% of the model year's 414 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Suburban window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-159 (windshield wiper/washer, Apr 28, 2003); NHTSA recall 03V-093 (exterior, Mar 7, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Suburban window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 108,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 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.