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 GMC Sierra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Intermittantly the windshield wipers become inoperable. Usually after they run a while and usually stop at the worst time right in the middle of a heavy downpour. When I open the hood I can hear a soft buzzing noise. When I wiggle the cable harness assembly that goes to the motor the wipers will start again. But then when I shut the hood the vibration sometimes causes the wipers to stop. This had been going on since last year, 2004. This is the exact same problem I have read about in similar complaints and the NHTSA campaign id 03v15900.
Dt: the windshield wipers are no longer working properly. The windshield wipers will work sometimes. The problem first started in 2-2004. The consumer statesdthat once he smelled a burning smell coming from the vehicle. When the consumer took vehicle to a dealership they told him that there was recall 02054 on the 1997 models for the same issue. The problem has not been repaired as of yet. There have been no accidents at this time.
While driving in a rainstorm, the windshield wiper motor failed without warning. A recall was issued, however the vehicle is outside of the remedy scope. Please provide additional information. Consumer had to pull over and wait until the heavy rain stopped. Now at a later date, the wipers worked.
Windshield wipers stopped and then May start at a later time. The last incident was when it stopped August 20, 2004 in a driving rain storm and we had to pull over but it soon restarted. Later the same day it stopped again and did not restart placing us in a dangerous situation. This morning it is working again.
While driving in rainy weather for a long period of time at 50 MPH, the driver noticed smoke coming from the vents . The following day, the consumer took the truck to a licensed mechanic and was told the windshield wiper motor caught fire.
Failure in the windshield wipers. Electrical problem causing short with windshield washer. Friend has 96 Chevy with same problem. They fail to work in the rain. Work fine during sunshine. Work only ocassionally.
Dt*: the contact stated the windshield wipers work intermittently. This first began fall of 2005. The dealership and manufacturer were alerted and explained no recalls have been issued for the wipers.
Intermittently windshield wipers became inoperable, obstructing the driver's view. A recall had been issued on similar makes and models. However, this vehicle was not included due to VIN. The consumer turned the switch off then on again and the wipers would work again. As time went on the problem worsened. The consumer had to turn the switch on and off several times. Sometimes they wouldn't come on for 15 minutes or until the next day. The recall stopped at the 1997 model year. The consumer was the only driver of the vehicle and has since paid to the have the module replaced. Also the tailgate did not aloways lock into place.
Windshield wipers & washer spray intermittently would stop working, buzz sound from motor housing. Typically I could get to start again by hitting black cover of wiper motor. I took off cover and determined the control circuit board failed, probably the relay. I purchased new board and works fine. I notify NHTSA for 2 reasons & think should be recall. 1) new part indicates need to seal cover, original not sealed 2) friend has same year Chevy k2500 & has identical problem. Suspect May be due to northeast weather conditions and defect in design.
The consumer has been experiencing problems with windshield wiper motor. When turning the windsheild wipers on, the motor makes a lot of noise. The manufacturer has yet to be contacted. Vehicle also has the following problems: engine coolant tank and brake master cylinder are leaking, brakes and fuel pump are noisy, and passenger side defroster does not flow enough air.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Sierra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 GMC Sierra?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 GMC Sierra, 16% of the model year's 190 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer › motor (22 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 GMC Sierra window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1998 GMC Sierra. 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 GMC Sierra window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 9% 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.