1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee: windshield wiper failure

Filed Oct 7, 2010 · Visibility · ID · crash

Windshield wiper mechanism design defect: in rain and slushy snow my passenger side (ps) window consistently remains clearer than the driver's side (ds). There is a water streak (or ice streak) following the ds wiper at eye level that changing wipers or wiper pressure (bending the arm) won't fix. I've determined this is because the wipers start down to the right and swing up to the left. The ds wiper picks up water and leaves it vertically to the left where it can blow away. The ps wiper leaves a vertical deposit in the ds. The ds wiper than sweeps that down where it cannot be blown off readily. In rain, this puddle gets sucked up behind the ds wiper leaving a trail of water at eye level. Now think snowballs: in snow, the ds wiper compacts this deposit into a pile of ice at the ds windshield bottom. This buildup lifts the wiper and also leaves a clump of ice on it that then leaves a streak of un-wiped snow, again at eye level. Eventually in snow this buildup will spread and cover the whole ds tempting the driver to drive while looking through the ps, until a safe place can be found to exit and manually scrape the windshield. In a recent blizzard on a lonely rural interstate I was in, all drivers had this problem and stopping in whiteout conditions was very dangerous with many vehicles spun out or jackknifed or stuck in the ditch or colliding. This problem can be greatly improved if not completely eliminated by reversing the swing of the wipers. I can't see why this wouldn't work as the only difference seems to be cleaning the upper left of the ds which isn't needed for proper driving and usually has an oil change sticker anyway. This seems to be a problem with all american cars. Do british cars reverse the direction? I file this complaint and form this conclusion from my extensive experience as a forensic engineer.

Filed Apr 21, 2003 · Visibility · 113,000 miles · PA

The vehicles windshield wiper motor caught fire during the night and extinguished itself.

Filed Feb 11, 2000 · Visibility · MN

The rear windshield wiper ceased operating dealer replaced motor with a used motor witout consumers permission. Nlm

Filed Dec 29, 1999 · Visibility · VT

In converstaions with other jeep owners and mechanics it is considered a "common" problem for the rear window wiper motor to not work. I would like to have this on record to see if there have been any complaints to the federal safety agency, this is an expensive component and if not reparied could be considered a safety problem.

Filed Sep 26, 1999 · Transmission · MN

Front drive shaft cv failed twice. Ac evaporator coil failed. Power antenna failed. Rear wiper motor failed. Radiator failed. Passenger power window failed. Front steering shock failed. Transmission oil colling lines leaked. Battery failed. Trailer tow receptacle failed. Rough idle. All occurred under 56000 miles.

Filed Sep 30, 1998 · Visibility · CA

Motor rear wiper.

Filed Feb 16, 1998 · Visibility · MN

Windshield wipers stop half way to quarter way from hood when shut off.

Filed Jul 11, 1996 · Visibility · CA

Windshield wiper fluid level sensor failed.

Filed Aug 29, 1995 · Visibility · CA

Windshield wipers don't clear windows.