1994 Chevrolet C/K Pickups Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe windshield wipers that work intermittently or stop, often in rain or while driving. Many of these owners say the 03V159000 wiper recall did not cover their truck because of its VIN, so they had to pay or were refused a free repair. Mileage varies widely, from about 200 to 200,000 miles, and a few complaints describe other recall repairs left undone because of parts or dealer booking.

1. 1
   Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)

   Windshield wipers stop or work intermittently

   • 34 complaints (65%)
   • median 100,000 mi at 11.0 yrs old (23 state mileage)
   • filed 1999–2010

   Owners describe windshield wipers that work only intermittently, sometimes stop completely while driving in rain, or start again only after the motor is tapped. Some say the problem built up over years, and several describe it as a visibility concern while driving. Some report that a dealer or mechanic replaced the wiper motor or circuit board, and one says the problem has not returned since the owner installed replacement parts. Reported at widely varying mileage, from about 200 to 200,000 miles, and many of these complaints do not list mileage.

   Recall 03V159000

   What to check: Test the wipers at several speeds and in rain during a test drive, and ask whether the wiper motor or circuit board was ever replaced.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “My windshield wipers have failed. A recall campaign #03v159000, shows the 1994 C/K Pickups have been recalled for this defect. I have contacted Chevrolet customer service and was informed that my truck was not included in the recall. I'm concerned that the trouble exists and the safety recall doesn't apply to all vehicles with the problem.”

   NHTSA complaint #10030257, filed 2003-07, 60,000 miles

   “My 1994 Chevrolet truck is experiencing intermittent problems with the operation of the windshield wipers. There is a recall notice for this exact problem (#03v159000). I've contacted the dealership and Chevrolet who state my VIN# is not included in this recall. I beleve this recall should be extended to include my truck and possibly other manufactured with it.”

   NHTSA complaint #10148763, filed 2006-01, 170,000 miles
2. 2
   Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)

   Wiper recall excluded the truck by VIN

   • 20 complaints (38%)
   • median 102,500 mi at 10.9 yrs old (16 state mileage)
   • filed 1999–2007

   Owners say the windshield wiper recall (campaign 03V159000) did not include their truck, and that the dealer or the manufacturer told them the VIN or range was not covered. Some were refused free repairs or were told high mileage made the repair not covered, and others say the dealer said they would have to pay. A few owners say their problem matched the recall condition and ask for the coverage to be extended. Reported at widely varying mileage, from about 200 to 200,000 miles, and some say high mileage was given as the reason free repairs were refused.

   Recall 03V159000

   What to check: Enter the VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup for campaign 03V159000, since complaints say eligibility depended on the VIN.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor intermittent failure of wipers. I have to hit the wiper motor to get them working again. A recall was issued 03v15900 GM # 03023 but my vehicle was not included, exact same symptoms. Dealer stated vehicle not included in recall, but is the exact same problem.”

   NHTSA complaint #10131348, filed 2005-08, 90,000 miles

   “I have been having intermittent wiper failure on my 1994 Chevrolet c/k pickup. I was researching for the problem, and I found out that Chevrolet had issued a recall notice. I contacted Chevrolet and they said that there is a recall, but my VIN does not qualify for the recall. When I pressured them on the safety issues and the fact that the wipers can quite at any time especially when it is raining, they said they could do nothing. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10043035, filed 2003-10, 106,000 miles
3. 3
   Exterior lighting

   Other recall repairs delayed or left incomplete

   • 8 complaints (15%)
   • median 85,300 mi at 10.0 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
   • filed 1997–2010

   Owners describe other recall repairs that were not completed. One says the dealer could not repair melted brake light switch wiring, and another says a brake light part was still unavailable when the owner called. Other owners say the dealer was booked and not open on Saturdays, so seat-related recall repairs were not done. None of these complaints lists mileage.

   What to check: Ask for proof that any open recall on brake lights or seats has been completed, and check the VIN for open recalls on the NHTSA website.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Had received a notice c98065-s from manufacturer concerning the brake lights. Took to dealer for repairs. The mechanic indicated the brake light switch wires had melted & was not able to repair them. Had owner sign receipt to the effect. Brake lights are not working now.”

   NHTSA complaint #845735, filed 1999-08

   “Received recall notice from manufacturer (#96e010000) 1 yr ago. Only vehicle in family & dealer not open on saturdays. Vehicle not repaired due to dealer saying booked for those days. Keep getting notice vehicle not repaired.”

   NHTSA complaint #818015, filed 1997-10

Buying note. Buyers should check the VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup for campaign 03V159000, since complaints say eligibility depended on the VIN. A test drive in rain or at highway speed can show whether the wipers stop or work intermittently, which is the main symptom in these complaints.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 45 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.