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 1995 GMC Sonoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I had problems with my 1995 GMC windshield wipers working intermittently,and one day,on my first day back to work as a teacher,it rained horribly and the wipers wouldn't work. I paid a lot of money to Firestone to get them fixed. Now I read there was a recall and never received any info. And have lived at the same place for 18yrs.. Sewell motors in dallas,tx sold me the vehicle in 1995.
Transmission(auto) failure : flywheel "shattered" due to bad torque converter and flexplate(July 23,1996) starter bolt broke while driving at 55mph. Starter had to be replaced.(May 24, 1997). Starting difficulty. Starter bad and replaced again, plus replaced bad flexplate/flywheel again for 2nd time(aug 26, 1997). Starter shorting out. Replaced starter for 3rd time(sept 9,1999). Catalytic converter malfunction and replacement, muffler also replaced(dec. 13, 1997). Windshield wiper failure, pulse module bad(aug 16,1996) and wiper failure again intermittantly, replaced under recall(sep. 1, 1999). Seatbelt driver's side retractor broken, replaced under warranty(aug 26,1997) seatbelt passenger replaced under recall (sep 1, 1999). Window crank handle snapped in two while cranking window down. Sharp jagged edges cut hand and fingers.(sep 1 ,1999). …
While driving vehicle the rain windshield wipers failed to work properly. Would stop on their own. Would sometimes work & at other times would not work. Its an intermittent problem. Will be taking vehicle to dealer to have wipers checked. Problem like recall #98V150000/001. Contacted manufacturer, and informed consumer that vehicle made in jun 1994, but recall was vehicles made in August of 1994.
I contacted the dealership on 6/30/98 because of another safety recall of the seat belts, but the representative on the phone told me he had no knowledge of this condition, even though I heard about it on national news and your web site. I consider this to be a potentially life threatening manufactures defect.
Consumer was traveling about 15mph inside of a shopping parking lot and there was thumping noise underneath vehicle when applying brakes. Vehicle brakes didn't hold. Brake loss was due to speed sensor failure and was replaced. Wiper noise was due to wiper motor failure which the dealer replaced.
Vehicle experiencing ongoing problem with intermittent windshield wipers. Manufacturer notified and informed no recall on consumer's vehicle; NHTSA recall # 98 150 0001. Seeking NHTSA help in this matter. Although vehicle May not be on recall, it has a similar defect.
Ea97022; windshield wiper failure; sometimes when using the windshield wipers, the wipers shut off and sometimes the wipers will not come on at all. The dealer is aware of the problem. Not able to correct because the problem will not repeat while at dealership.
Windshield wiper: when driving in the rain the wipers shut off automatically, came back on and shut off again, causing poor visibility. Consumer states that dealer cleaned electrical contacts, however this did not remedy the problem.
Ea97022, windshield wipers, sometimes when using the windshield wipers they would stop working. Sometimes the wipers would not come on at all. Other times when turning off wipers, the wipers would not turn off. The problem has been corrected.
Windshield wipers will intermittently fail during operation, causing poor visibility. Dealer and manufacturer claimed that this vehicle was not included in recall 98V150000 due to VIN although it has the same defect .
Related recalls
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
During this preliminary evaluation, over 400 additional complaints were furnished by GM.in addition GM reported over 3000 wiper system warranty repairs on the subject vehicles.
Windshield wiper failure
There is no summary currently available
Window & Wiper complaints in other Sonoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1995 GMC Sonoma?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1995 GMC Sonoma, 24% of the model year's 213 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (31 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 GMC Sonoma window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V150001 (windshield wiper/washer, Jul 1, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 GMC Sonoma window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 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.