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1996 GMC Safari: windshield wiper failure

25 of the 139 complaints about the 1996 GMC Safari describe windshield wiper failure.

owner complaints
25
of this car's complaints
18%
typical mileage
66,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 4 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Windshield wiper failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Fuel system · 66,000 miles · NC

Windshield wipers do not operate - recalled - dealer claims it was repaired, now wipers operate whenever it feels like it. Both torsion rods failed without warning within 1 day apart of each other. Mechanic revealed that gm now has a special technique to be done when this happens and it costs an extra $90 to repair. Which means they are aware of the problem and will not recall the vehicles and replace at their cost. Broken spark plug almost killed my family. Fuel pump went out. Driver's side window does not roll down, driver's side view mirror does not operate.

Filed Oct 1, 2003 · Acceleration, Body · 93,000 miles · MS

Intermittently rear windshield wipers become inoperable, obstructing driver's view. The accelerator cable was replaced twice. The alternator was replaced three times. The water pump was replaced twice. The driver's side power window motor was replaced and the passenger side needs to be replaced. The driver's side seat motor failed. The hatch failed. The rear captain chairs seat belts broke. *ak

Filed Aug 14, 2003 · Suspension · 103,265 miles · NY

While traveling at 65 MPH drivers side torsion bar inexplicably and without warning broke. Entire vehicle shuddered and pulled sharply to the left. Fortunately for my passengers and myself I was able to quickly regain control and come to a safe stop. This is a serious safety issue. Such a failure could easily result in serious injury or death. Since the torsion bar failure I have been told by different mechanics "they break all the time" and "it is a design flaw". I understand that general motors is aware of the problem and has redesigned the affected parts. This is a far more serious and dangerous issue than those addressed by other recalls on this vehicle (seatbelt warning buzzer and windshield wiper motor failures). In the interest of safety for all owners, passengers and anyone in the proximity of the affected vehicles I believe a recall is in order.

Filed Jul 31, 2003 · Visibility · AR

Consumer stated vehicle's windshield wiper motor failed. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information.

Filed May 5, 2003 · Visibility · 58,000 miles · NY

Vehicle's windshield wiper experienced the same defect as stated in recall 03 v 159 000, but it's VIN number is not included.

Filed Oct 10, 2002 · Visibility · 26,000 miles · AZ

While driving the windshield wipers comes on and off. The dealer is aware of the problem. *mr *jg

Filed Aug 7, 2001 · Visibility · FL

Windshield wiper circuit board shorted out, causing windshield wipers to be inoperable, obstructing view of driver. Dealer has inspected vehicle. Please provide additional information.

Filed Apr 23, 2001 · Visibility · SD

While traveling in rain windshield wipers stopped working. *ak consumer called dealership to inquire if there were any problems but advised there were no recalls, consumer called a second time after wipers completely stopped working in heavy rain storm and then were told there have been some problems with the wipers including their vehicle, but there have been no recalls to date, consumer has purchased replacement parts.

Filed Feb 2, 2001 · Fuel system, Visibility · OH

Intake manifold gasket - needed replaced with less than 70k miles on van. Heater fan dashboard switch - when set on floor heat only, it blows out both at the defroster and the floor. Windshield wiper motor - after it stopped working, we grounded the motor and it started working again - now it works intermittently, but not when you usually need it most. Driver's side window motor - failed and required replacement. Air conditioning tube - became brittle and broke - repaired it and the A/C works correctly again.

Filed Nov 8, 2000 · Visibility · KS

Windshield wipers stopped while driving in rain. Sometimes work, and sometimes don't. No warning is given before failure.

Filed Oct 30, 2000 · Visibility · IL

Windshield wipers work as they please. They will cut on and off without warning. There is a recall on other gmc vehicles for this problem. Dealer has been contacted.*ak

Filed Aug 28, 2000 · Visibility · UT

While turning on windshield wipers during rain windshield wipers will not run. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide furthr information.

Service bulletins that may apply

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

Questions about the 1996 GMC Safari wipers

Is windshield wiper failure a common problem on the 1996 GMC Safari?

25 of 139 owner complaints about the 1996 GMC Safari (18%) mention windshield wiper failure. The model year with the most reports is 1995.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 GMC Safari?

There is 1 recall and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 1996 GMC Safari

Brake failure 11ABS 9Fuel pump 5Pulling 5

All model years of the GMC Safari

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