Windshield Wiper/washer problems of the 1998 GMC Safari

Four problems related to windshield wiper/washer have been reported for the 1998 GMC Safari. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Windshield Wiper/washer problem

Failure Date: 08/09/2006

I own a 1998 GMC Safari van; I have had problems with the wipers working when ever they wanted to" since purchasing the van. Yesterday during a heavy thunderstorm, the wipers quit completely with zero warning. The only reason that there was not an accident was because luckily there was nothing for me to hit when I lost control due to not being able to see. I have spoken to gm customer service on numerous occasions to only be told that although the circuit board that causes this problem has been recalled for other years, it is not recalled on 1998 year models. Please address this issue for safety sake before some is killed.

2 Windshield Wiper/washer problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2005

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 NHTSA 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. Updated 05/06/08.

3 Windshield Wiper/washer problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2004

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.

4 Windshield Wiper/washer problem

Failure Date: 04/20/2003

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.


Other Visibility related problems of the 1998 GMC Safari



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