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1996 GMC Sonoma: windshield wiper failure

26 of the 148 complaints about the 1996 GMC Sonoma describe windshield wiper failure.

owner complaints
26
of this car's complaints
18%
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 1 service bulletin for this area of the car. See below

Windshield wiper failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Dec 29, 2006 · Visibility · 85,000 miles · OH

Tl* - the contact called concerning a service bulletin regarding windshield wiper washer motor. The bulletin has a product recall. The contact has been told by gmc that the car was not a part of the recall\ due to the VIN. The contact stated that the windshield wipers work intermittently. The contact stated that the windshield wipers will either stay up in the air, won't work at all, or shut off by themselves. The last incident was on december 26, 2006. The contact stated that the problem with the windshield wipers began in july 2006. The contact called the dealer, and they gave her a service request no. 71-463971283, and then the dealer denied it.

Filed Sep 3, 2003 · Visibility · OH

Windshield wiper comes on and off intermittently while traveling in inclement weather.

Filed Dec 4, 2002 · Visibility · TX

Wipers have been intermidently failing over a several year period but now has become more frequent and last longer. Dt

Filed Oct 30, 2002 · Visibility · 50,000 miles · NV · crash

Consumer stated that while driving and with no warning the windshield wiper worked intermittently. Dealer notified. Ts possible electrical failure caused wipers to fail mostly during rainy weather.

Filed May 6, 2002 · Visibility · NY

Consumer stated vehicle is experiencing the same problem with the windshield wipers as indicated in recall 98-v-15-001; but this vehicle not included in recall due to VIN. *ak

Filed Oct 17, 2001 · Visibility · MI

Wipers will just stop working going down the road. The same problem as desrcibed in a gmc recall on same models. My truck was made the next month after the recall was stopped. I think the recall should have gone on further than it did compared to the number of people having the same exact problem as the recalled trucks.

Filed Sep 4, 2001 · Visibility · MO

I called gmc and told them about the wiper motor problem, they said that my trucks' VIN number was not part of the recall that had been done on other 1996 gmc sonomas of the same year. My truck has the same exact problem as the other 1.2 million recalled s10 & s15 trucks but gmc corp. Says that it is not related. ( the federal safety agency recall #98v150001) I feel that the recall needs to be expanded to cover trucks of the same year that have the same problem. The gmc recall is for trucks build from 8-94 to 5-96. The recall needs to be expanded because several vehicles have been left out.

Filed Mar 14, 2001 · Transmission, Visibility · MD

While exiting from highway consumer was trying to down shift from forth gear to third gear, but it would only go to second gear. Also, windshield wipers stopped working completely.

Filed Feb 28, 2001 · Visibility · CA

Windshield wiper motor sometimes fails to operate or continue to operate when switch is engaged.

Filed Jan 18, 2001 · Visibility · CA

My windshield module went out and I was told that gmc had problems with their modules, I went on line and found out that the recall was stopped the prior year to my vehicle being built. I took it to my mechanic and the told me that even though the recall ended gmc still had severe problems with later model vehicle with the same wiper module defect. I called gmc and they could supply no explanation as to why the recall stopped even though the problems continued. Thanks john miller.

Filed Dec 28, 2000 · Visibility · SC

Windshield wiper circuit board failed prior to recall notice 98v‑150. Nlm

Filed Oct 30, 2000 · Visibility · TX

Windshield wiper motor works intermittently, electrical problem related to positioning of motor(electric). I was told by an autoparts dealer that they have had a lot of complaints of bad motors. I know of two friends with similar vehicels (chevy blazer and chevy s-10 truck) who have the exact same problem. Wipers will work fine sometimes and then just stop in mid-stroke. I was driving in rainy conditions when first occurred. I moved wiring and the wipers would cut on and off, I found that it is the wiper motor housing and not the wires. Wedged a stick between wiper motor and housing and they worked for a while. This is a common problem specifically to this style of vehicle and potentially a very hazardous one too. If all of the auto parts dealers are acknowledging this is true maybe something should be done about it before people are killed because of windshield wiper failure!

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Visibility: windshield wiper/washerReported July 1, 1998 · 1,557,585 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
Risk
This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.

Recall number 98V150001 · Recall details

Visibility: windshieldReported January 27, 1997 · 55 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The top coat paint severely peels due to overbaking of the powder primer prior to the top coat application. Since the windshield primer and adhesive adhere to the top coat paint onthe windshield opening flange, the windshield does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, "windshield mounting."
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the windshield may not stay in place as required by fmvss no. 212.
Remedy
All vehicles have been repurchased. This campaign is 100%.

Recall number 97V008001 · Recall details

Questions about the 1996 GMC Sonoma wipers

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

26 of 148 owner complaints about the 1996 GMC Sonoma (18%) mention windshield wiper failure. The model year with the most reports is 1998.

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

There are 2 recalls and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 1996 GMC Sonoma

ABS 21Brake failure 13Stalling 10No deployment 6Ball joint 5

All model years of the GMC Sonoma

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