Tl*the contact owns a 1998 gmc safari. While driving 30 MPH, the windshield wipers failed. However, they began operating again five to ten minutes later. The failure occurred intermittently. The contact stated that rainfall is frequent in his state. No warning indicator lights were present during or after the failure. The failure is related to the federal safety agency campaign id # 03v159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer). The dealer has not diagnosed the cause of failure. The current mileage is 143,000 and failure mileage was 110,000. Updated 05/06/08. *lj updated 05/06/08
1998 GMC Safari: windshield wiper failure
9 of the 89 complaints about the 1998 GMC Safari describe windshield wiper failure.
- owner complaints
- 9
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- typical mileage
- 80,000
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Windshield wiper failure by model year
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 gmc safari. The current and failure mileage were 160,000. While driving 65 MPH on a rainy night the windshield wipers failed causing the contact to be unable to see through the windshield. After swerving to the side of the road almost getting hit the vehicle was parked until it stopped raining. The mechanic stated that the motor stopped operating because the solder joint cracked.
1998 safari van, random failure of windshield wiper motor, there is no pattern to it, it fails intermittently to function, which is kind of a safety concern, since the only time I use the wipers is during a rainstorm, which reduces vision greatly.
Vehicle is experiencing a lot of electrical problems. The driver's side window will not go up and down, and it makes a horrible noise. Door locks lock and unlock inadvertently. Windshield wipers only work when it is not raining. The heat and air conditioner blower only operate through the defroster. Also, unless consumer keeps foot on the accelerator the battery almost dies.
Numerous failure of the windshield wipers to operate ( sometimes they work sometimes they don't, when they do finally come on they won't turn off). Transmission problems disabled the vehicle on 3 occasions. *jb vehicle showing same symptoms of 1997 which was recalled
While using the windshield wipers and without warning the wipers stopped working. *ak the consumer waited 1 minute and then was able to turn them back on. The 1992-1997 chevrolet trucks were recalled for the same wiper switch problem. The 1998 wiper switch was believed to be the same as the 1997 wiper switch. *scc
Windshield wipers shut off without warning. Required replacement of pulse module.
Since december, 2002, the windshield wipers fail to turn on about once or twice a week. The operation is totally unpredictable. They have failed to come on in thunderstorms twice causing a life threatening situation, then will work reliably for several weeks, only to unexpectedly fail again.
The broken shaft on the hyd. Pump controls both the brakes ,which I had next to none ,and also the power steering .I was able to steer to the side of the road very gingerly, only because at that time I was coasting at about 10mph ,almost in front of our driveway.at this time I was towing our travel trailer, returning from vacation,from the west coast, via interstates and many mountainous roads.god help if this would had happen at the time .after unhitching the 24ft. Trailer, our van was flatbedded to our dealer who did a fine repair job on the hyd. Pump problem.as for the wiper control module that is another story. The problem occured in rapid city n.d. While traveling 65mph along a highway, during a rain storm. They just quit operating without warning. We sat out the storm, then proceed back to our camp ground.we located a gmc dealer in rapid city s.d. Who repaired the problem. The service manger had told me that this is a problem on many vehicles and keeps many on the shelf.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior
- What is wrong
- Certain sport utility vehicles, mini vans, and pickup trucks may develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
- Risk
- If this were to happen, it could result in an inoperative switch, heat damage to the driver's door, and/or ignition of components in the driver's door and a subsequent vehicle fire without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on april 24, 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 or gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782.
Recall number 03V093000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1998 GMC Safari wipers
Is windshield wiper failure a common problem on the 1998 GMC Safari?
9 of 89 owner complaints about the 1998 GMC Safari (10%) mention windshield wiper failure. The model year with the most reports is 1995.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 GMC Safari?
There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 GMC Safari
VIN decoder
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