1994 gmc sierra pickup ([xxx]) gm has 2 recalls for windshield wiper motor problems on 1994 and newer pickups and suvs (recall 98043 and special policy adjustment 02054a). My vehicle has the same problem noted in the recalls: intermittent wiper operation resulting from cracked solder joints on the wiper motor control's printed circuit board at its connection to the wiring harness. But, because my VIN does not match those in the recall, I am left to deal with this problem on my own. I have been living with this for a few years because I don't have the time or money to fix it. And, my brief internet research reveals numerous other gm owners in the same situation ... The same problem identified in the recall but left in the cold by gm because of VIN number exclusions. My call to gm revealed that the recall was limited to vehicles manufactured at certain plants, because only those plants used parts from "defective batches." the root cause of the problem (bad solder joints) seems to me a design issue (failure to mitigate vibration, too rigid a connection between the wiring connector and pcb?), not a manufacturing defect (bad batch of material, improperly soldered joint?). Same symptoms resulting from the same failure on the same part with the same part number? When I pressed the customer service rep. On this question (VIN number and parts batch are irrelevant if it is a design flaw, which I think it is), I got the proverbial run-around. And, my wipers still don't work. *nm updated 07/24/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
GMC 1500 wipers problems
19 of the 61 owner complaints about the GMC 1500 describe windshield wiper failure, most of them for the 1994 model year.
- owner complaints
- 19
- worst model year
- 1994
By model year
Often reported together
What owners say
Consumer complained about windshield wipers working intermittently. Took vehicle to the dealer and had them repaired. He then showed the dealer that there was a recall. He was told by the mechanic that this vehicle was not on recall, and advised consumer to contact the manufacturer. Consumer then contacted the manufacturer, and was told the same thing. Consumer felt since windshield wipers were not working during rainy times it was a safety hazard. Also, consumer was told that the problem was a cracked solder joint on the control board. Consumer insisted on being reimbursed.
While driving steering wheel wandered from side to side. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle. Following that the windshield wipers would come on and off intermittently in inclement weather. This caused poor visibility. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the power sensor switch , and the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced.
Windshield wipers run intermittently severely limitiing visibility which could result in a crash. Gmc notified me that my vehicle VIN number was not part of the wiper motor replacement recall even though I am experiencing the same problem.
While driving vehicle in the rain windshield wipers failed. This caused the driver to pull off the road. Consumer contacted dealership, but problem recurred.
Windshield wipers failed intermittenly. A recall was issued. However, this vehicle was not included due to VIN.
Wipers on my 1994 gmc pick-up do not work at all times when required. This is a definite safety issue. This problem has occurred routinely for the last several years. Gmc acknowledged other complaints of this nature; however, my vehicle is not covered under their recall orders, my contact with gmc produced negative results.
While driving in the rain, the windshield wiper worked sporadically.
The windshield wipers sporadically works causing little to no visibility.
The windshield wipers worked intermittently.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the GMC 1500 wipers
Which GMC 1500 years have windshield wiper failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1994 (11 complaints), 1996 (7 complaints) and 1990 (1 complaints).
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