Check a VIN

1997 GMC Safari: windshield wiper failure

21 of the 135 complaints about the 1997 GMC Safari describe windshield wiper failure.

owner complaints
21
of this car's complaints
16%
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 May 15, 2008 · Visibility · 171,000 miles · 00

Windshield wiper module failure, approximately in early 2006 on 1000k trip. Parts purchased module n12463 part number 12463090 from dealer in edmonton at cost of $64.87 including gst.. Returned home 1000k as dealer too busy too fix, and paid $36.00 labor to have installed. Total cost for module and labor: $100.87. My request is for gm to pay this $100.87 as this should have been covered under a recall notice at any time in the life of these vehicles.

Filed Jul 24, 2005 · Electrical · CA

At 90000 miles, windshield wipers on my 97 gmc safari suddenly started to fail while driving in the rain. 10 minutes later they might work for a while. This started happening regularly. I had several near accidents on the freeways of los angeles as a result. I was told by one web forum it was faulty leads due to wire harness stress. I have not been able to afford to fix the problem and now avoid the freeways in the rain.

Filed Mar 25, 2005 · Visibility · CA

While driving inclement weather windshield wipers came on and off on their own. Driver took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic detrermined that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced.

Filed May 14, 2004 · Electrical, Visibility · 32,804 miles · HI

September 1, 1999: AC problem (not cooling) repaired under warranty. November 3, 1999: left drivers door window motor replaced under warranty (not passenger side as documented on the invoice). January 31, 2003: I wrote to gmc customer service via email, detailing some problems that had developed with my van. I complained that the drivers window motor was intermittent at best. I mentioned was the windshield wipers worked erratically. My low setting on the AC fan was inoperable, and eventually all 3 levels stopped. I had been living with it for over a year, because I am a single mom, work full time and couldnt afford to be without my transportation. The reply I got was that my van was too old, and things break. Three months later, I received a recall campaign in the mail for the windshield wiper motor. May 8, 2003: I took my van into the closest gmc dealer to have my drivers window motor ($329.38) and the AC resistor replaced ($103.24), and perform the campaign to replace the windshield motor. July 22, 2003: returned to gmc dealer to repair AC problem (AC blows from defroster and not from vents) that developed may 10, 2003.($132.50) september 24, 2003: returned to gmc dealer for same AC problem that returned july 30, 2003. That van was in the service department all day, and was never repaired. I had to have my car for work and could not leave it. Needless to say, I was very unhappy with them. I had been unable to leave the van again until just recently, choosing instead to live with the problem until such time I could afford to be without the car for a day. April 20, 2004: returned to gmc dealer for AC problem. Was told the hose was broken in a different place than before. (169.24). During the drive home, the AC problem returned. April 29, 2004: van wont start due to a dead battery. I replaced the battery, and still same problem returns. Now I have an electrical problem somewhere that is killing my battery, and I cant find it.

Filed Apr 9, 2004 · Body, Engine · VA

Consumer disappointed in some of the problems he had with the chassis and other auxiliary systems. (nar) *ph transmission, engine, AC/ heater, gas gauge, windshield wiper motor, electric window.

Filed Feb 23, 2004 · Visibility · 149,000 miles · CA

While driving front windshield wipers failed, making it hard to see during rainy weather.

Filed Feb 19, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · MI

Ongoing problems with defective components on consumer's two vans. Each van has had problems with it's transmission, alternator, motors for door and windows, catalytic converter, fuel pump, oxygen sensors and windshield wiper motor. *la the consumer has two gmc safari's both 1997 models. Their VIN's are [xxx] and [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 12, 2003 · Visibility · TX

While traveling in inclement weather and without prior warning windshield wipers will come on and off intermittently.

Filed Sep 26, 2002 · Visibility · MD

Windshield wipers work intermittenly. Mr

Filed Sep 26, 2002 · Visibility · MD

Consuer states that the windshield wiper will intermittenly stop working when the consumer has the wipers in use. Contacted dealer and the dealer cannot find the problem with the vehicle.

Filed Jul 25, 2002 · Visibility · GA

Windshield wiper motor began to perform erratic, now wiper system does not work at all. Please describe details.

Filed Jul 18, 2002 · Visibility · IL

While driving and trying to use windshield wipers they become inoperable. Motor has been replaced.*ak

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 1997 GMC Safari wipers

Is windshield wiper failure a common problem on the 1997 GMC Safari?

21 of 135 owner complaints about the 1997 GMC Safari (16%) mention windshield wiper failure. The model year with the most reports is 1995.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 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 1997 GMC Safari

Fuel gauge 7ABS 6

All model years of the GMC Safari

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1997 GMC Safari?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history