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 Sonoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Certain GM trucks have been recalled but the others have not but the same component was used in other models and the same isue occurs. I had a 1997 Isuzu hombre that had this problem and now I have a 1998 GMC Sonoma nad the same problem occurs. The 1997 Chevy s-10s were recalled for this issue but the recall should be extended to other yeas as well. Listed below is the issue with the 1997 s10s. The exact same problem occurs on 98 GMC sonomas as well. Make: Chevrolet model: s10 year: 1997 recall number: 03V159000 summary: 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. …
This started as an occasional failure in 2002 when the intermittent wipers would suddenly start wiping at full speed "on their own" and would only go back to intermittent speed after I would turn off the wipers and re-turn them on. In August 2005 this changed to where the intermittent wipers would go to full speed and then just stop. They would not resume wiping when I would turn the switch on and off several times (thus I was driving in the rain with no wipers). However - they would just as suddenly begin wiping. In October 2005 I had the local GM dealer replace the wiper module circuit board which it turned out was cracked. This is the same piece of equipment that GMC did a recall for vehicles between 1994 and 1997. I have registered this issue with the GM claims department - but they will not take any action for a recall nor reimburse the cost of the part.
Tl contact owns a 1998 GMC Sonoma. In March of 1998, the windshield wipers began working intermittently. In November of 2008, while driving approximately 60 MPH in the rain, the windshield wipers stopped working completely. The vehicle was driven to the dealer and they stated that the wiper module and wiper motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was too old for them to be liable for the repairs. The current mileage was 137,000 and failure mileage was 10,000.
On our 1998 GMC Sonoma we have replaced the windshield wiper motor and board. The wipers still have a ghost in them and delay does not work most of the time and high speed when on low speed, erratic behavior on wipers. Won't turn on or off on occasion. Was there a recall on also on the passenger seat? The lever broke right off the first time we used it. Cheaply built handles. Please send me a list of recalls on this vehicle please for our own safety as this vehicle is driven daily on open highways.
Tl contact owns a 1998 GMC Sonoma. The contact stated that the windshield wipers stopped working. The dealer initially stated that they would approve the repair; however, they are currently refusing to pay for the repair. NHTSA campaign id number 03V159000 (visibility:windshield, wiper/washer) was referenced. The current mileage was 50,000 and failure mileage was 42,000. Updated 09/13/08. The windshield wipers failed twice. The dealer replaced the wiper motor board. Updated 09/17/08.
Intermittently the windshield wipers malfunctioned. The windshield wipers engaged by themselves to the fastest speed setting when in the slow speed setting. On 3 separate occasions the windshield wipers quit working, but engaged again within seconds on two occasions. Then, failed to come back on the third occasion. This failure was due to a defect described in the windshield wiper recall 03V159000, but this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 GMC Sonoma. The contact stated that the windshield wipers would stop working sporadically. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 60,000. ..updated 09/15/11 the windshield wipers periodically stopped working in the rain. Updated 09/28/11
Windshield wipers run for a while (5 to 15 min) then just stop. After a variable period of time (1min-10 min) they will come back on only to quit again after a short period of time. Last night it was raining hard and the failure caused a serious loss of visibilty, luckly no accident ensued.this was not the first time this failure occurred and I saw two other similar complaints on your web site.
Windshield wipers have been sporadic for last two months; was able to get them started by getting out of truck and moving the blades by hand; last week, in heavy down pour, the wipers would not work at all; stopped at an autobody shop, the guy smacked the motor with a wrench and got them working well enough for me to get home. They are still not working.
A few month after I bought my 1998 GMC Sonoma the windshield wipers stopped working. Sometime they come on and work for a few minutes and then stop but many times they never work. My dealer says the 97 sonomas were recalled for the same problem that continues on to the 98 model. This makes it extremely dangerous to drive in the rain.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Sonoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 GMC Sonoma?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 GMC Sonoma, 35% of the model year's 156 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (23 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 GMC Sonoma window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1998 GMC Sonoma, though it has 3 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 GMC Sonoma window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 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.