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 GMC Safari owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Windshield wiper module failure, approximately in early 2006 on 1000K trip. Parts purchased module n12463 part number 12463090 from dealer in edmonton at cost of $64.87 including gst.. Returned home 1000K as dealer too busy too fix, and paid $36.00 labor to have installed. Total cost for module and labor: $100.87. My request is for GM to pay this $100.87 as this should have been covered under a recall notice at any time in the life of these vehicles.
September 1, 1999: ac problem (not cooling) repaired under warranty. November 3, 1999: left driver s door window motor replaced under warranty (not passenger side as documented on the invoice). January 31, 2003: I wrote to GMC customer service via email, detailing some problems that had developed with my van. I complained that the driver s window motor was intermittent at best. I mentioned was the windshield wipers worked erratically. My low setting on the ac fan was inoperable, and eventually all 3 levels stopped. I had been living with it for over a year, because I am a single mom, work full time and couldn t afford to be without my transportation. The reply I got was that my van was too old, and things break. Three months later, I received a recall campaign in the mail for the windshield wiper motor. …
Since last November, have noted unfortunatley when it start to rain that the windsheild wipers don't always activate when they are turned on. This creates a safety hazard when the car is in motion and there is no way to clear the windshield. The problem can be rectified by getting out of the van, opening the hood and pressing the wire conections together. However, that does not guarantee that the wipers will continue to operate. All of the electrical contacts have power amd the plug connection is tight and does not appear to loosen. Thought it might be just my problem, but a neighbor who owns a 94 suburban states he has the same problem. I just contacted the dealer to determine if there was a recall on this and they said no. Have asked that the zone rep give me a call.
Ongoing problems with defective components on consumer's two vans. Each van has had problems with it's transmission, alternator, motors for door and windows, catalytic converter, fuel pump, oxygen sensors and windshield wiper motor. The consumer has two GMC Safari's both 1997 models. Their VIN's are [redacted] and [redacted].
This problem rless than 30 days after purchasing the van, it was supposed to have been fixed at the original dealership 12K ago, but this problem has reocurred. In addition, have had a power window motor go out, blower fan burn up, transmission fluid leaks after being serviced by dealership and lastly a fuel gauge that refuses to work.
Understand GMC is aware of motor/circuit control windshied failure(what causes wipers not to work) because at the dealer they said GMC had issue a replacement kit but since there was no recall on it I had to pay around $300 for it. I think GMC should go ahead a pay for it since they know is a problem.
Vehicle stalls at a slow speed or when applying accelerator pedal from a stop position. Vehicle been in/out of dealer shop on 12 occasions, and at two different dealers. Problem is still unresolved. Rotors repaired/out of round, master power window switch failed, headlamp switch replaced.
A new vehichle should never have these kinds of problems. GMC could care less about my problems because they were out of warranty and I had to pay for them. Each time cost over $1,000 dollars. No safety defect listed in summary.
While driving inclement weather windshield wipers came on and off on their own. Driver took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic detrermined that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced.
Consumer disappointed in some of the problems he had with the chassis and other auxiliary systems. (nar) transmission, engine, ac/ heater, gas gauge, windshield wiper motor, electric window.
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…
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 Safari years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1997 GMC Safari?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1997 GMC Safari, 21% of the model year's 135 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 GMC Safari window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-159 (windshield wiper/washer, Apr 28, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 GMC Safari window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 149,000 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.