1997 Chevrolet Suburban Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 9%of 414 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 103,940miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban, 9% of the 414 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 103,940 miles. 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.
“Nhtsa complaint # 03v159000 - Chevrolet has recalled certian vehicles with an intermittent windshiel wiper problem. My 1997 2wd Suburban is not ncluded. 1996 all suburbans are and 1997 4wd suburbans are. I have the same symptoms as the 1996 and 1997 4wd.”
NHTSA complaint #10125337, filed 2005-06, 80,000 miles“1997 cheverolet c1500 Suburban intermittent wiper motor failure to work properly. Causes lack of visibility during inclement weather conditions or during windshield cleaning operations. Wipers will cease to work continuous and problem is sporadic.”
NHTSA complaint #10156869, filed 2006-05, 15,000 miles“Dt: the contact states there is a NHTSA recall campaign 03v159000 concerning the windshield wiper/washer motor. This vehicle experienced the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to VIN. No repairs were done .”
NHTSA complaint #10143758, filed 2005-11, 150,000 miles“Dt: consumer received a recall on side mirror switch ,and had repair work done. But, felt there were still hot wires on driver's side. This may be a fire hazard. Contacted dealer and manufacturer about it, and they would not remedy this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10126256, filed 2005-06, 130,000 miles“While driving in inclement weather, the windshield wipers would come on and go off on their own intermittently. The dealer was aware of the problem, and the mechanic informed the consumer that this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10089943, filed 2004-09, 89,000 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 Suburban 1994–1997, GMC Suburban 1994–1997, Chevrolet C/K Pickups 1994–1997 +10 more
- 03V093000Mar 7, 2003Certain sport utility vehicles, mini vans, and pickup trucks may develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.Covers: Chevrolet Suburban 1997–1998, GMC Suburban 1997–1998, Chevrolet Blazer 1997 +5 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 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
105 complaintsBrakes
96 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
47 complaintsFuel system
46 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsTires
27 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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