1997 Chevrolet S10 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 117about this part
- Share
- 25%of 469 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 117 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Chevrolet S10, 25% of the 469 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“There are 8 safety recalls on the chevy S10.1997.the companys state my vehicle is not on the list of these recalls.but my vehicles has all of these defects.and ive been very lucky I have not been in an accident yet due to these issues.ive been very lucky.but peoples luck always runs out.I cant afford another vehicle and its breaking me financially by fixing this one.”
NHTSA complaint #10323395, filed 2010-04, 82,000 miles“My 1997 s-10 was made in 1996. I did not receive a letter or any other documentation regarding a recall 98v150001. While driving in inclement weather the windshield wipers would intermittently work. I would have to pull over to the side of the road or wipe the windshield my self. What can I do about the problem? I have over 100,000 miles on my truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10088230, filed 2004-08, 50,000 miles“I own a 1997 chevy S10 and my windshield wipers just stop working. I called the dealership and corporate to find out if my truck fell under the recall you have on your site regarding this truck and they said no. It is the exact same problem reported on your site but according to them only a few of their vehicles had this problem and mine is not one of them. I am having it repaired at my own expense and the description the dealer gave me as to what failed is word for word on the recall but they say it is different.”
NHTSA complaint #10154504, filed 2006-04, 103,300 miles“About 2 weeks ago, the windshield wipers on my 1997 S10 pickup began to intermittently malfunction (there have been 4 instances of this so far). In my ensuing investigation of the problem, I learned that there is a recall to fix the problem. On 9-8-2004 I took the vehicle to southview Chevrolet in inver grove heights, mn to get the wiper module replaced. After entering the VIN number into their computer, they told me my S10 wasn't elligible to have the repairs done at no cost to me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10091054, filed 2004-09, 75,500 miles“The windshield wipers operate sporadically when turned on. Some times when you turn them on, they will operate normally and other times they will not turn on at all. The vehicle make and model were included in a recall but my VIN was not included in the recall. The problem can occur when the vehicle is moving or stopped in the driveway or parking lot. (reference GM recall 03023)”
NHTSA complaint #10782066, filed 2015-10, 90,000 milesRelated recalls
- 03V159000Apr 28, 2003On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked…Covers: Chevrolet S10 1996–1997, Suburban 1994–1997, GMC Suburban 1994–1997 +10 more
- 98V177000Aug 4, 1998Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with electric drive. Rapid fogging of the interior glass can occur within two minutes after the heat is…Covers: Chevrolet S10 1997–1998
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 3 | 14% |
| 2003 | 15 | 8% |
| 2002 | 4 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 2% |
| 2000 | 10 | 2% |
| 1999 | 6 | 3% |
| 1998 | 204 | 33% |
| 1997 | 117 | 25% |
| 1996 | 100 | 15% |
| 1995 | 207 | 23% |
| 1994 | 241 | 25% |
| 1993 | 10 | 4% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
| 1991 | 3 | 2% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1988 | 2 | 5% |
| 1987 | 2 | 7% |
| 1986 | 2 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet S10
101 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
49 complaintsAir bags
47 complaintsFuel system
46 complaintsEngine cooling
40 complaintsVehicle speed control
21 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsSeats
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet S10
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology