Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
We have a 1997 GMC Sonoma with a votrec 4.3 x. Over 2 years ago, we started getting misfires. We tried everything we could think of, to no avail. In the past month I've put over $500 alone. I have been looking it up on-line, and have realized, I'm not the only one with this issue. There has even been a recall in california, but only there. GM told me they have different gas out there. Another major safety issue has been the wiper motor failure, that had a recall. GM told me my VIN # was not on the list, but I battle my wipers at least once a month. I have to yank the blades half way up the window before they grab and start to work. One more problem that I now know I am not alone on is the issue with dex-cool. We have flushed and refilled the system at least three times, only to have it gunk-up again. Please help me and all the other customers who got trapped with junk vehicles. …
Windshield wiper motor failure wipers work intermittently and some times not at all.I took my vehicle to a repair shop they informed there had been recalls on this condition involving several GM vehicles including mine. When I took my vehicle to a GM repair shop they told me my vehicle was not included in the recall because it was the 4wd model and not the 2wd model I'm shocked that the same year same model but not 4wd is included. I would really like to know why my vehicle is excluded ? When it has the exact conditions of the others recalled.
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.
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). …
Related recalls (2)
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.
Visibility › Windshield
The top coat paint severely peels due to overbaking of the powder primer prior to the top coat application. Since the windshield primer and adhesive adhere to the top coat paint onthe windshield opening flange, the windshield does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, "windshield mounting."
Remedy: All vehicles have been repurchased. This campaign is 100%.
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
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Sonoma years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (55), 1995 (52), 1996 (31) and 1997 (30) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 35% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for GMC Sonoma window & wiper problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 98V150001 (windshield wiper/washer, Jul 1, 1998); 97V008001 (windshield, Jan 27, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Sonoma window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the windshield wiper/washer › motor (74 mentions), followed by the windshield wiper/washer (73).
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.