GMC Suburban Window & Wiper Problems

Window & Wiper complaints by model year

Which parts fail

• Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
  46
• Windshield wiper/washer
  28
• Power window devices and controls
  6
• Windshield
  4
• Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
  2
• Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
  2
• Glass, side/rear
  2
• Rearview mirrors/devices
  1

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

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  16%
• 25k–50k
  00%
• 50k–75k
  425%
• 75k–100k
  425%
• 100k–150k
  638%
• 150k+
  16%

What owners report

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 70 MPH in rainy weather, the windshield wiper motor stopped working. The wiper motor worked intermittently ever since. No warning lights were illuminated for any associated electrical defect. Neither a dealership nor the manufacturer had been notified. The contact expressed the defect should be subject to a recall due to the safety risk involved. Updated 03/15/07.

When driving while it is snowing or sleeting, the right side windshield wiper moves snow and ice to the center of the windshield. The end of the left side wiper then pushes the snow/ice down the windshield where it piles up in the center. As this process continues, the pile gets larger and lifts the left (driver side) wiper from the windshield, allowing more and more snow/ice to accumulate under it, blocking the driver's vision. The only way to resolve is to stop the vehicle and manually remove the piled up ice/snow from the windshield.

I own a 1998 GMC Suburban. The wiper motor on this vehicle is defective. There is a recall (# 03V159000) on the 1997 wiper motors......but not on the 1998 even though the design and wiper motor are the same. During a recent rainstorm the wiper motor become completely unresponsive while driving at highway speed. The motor makes the same "buzzing" sound that GM technicians refer to for other GM vehicle years. Clearly, this is the same issue. I would like to have the recall re-evaluated or at a minimum include the 1998 models.

I own a 1998 Chevrolet Suburban. The wiper motor on this vehicle is defective. There is a recall (# 03V159000) on the 1997 wiper motors......but not on the 1998 even though the design and wiper motor are the same. During a recent rainstorm my wiper motor become completely unresponsive in mid swipe @ 65 MPH on I 40. I would like to have the recall re-evaluated or at a minimum include the 1998 models. My VIN is [redacted].

I have a 1997 GMC Suburban. The windshield wipers intermittently stop working completely and unpredictably. This happened once or twice since I purchased the vehicle in 2001, but in recent months has happened very frequently, most memorably when I was traveling in heavy rain on the highway. I managed to exit the highway, but was definitely in danger. I contacted GMC and was told that although there is a recall for windshield wiper failure on 1997 GMC suburbans (GM recall #03023; NHTSA recall no. 03V159), my vehicle is not included based on the VIN. I have scheduled the vehicle for repair, but feel strongly that it should be included under the recall.

Tl contact owns a 1997 GMC Suburban. The contact stated that the windshield wipers work intermittently. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 03V159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer), although the failures were identical. The failure mileage was 130,000. Updated 01/07/09. Updated 01/12/09.

Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds on the highway, the engine stalled without warning. After stalling, the vehicle was not easily restarted. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the fuel injector pump needed to be replaced. After the initial replacement, the problem persisted. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the fuel pump needed to be replaced again. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 12/18/2006 - the injector pump which was replaced under recall failed again. The consumer also wanted to recall fixed, however the dealer refused to honor the recall. Recall numbers 96V057000 and 03V159000. Updated 03/21/07.

I have taken my vehicle to anaheim hills GMC under factory warranty and told them about my wipers working intermitently or not working at all. The wipers only failed to operate once for me at this time. The dealership said that the wipers were working fine that day they tested and theres nothing they can do, especially since my VIN wasn't listed on the recall. It's been almost a year now and the problem has increased in severity and frequency. I can't see out of my windshield many times and have to pull over to clean it manually. Sometimes the wipers don't stop working even in the off position so my wiper blades are getting tore up on a dry windshield. The washer feature only works 10% of the time. I am having the exact same problem that the campaign recall covers. I am told by GMC customer service that they can't do anything because of the recall not including my VIN #. …

Related recalls (3)

NHTSA investigations