Windshield Wiper/washer Motor problems of the 1997 GMC Safari

Eight problems related to windshield wiper/washer motor have been reported for the 1997 GMC Safari. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Windshield Wiper/washer Motor problem

Failure Date: 03/25/2005

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.

2 Windshield Wiper/washer Motor problem

Failure Date: 02/19/2004

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

3 Windshield Wiper/washer Motor problem

Failure Date: 08/12/2003

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

4 Windshield Wiper/washer Motor problem

Failure Date: 07/22/2003

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.

5 Windshield Wiper/washer Motor problem

Failure Date: 07/06/2001

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

6 Windshield Wiper/washer Motor problem

Failure Date: 07/29/2000

Understand GMC is aware of motor/circuit control windshied failure(what causes wipers not to work) because at the dealer they said GMC had issue a replacement kit but since there was no recall on it I had to pay around $300 for it. I think GMC should go ahead a pay for it since they know is a problem.

7 Windshield Wiper/washer Motor problem

Failure Date: 01/01/1901

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

8 Windshield Wiper/washer Motor problem

While using windshield wipers during rain they would work intermittently. Please provide further information.


Other Visibility related problems of the 1997 GMC Safari



Fuel Economy of Safari Vehicles
Safari Service Bulletins
Safari Safety Recalls
Safari Defect Investigations