1996 GMC Sonoma Window & Wiper Problems

Which parts fail

• Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
  17
• Windshield wiper/washer
  10
• Windshield
  2
• Rearview mirrors/devices
  1
• Rear window wiper/washer › Motor
  1

Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).

Mileage when the problem started

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 GMC Sonoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Consumer stated that while driving and with no warning the windshield wiper worked intermittently. Dealer notified. Ts possible electrical failure caused wipers to fail mostly during rainy weather.

Tl* - the contact called concerning a service bulletin regarding windshield wiper washer motor. The bulletin has a product recall. The contact has been told by GMC that the car was not a part of the recall\ due to the VIN. The contact stated that the windshield wipers work intermittently. The contact stated that the windshield wipers will either stay up in the air, won't work at all, or shut off by themselves. The last incident was on December 26, 2006. The contact stated that the problem with the windshield wipers began in July 2006. The contact called the dealer, and they gave her a service request no. 71-463971283, and then the dealer denied it.

Windshield wiper motor works intermittently, electrical problem related to positioning of motor(electric). I was told by an autoparts dealer that they have had a lot of complaints of bad motors. I know of two friends with similar vehicels (Chevy blazer and Chevy s-10 truck) who have the exact same problem. Wipers will work fine sometimes and then just stop in mid-stroke. I was driving in rainy conditions when first occurred. I moved wiring and the wipers would cut on and off, I found that it is the wiper motor housing and not the wires. Wedged a stick between wiper motor and housing and they worked for a while. This is a common problem specifically to this style of vehicle and potentially a very hazardous one too. If all of the auto parts dealers are acknowledging this is true maybe something should be done about it before people are killed because of windshield wiper failure!

My vehicle is not covered by multiple recalls because it is not in the GMC list of vehicles per its VIN number. This is, inspite of the fact that the exact same problem has been noted other Sonoma recalls. This same problem has also been involved with the 1995-96 GMC jimmys of which the Sonoma is virtually the same in the engine compartment. GMC as well as the dealer have refused to acknowledge that there is a problem with the windshield wiper system of this vehicle, even though information from this site was presented to both the GMC. Dealer and the GMC customer assistance center. I was told by the assistance center that I should have it fixed as if there is an accident now they are on record as stating that they recommended having it repaired. But they refused to include this vehicle in the general recall.

I called GMC and told them about the wiper motor problem, they said that my trucks' VIN number was not part of the recall that had been done on other 1996 GMC sonomas of the same year. My truck has the same exact problem as the other 1.2 million recalled s10 & s15 trucks but GMC corp. Says that it is not related. ( NHTSA recall #98V150001) I feel that the recall needs to be expanded to cover trucks of the same year that have the same problem. The GMC recall is for trucks build from 8-94 to 5-96. The recall needs to be expanded because several vehicles have been left out.

My windshield module went out and I was told that GMC had problems with their modules, I went on line and found out that the recall was stopped the prior year to my vehicle being built. I took it to my mechanic and the told me that even though the recall ended GMC still had severe problems with later model vehicle with the same wiper module defect. I called GMC and they could supply no explanation as to why the recall stopped even though the problems continued. Thanks john miller.

Wipers will just stop working going down the road. The same problem as desrcibed in a GMC recall on same models. My truck was made the next month after the recall was stopped. I think the recall should have gone on further than it did compared to the number of people having the same exact problem as the recalled trucks.

I need to know what if any recalled defects have been corrected on my vehicle...a local dealer stated that the only thing they know about recalls deals with the windshield wipers.....and nothing else has been sent to them concerning any other recalls dealing with 1996 GMC Sonoma sls 4 cyl, 5 spd.

In cold weather the windshield wipers do not conform to windshield contour. Driver's side approximately 40 % to 60% is ineffective, whereas on the passenger's side as much as 80 % is ineffective.ad to get off highway 3 times due to poor visibility.

Windshield wipers would work intermittenly after being turned on. Would stop with any warning. Also, humming noises would be coming from wiper motor. Contacted both manufacturer & dealership. Indicated the circuit board needed to be replaced.

Related recalls

Window & Wiper complaints in other Sonoma years