1998 GMC Safari Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 11%of 89 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the visibility of the 1998 GMC Safari, 11% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10106831, filed 2005-01, 80,000 miles“While using the windshield wipers and without warning the wipers stopped working. The consumer waited 1 minute and then was able to turn them back on. The 1992-1997 chevrolet trucks were recalled for the same wiper switch problem. The 1998 wiper switch was believed to be the same as the 1997 wiper switch.”
NHTSA complaint #10027324, filed 2003-08, 50,850 miles“1998 Safari van, random failure of windshield wiper motor, there is no pattern to it, it fails intermittently to function, which is kind of a safety concern, since the only time I use the wipers is during a rainstorm, which reduces vision greatly.”
NHTSA complaint #10168485, filed 2006-09, 85,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10020752, filed 2003-05, 50,000 miles“The contact owns a 1998 Gmc Safari. The current and failure mileage were 160,000. While driving 65 MPH on a rainy night the windshield wipers failed causing the contact to be unable to see through the windshield. After swerving to the side of the road almost getting hit the vehicle was parked until it stopped raining. The mechanic stated that the motor stopped operating because the solder joint cracked.”
NHTSA complaint #10189541, filed 2007-05, 160,000 milesRelated recalls
- 03V093000Mar 7, 2003Certain sport utility vehicles, mini vans, and pickup trucks may develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.Covers: GMC Safari 1998, Suburban 1997–1998, Chevrolet Suburban 1997–1998 +5 more
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 6% |
| 2002 | 3 | 12% |
| 2001 | 3 | 8% |
| 2000 | 2 | 3% |
| 1999 | 2 | 3% |
| 1998 | 10 | 11% |
| 1997 | 29 | 21% |
| 1996 | 33 | 24% |
| 1995 | 38 | 19% |
| 1994 | 30 | 25% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1991 | 3 | 8% |
| 1990 | 2 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1998 GMC Safari
14 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 GMC Safari
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