The problem
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.
The risk
If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began on June 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, GMC at 1-800-462-8782, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 03V-159 (03V159000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 03023 |
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer |
| Report date | April 28, 2003 |
| Owners notified | June 19, 2003 |
| Vehicles affected | 1,755,876 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
- 1995 Chevrolet Astro
- 1996 Chevrolet Astro
- 1997 Chevrolet Astro
- 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
- 1995 Chevrolet C/K Pickups
- 1996 Chevrolet C/K Pickups
- 1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups
- 1996 Chevrolet S10
- 1997 Chevrolet S10
- 1995 Chevrolet Suburban
- 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
- 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
- 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 1996 GMC Jimmy
- 1995 GMC Safari
- 1996 GMC Safari
- 1997 GMC Safari
- 1995 GMC Suburban
- 1996 GMC Suburban
- 1997 GMC Suburban
- 1995 GMC Yukon
- 1996 GMC Yukon
- 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada
Plus 4 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof
- 1995 Chevrolet Astro window & wiper problems 101
- 1996 Chevrolet Astro window & wiper problems 55
- 1997 Chevrolet Astro window & wiper problems 59
- 1996 Chevrolet Blazer window & wiper problems 167
- 1995 Chevrolet C/K Pickups window & wiper problems 6
- 1996 Chevrolet C/K Pickups window & wiper problems 6
- 1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups window & wiper problems 30
- 1996 Chevrolet S10 window & wiper problems 99
- 1997 Chevrolet S10 window & wiper problems 117
- 1995 Chevrolet Suburban window & wiper problems 48
- 1996 Chevrolet Suburban window & wiper problems 42
- 1997 Chevrolet Suburban window & wiper problems 37
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 03V-159 repair free?
Yes. Chevrolet dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began on June 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 1,755,876 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.