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1996 GMC Suburban: windshield wiper failure

22 of the 171 complaints about the 1996 GMC Suburban describe windshield wiper failure.

owner complaints
22
of this car's complaints
13%
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Windshield wiper failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 15, 2003 · Visibility · NM

Vehicle's windshield wipers only work on high speed.*mr the mechanic replaced wiper module assembly. *ph *jb

Filed Jul 16, 2002 · Visibility · TN

Windshield wipers not working properly, windshield wipers will intermittently shut off. Contacted dealer and dealer stated that this vehicle was not part of recall due to VIN. *ak

Filed Jul 11, 2002 · Visibility · KS

Windshield wiper failure. Windshield wipers use to work at different times, but just this past june, they stopped and would not work at all. *ak concerning a safety recall #98v150001. The windshield wipers work periodically. (not when consumer needs them) consumer had taken the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the recall didn't pertain to this vehicle.

Filed May 21, 2002 · Visibility · TN

This vehicle was having the same problem with windshield wiper wiring as mentioned in recall # 98-v-150-001. But this vehicle was not included in recall due to VIN.

Filed Jan 8, 2002 · Visibility · MN

The federal safety agency recall# 98 v 150 001/ manufacturers recall 98043 concerning windsheild wiper wiring, windshield wipers worked intermittently. Dealer / manufacturer were notified, and both informed consumer that this vehicle was not covered under recall due to VIN.*ak

Filed Oct 24, 2001 · Locks, Visibility · NY

Locks for various doors have stuck four times, preventing entry or exit from vehicle. Dealership has examined vehicle, and performed repair work.*ak consumer was also having problems with the windshield wipers which failed intermittently, consumer was informed that there was a recall however it did not apply to consumers vehicle due to the VIN.

Filed Jun 22, 2001 · Visibility · WI

Windshield wipers failed while passing a semi in a rainstorm. We nearly crashed. Cars were going everywhere to get out of my way because I couldn't see. Upon return home I checked the federal safety agency's web site and found that there had been a recall on suburban wipers 3 years ago. I was never notified and I'm the original owner. My wife bought a used 1996 blazer and was notified about the wipers on that vehicle. I never connected the two until we nearly crashed. It's happened once since. I'm calling my dealer today for an appointment. It upsets me that my wife and grandchildren flirted with injury or death because we weren't notified of this problem.

Filed Jun 13, 2001 · Visibility · FL

98 v 150 00/windshield wiper wiring: wipers to work intermittently, can result in inoperative wipers , reducing a driver's visibility and increasing risk of a vehicle crash. Dealer/mfr's was notified and informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under recall due to VIN. Provide any further information.

Filed May 9, 2001 · Visibility · GA

Windshield wipers intermittently become inoperable due to problem with solder joints. Please give any further details.

Filed Feb 21, 2001 · Visibility · CA

Windshield wipers work intermittently due to cracks within solder joint. Vehicle not included in recall 98v150001 due to VIN. *ak consumer states there is a buzzing noise when turned on.

Filed Oct 24, 2000 · Acceleration, Visibility · FL

Solder joints near the wiring harness connector have cracked causing windshield wipers to operate intermittently. Vehicle not included in recalls 98v150001 or 98v057000 fuel throttle. Please give any further details.

Filed Oct 12, 2000 · Visibility · CA

I have taken my vehicle to anaheim hills gmc under factory warranty and told them about my wipers working intermitently or not working at all. The wipers only failed to operate once for me at this time. The dealership said that the wipers were working fine that day they tested and theres nothing they can do, especially since my VIN wasn't listed on the recall. It's been almost a year now and the problem has increased in severity and frequency. I can't see out of my windshield many times and have to pull over to clean it manually. Sometimes the wipers don't stop working even in the off position so my wiper blades are getting tore up on a dry windshield. The washer feature only works 10% of the time. I am having the exact same problem that the campaign recall covers. I am told by gmc customer service that they can't do anything because of the recall not including my VIN #. Bologna, the federal safety agency has better sources of tracking this and they say that approx. 1,557,583 vehicles are affected. Gmc tells me about 100,000 VIN's are affected. These #'s aren't even remotely close. This is a major safety issue and should be addressed immediately. Injuries or deaths are possible from poor vision in a rain or snow condition.let's not have another firestone situation on our hands. Gmc must step up to claim responsibility and take care of the consumer in this safety issue.

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

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

Questions about the 1996 GMC Suburban wipers

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

22 of 171 owner complaints about the 1996 GMC Suburban (13%) mention windshield wiper failure. The model year with the most reports is 1994.

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

There are 2 recalls and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 1996 GMC Suburban

ABS 23Brake failure 15Tire blowout 13Fuel pump 6Stalling 6Pulling 5

All model years of the GMC Suburban

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