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 Isuzu Hombre owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1998 Isuzu Hombre. In stormy or hot weather conditions, the front windshield wipers failed intermittently. The failure reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash. The manufacturer stated that his particular year was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 98V150002 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer); therefore, the manufacturer would not assume any financial responsibility for the repairs. He filed a complaint (case number 08206028) with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 4,000 and current mileage was 90,000. Updated 09/16/08 the consumer stated the wipers work 70% of the time. When he shute the switch off, the wipers continued to run. Updated 09/19/08.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Isuzu Hombre. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH in rainy weather, the windshield wipers failed. Also, while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled and all of the instrumental panel lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after waiting a few minutes. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Isuzu Hombre. The contact stated that the windshield wiper would not function properly intermittently. Sometimes it would work and other times, it would not. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer but the vehicle was not inspected. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that there were no recalls and could offer no assistance. The current and failure mileages were approximately 50,000.
Windshield wipers began to work intermitently. No particular pattern back in November of 2002. My Isuzu dealer said that there was a recall in effect but only up to the 1997 model year for the Isuzu Hombre. The defect is the printed circuit board built into the windshield wiper assembly. The cost was over $80 to replace and that was because my brother who is a mechanic performed the repair after the Isuzu dealership service department diagnosed the issue.
Windshield wipers failed in rain during hard downpour. I think the circuit board cracked liked the recalled chevrolerolet s-10s and Chevrolet truck also made by GM.they recalled all Chevy truck made at same plant as mine for wipers stopping.my hombree was made in USA by Chevy. This is apox 100th time this has failed.
Dt: consumer had to replace the windshield wiper unit which cracked twice. She contacted the dealer and manufacturer, and was told that moisture got into the unit and caused the problem. The unit just stopped working with no warning. When replacing the switch the wipers didn't always come on.
Dt*: the contact stated the windshield wipers on the vehicle worked intermittently, then stopped functioning. The vehicle was not taken in for service. There was a NHTSA recall# 03V210000, which pertained to the windshield washer/wiper motor. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.
1998 Isuzu Hombre windshield wiper/washer problem. Works fine then suddenly stops. Has occurred a number of times since 1998. If you "jiggle" the wiring/connector at the wiper motor under the hood the wipers start working again. However, it can and will suddenly re-occur at any time.
Windshield wipers stopped working then started working as if they had a mind of their own-- only when it is raining--there was a recall on the circuit board for this problem the year before my vehicle.
Vehicle windshield wipers are malfunctioning. While driving in inclement weather the windshield wiper stopped working and resulted in poor visibility. The consumer did some research and found that the vehicle was recall for the wiper circuit board and motor cover. The consumer was later told that his vehicle was not included in the recall because it was a 1998 model. The consumer request assistance in obtaining the necessary repair courtesy of Isuzu and GM.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Hombre years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 Isuzu Hombre?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 Isuzu Hombre, 43% of the model year's 53 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer › motor (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Isuzu Hombre window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1998 Isuzu Hombre, though it has 1 recall 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 Isuzu Hombre window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 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.