Windshield wipers have failed. Dealer notified.
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier: windshield wiper failure
20 of the 540 complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier describe windshield wiper failure.
- owner complaints
- 20
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 5 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Windshield wiper failure by model year
What owners say
When the windshield wipers are turned off, they stop in the upright position obstructing the drivers view while driving. This poses a hazard while driving, making it difficult to concentrate on the road.
The wipers on vehicle are stuck in the up position. The wipers work in rain, but when turned off, they stop right in the upright position, impairing drivers visibility. Please provide any further information. Ph
While driving windshield wipers make a grinding noise, causing wipers to become inoperable.*ak
About 1-2 months ago my wife tried to start the car and she said that all of the systems(I.e. Windshield wiper blades, interior warning lights, etc.) started going off all at once, the brake pedal would't push in, there was a loud buxxing noise, and the car would not start. Ever since we have had to try several times before the vehicle would start and there have been multiple occasions when we are driving along (speed doesn't seem to play a role) and the car will react in a similar manner and stop running. After this happens, it can take us up to 10-15 minutes to get it started again. Just this morning it happened again and if the truck behind us had not swerved as it did, it would have totalled our car. We then spent almost 20 minutes in the middle of traffic trying to start our car.(this was submitted by brian quinney - husband of said owner).
Windshield wipers comes on intermittently. Last winter windshield wipers came on during a snow storm wipers were stuck on windshield. Dealership is aware of the problem.
The windshield wipers arm does not park in the down position when they are turned off, the wipers would remain in upright position distracting the driver's view, delay feature stops at a higher pause level, on one occasion wipers failed completely, dealer states the arm was disengaged causing failure.
Windshield wipers would stay in upright position whenever switch is turned off. Windshield wipers would not return to down position. Dealer was notified for repairs. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter .
On thursday, may 31, 2001, the vehicle ailed to start and was jump started. We then drove home (5 mins' drive away) and parked the vehcle in our carport. About 5 mins later a neighbor came to tell us that the vehicle was on fire. The fire originated in the steering wheel column (probably due to a problem with the ignition) and destroyed the ignition, wiper switch, turn signal switch and the covers. Additional damage was done while trying to put out the fire. The fire brigade was called to the scene. The incident could have been much more serious if the fire had not been spotted so quickly.
Windshield wipers stay in upright postion, coolant leaking.
Windshield wipers after being turned off, stay up in middle of windshield. Consumer has reduced visibility.
Consumer had just gotten home and parked vehicle. 5-10 minutes later, horn was blowing. Consumer looked outside front end of vehicle was on fire. Dashboard and steering column were completely destroyed. Chevrolet dealer said they couldn't find anything wrong. Therefore, they wouldn't be liable. Allstate insurance adjuster took one look,and could tell it was an electrical fire. Chevrolet dealer was not responding to insurance adjuster. Vehicle was under extended warranty when it caught on fire.*ak engine light illuminated, dealer had replaced the oil pump, solenoid, and exhaust however light still illuminated. Battery light illuminated. Windshield wiper skips and chatters across windshield, dealer replaced blade. Trunk would not open from inside lever, compartment lid release broke. Clicking noise was heard when turning steering wheel, dealer could not find problem.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Left outside breakaway mirror inoperative
- Mirror vibrates at highway speeds
- Inoperative manual outside rearview mirror(s)
- Concerns with the left hand manual mirror not adjusting when the adjustment lever is moved
- Left hand mirror does not adjust when adjustment lever is moved (adjust lever to align with lever slide)
Related recalls
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer
- What is wrong
- These vehicles were built with an incorrect wiper blade assembly (17" long instead of 22" long) on the driver's side. This does not comply with fmvss no. 104, "windshield wiping and washing systems."
- Risk
- The area and pattern wiped on the windshield will be reduced and could affect the driver's view in wet weather increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect for the correct wiper blade assembly and install a correct length wiper blade assembly.
Recall number 96V160000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier wipers
Is windshield wiper failure a common problem on the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier?
20 of 540 owner complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier (4%) mention windshield wiper failure. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier?
There is 1 recall and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
Stalling 40ABS 19Fire or smoke 18Won't start 18No deployment 17Grinding brakes 13Power steering loss 13Overheating 12Knocking 10Fuel pump 10Steering lock-up 10Headlights 9Engine failure 8Check engine light 7Fuel smell 6Jerking 6Loss of power 6Misfire 6Pulling 6Hesitation 5Seat belt 5Sudden acceleration 5
VIN decoder
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