1996 GMC Sierra Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 84about this part
- Share
- 34%of 246 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 84 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 GMC Sierra, 34% of the 246 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My windshield wipers only work intermitedly and I found the recal for it on this site. 996 Gmc Sierra pickup..the dealorship is saying even though my wipers are broken they cannot repair for free because my particular VIN # isn't on the list.”
NHTSA complaint #10102176, filed 2004-12, 80,000 miles“Windshield wipers get stuck, move, and will stop. Then, they will start up again, and stop. A module was installed. Currently, windshield wipers do not work at all. Dealership stated that vehicle had another problem, a burning smell, that was not related to the recall, and they won't do any other repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10046407, filed 2003-11, 57,000 miles“My 1996 Gmc Sierra windsheild wipers began working erratically, pausing, and not working at all, creating incredibly dangerous driving conditions. This now happens with each usage of the wipers.”
NHTSA complaint #10005170, filed 2003-02, 70,000 miles“My problem exists (exactly) as described in your recall database, NHTSA campaign id number: 98v150001. I inspected the circuit card and found the cracked solder joints as you described. Gmc customer assistance advises that my VIN is not covered by the recall. Perhaps there are more vehicles on the road with this dangerous problem than Gmc admitted.”
NHTSA complaint #736332, filed 2000-11“Windshield wipers worked intermittently, just as stated in recall of other 1996 Gmc trucks, but my VIN # did not fall within recall range. Part replaced at my expense. Request expanding recall to include my VIN #.”
NHTSA complaint #738026, filed 2000-12Related recalls
- 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: GMC Sierra 1994–1996, Chevrolet Suburban 1994–1996, GMC Suburban 1994–1996 +7 more
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 4 | 7% |
| 2016 | 1 | 17% |
| 2015 | 2 | 4% |
| 2014 | 5 | 5% |
| 2013 | 1 | 3% |
| 2012 | 2 | 7% |
| 2010 | 3 | 9% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 3 | 6% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 7 | 4% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 6 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 2% |
| 2000 | 13 | 3% |
| 1999 | 18 | 3% |
| 1998 | 32 | 17% |
| 1997 | 24 | 10% |
| 1996 | 84 | 34% |
| 1995 | 140 | 54% |
| 1994 | 115 | 61% |
| 1993 | 23 | 32% |
| 1992 | 8 | 27% |
| 1991 | 1 | 8% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Sierra
47 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsSeats
20 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 GMC Sierra
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