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1997 Chevrolet S10 visibility problems

117 complaints (25% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 90,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
117
of this car's complaints
25%
typical mileage
90,000
crashes
3
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Windshield wiper/washer: motor
    62
  • Windshield wiper/washer
    38
  • Rear window wiper/washer: motor
    3
  • Rear window wiper/washer
    2
  • Windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring
    1
  • Windshield
    1
  • Rear window wiper/washer: switch/wiring
    1
  • Glass, side/rear
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet S10 visibility problems in other years

1990199520002004

Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Chevrolet S10 visibility

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Wipers 109

Related recalls

Visibility: windshield wiper/washerReported April 28, 2003 · 1,755,876 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
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 number 03V159000 · Recall details

Visibility: defroster/defogger/HVAC systemReported August 4, 1998 · 354 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with electric drive. Rapid fogging of the interior glass can occur within two minutes after the heat is turned on if (1) the outside temperature is between 35 and 76 degrees fahrenheit and (2) water has collected on the heat exchanger during previous operation of the air conditioning.
Risk
If rapid fogging were to occur during driving, it could obstruct the driver's vision increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Owners are being provided with a caution label and supplemental insert for their owner's manual advising them to follow a "stop and wait" procedure to help avoid window fogging while driving.

Recall number 98V177000 · Recall details

What 1997 Chevrolet S10 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 19, 2015 · Visibility · 53,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet s10. When the contact started the vehicle, the windshield wipers activated intermittently. The failure occurred in rainy weather, which caused a reduction in visibility. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 03v159000 (visibility). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

Filed Oct 14, 2015 · Visibility · 90,000 miles · UT

The windshield wipers operate sporadically when turned on. Some times when you turn them on, they will operate normally and other times they will not turn on at all. The vehicle make and model were included in a recall but my VIN was not included in the recall. The problem can occur when the vehicle is moving or stopped in the driveway or parking lot. (reference gm recall 03023)

Filed Jul 31, 2013 · Visibility · MD

Wipers do not always start or stop when switch is turned on/off. Intermittent setting does not work, wipers will continue to work as if turned on and not in intermittent mode. Wiper blade will stop at different intervals on windshield.

Filed Aug 9, 2012 · Visibility · 170,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet s10. While parked, the contact noticed the windshield wiper was not functioning. The contact stated he was a mechanic, who inspected the vehicle and determined that the failure was caused by the circuit board. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer) but was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

Filed Sep 1, 2011 · Visibility · 105,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet s10. The contact was driving approximately 45 MPH in rainy weather with the windshield wipers activated. Suddenly and without warning, the wipers failed to operate. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and eventually the windshield wipers began to function after continuously turning the control mechanism forcefully. There was a recall related to the defect under the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v159000 (visibility: windshield wiper/washer). The dealer and manufacturer were notified and they informed the contact that the vehicle was ineligible for the recall repair due to the age of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed Dec 22, 2010 · Visibility · 60,000 miles · NV

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet s-10. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH in rainy weather condition when the windshield wipers began to fail intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they replaced the windshield wiper module to correct the failure. There was a recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer) yet, the contacts VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Jun 10, 2010 · Visibility · 140,000 miles · MN

Windshield wipers stopped working while driving in a heavy rain storm. I pulled to the side of the road and tried all different setting but wiper did not work so I parked the vehicle. The next day I checked and they had started working again. I found a recall notice (03v159000) while researching what might cause this type of problem, but when I contacted a dealer they could not find any record of the recall. I also contacted chevrolet (800 222-1020) on june 10th 2010, but they also told me there was no recall in effect?

Filed Apr 1, 2010 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 82,000 miles · NY

There are 8 safety recalls on the chevy s10.1997.the companys state my vehicle is not on the list of these recalls.but my vehicles has all of these defects.and ive been very lucky I have not been in an accident yet due to these issues.ive been very lucky.but peoples luck always runs out.I cant afford another vehicle and its breaking me financially by fixing this one.

Filed Oct 19, 2009 · Visibility · 126,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet s10. The windshield wipers intermittently failed. He called the dealer and the manufacturer in reference to recall # (visibility:windshield wiper/washer). He was advised that because his vehicle identification number was excluded from the recall, he was ineligible for a free remedy. The current and failure mileages were approximately 126,000.

Filed Aug 28, 2009 · Fuel system, Visibility · 70,400 miles · IA

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet s10 pickup truck. The windshield wipers failed to operate normally. The mechanic stated that recall the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v159000, windshield wiper motor is related to the failure. The manufacturer stated the VIN was not a part of the existing recall and that they would be liable for the repairs. The contact was concerned that if this were to occur when it was raining the driver's visibility would be reduced. The contact is also concerned of the safety risk which could result in a crash. The fuel pump also failed at 27,000 miles. The current and failure mileages were approximately 70,400.

Questions about the 1997 Chevrolet S10 visibility

Does the 1997 Chevrolet S10 have visibility problems?

Owners have filed 117 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Chevrolet S10, 25% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet S10 visibility problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 90,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Chevrolet S10 visibility?

Yes, 2 recalls: 03V159000, 98V177000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet S10 have the most visibility problems?

The Chevrolet S10 model years with the most visibility complaints are 1994 (241 complaints), 1995 (207 complaints) and 1998 (203 complaints).

Other 1997 Chevrolet S10 problems

Brakes 101Transmission 49Airbags 47Fuel system 46Engine 40Acceleration 21Body 20Electrical 19Suspension 13Seat belts 11Seats 10Lights 7Steering 7Tires 6Locks 3Wheels 3Driver assistance 1

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