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 Tahoe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The windshield wipers of our 1998 Tahoe stopped working. Sometimes we would have to push them to get them started, other times we would have to jiggle the wiring to get them going. They would sometimes work for the remainder of the trip, other times they would stop every few minutes. There is no consistency to when they will work. We were stranded out of town in a heavy rainstorm. This is the same problem as the 94-97 recall and needs to be included. I spoke with Chevrolet and a local dealer. Both acted like they knew nothing about the problem until I mentioned the prior recall, then they just said we were not covered. This is a serious safety problem and chrvrolet needs to be held accountable for fixing the problem.
We bought the vehicle in January. The first instance occurred in March when the windshield wipers would not come on. On June 2, 2004 I was driving in a very severe storm on the turner turnpike when the windshield wipers stopped working. They came back on and worked intermittently on that trip to norman. They have worked only intermittently since then. They usually will work when it is not raining but not while it is raining now. The first time I was in very heavy rain that even with the wipers working I had difficulty seeing. There could have been an accident had I not been such a good driver and reacted the way I had.
The windshield wipers on my 1998 Tahoe sometimes stop working. This started about a month ago, at first they would at times hesitate. Last week during a heavy rain they stopped in mid cycle. I pulled to the side of the road and ,as I slowed down they began to work. They did not stop again but they did hesitate 3 or 4 times over the next 15 minutes. I was told by local Chevrolet dealer that there was a recall on the 1997 Tahoe for failure of the windshield wiper module. My Tahoe was an early 98 production. Do I have a windshield wiper module that should have been recalled?
I am having the same problem with my 1998 Tahoe as was recalled on the 1994-1997 vehicles in regard to the circuit board on my windshield wipers. After speaking with the dealer on the issue, there have been just as many 1998's as earlier model problems. I would like to see GM recall this vehicle for the windshield wiper module. I was in a rain storm behind a truck, I pulled over, almost getting hit. I could not see at all. This should be taken care of right away.
I am having the same problem with my 1998 Tahoe as was recalled on the 1994-1997 vehicles in regard to the circuit board on my windshield wipers. After speaking with the dealer on the issue, there have been just as many 1998's as earlier model problems. I would like to see GM recall this vehicle for the windshield wiper module problem to avoid any future fatalities in raim storms.
Windshield wipers often do not come on or will come on and stop. This first occurred in 2000. The first time this happened, it left me stranded on the side of an interstate highway. The man who stopped to assist me hit a box under the hood to make the wipers come on. This action has started the wipers ever since.
Without any warning the wipers stopped working. The consumer went to the manufacturer and they said that they will not help the consumer with a vehicle that is from 1998 and up. The consumer has had trouble with the dealer in the past and does not want to go to them yet.
Dt*: the consumer stated the windshield wipers work intermittently. There is a NHTSA recall, # 98V150001, regarding the windshield wipers. The consumer has the same problem as indicated in the recall; however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall.
Windshield wipers fail intermittently. When the Tahoe has been driven for a long distance (hot) wipers sometimes fail to work. When Tahoe is cold wipers usually work. They act very similar to my 1995 GMC jimmy before it was recalled for wiper circuit board failure.
Intermittently,when the windshield wipers are engaged they will sometimes not work. There is a recall on earlier models of this vehicle. The recall is concerning the windshield wiper motor. The vehicle was diagnosed with having a bad circuit board.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Tahoe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe, 19% of the model year's 263 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (26 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe, though it has 2 recalls for other components. 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 Tahoe window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.