1996 Chevrolet Suburban Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 12%of 360 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 Chevrolet Suburban, 12% of the 360 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 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.
“Recall 03v159 000 concerning windshield wiper motor: windshield wipers worked intermittently or not at all during inclement weather. The consumer stated the vehicle was repaired for the recall back in 1999. The consumer stated that the problem still exists and the wipers only work sometimes.”
NHTSA complaint #10089083, filed 2004-09, 120,000 miles“1996 chevy Suburban windshield wiper motor failure. Occured suddenly in a downpour on a moutain highway, near collisions trying to negotiate traffic and find a safe place to pull over. Upon having the motor replaced, I found that a recall was effected for this issue that my vehicle was not included in. I wish I had know, I would have fixed the issue anyway. Concerened about the other vehicles out there that have not been corrected.”
NHTSA complaint #10000818, filed 2003-01“Wipers fail to operate at times.I contacted Chevrolet and was told there was no recall on these. My 1995 chev. 2500pu has the same problem,no recall. My brother has a 1995 chev. 2500pu with the same problem,no recall. My dad has a1994 chev.pu with the same problem ,no recall. My other brother has a 1996 chev 2500pu with the same problem, no recall according to Chevrolet on these vehicles. This is a safety issue that in my oppinion warrants a recall. Thank you, chris .”
NHTSA complaint #728732, filed 2000-08“Windshield wipers work intermittently when its raining and they do not work we sometimes need to stop because of poor visibility. Appears to be the same as campaign 98v150001, but my VIN is not listed.”
NHTSA complaint #749578, filed 2001-08“1996 Chevrolet Suburban developed problems with the brakes, intake manifold, engine cooling, transmission, tires, fuel injectors, fuel consumption and wipers. Consumer stated that the dealer did not do anything but take the battery cable off to reset the computer and the brakes were never looked at.”
NHTSA complaint #10130223, filed 2005-07Related 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 Suburban 1994–1997, GMC Suburban 1994–1997, Chevrolet C/K Pickups 1994–1997 +10 more
- 98V150001Jul 1, 1998Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack…Covers: Chevrolet Suburban 1994–1996, GMC Suburban 1994–1996, Yukon 1994–1996 +7 more
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 5 | 4% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 1 | 2% |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 4 | 2% |
| 2015 | 6 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 3% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2005 | 5 | 4% |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% |
| 2003 | 13 | 4% |
| 2002 | 9 | 3% |
| 2001 | 14 | 3% |
| 2000 | 21 | 7% |
| 1999 | 44 | 7% |
| 1998 | 48 | 24% |
| 1997 | 37 | 9% |
| 1996 | 42 | 12% |
| 1995 | 50 | 11% |
| 1994 | 168 | 20% |
| 1993 | 43 | 9% |
| 1992 | 17 | 9% |
| 1990 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1988 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
137 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
40 complaintsTires
39 complaintsEngine cooling
36 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsEquipment
9 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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