1997 GMC Suburban Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 6%of 200 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 GMC Suburban, 6% of the 200 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are 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.
“The windshield wipers on my 1997 Gmc Suburban were not working properly, consistent with NHTSA campaign 03v159000. I contacted Gmc, and after a lengthy phone call to collect all relevant data, they set up an appointment for me at my local Gmc dealership. The dealership service department inspected the wiper electrical system and informed me that the failure was indeed due to cracked solder joints on the wiper control circuit board. However, my specific VIN number was not included in the recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10197098, filed 2007-07, 99,800 miles“There is already an apr 28, 2003 recall but your customer service rep told me I should file this anyway since the manufacturer (Gmc) will not honor the recall (below). The vehicle is currently at the quebedeaux Gmc service department in tucson, arizona. Gmc refuses to fix the problem (the wipers will not work and my wife was almost in a bad accident as a result). At first, they said my vehicle was not included in the recall. Now they are telling me that the work was already done since the 2003 recall. It was not. …”
NHTSA complaint #10128634, filed 2005-07, 130,000 miles“I have a 1997 Gmc Suburban. The windshield wipers intermittently stop working completely and unpredictably. This happened once or twice since I purchased the vehicle in 2001, but in recent months has happened very frequently, most memorably when I was traveling in heavy rain on the highway. I managed to exit the highway, but was definitely in danger. I contacted Gmc and was told that although there is a recall for windshield wiper failure on 1997 Gmc suburbans (GM recall #03023; NHTSA recall no. 03v159), my vehicle is not included based on the VIN. …”
NHTSA complaint #10131020, filed 2005-08, 70,000 miles“While driving a 1997 Gmc Suburban at night in the rain the windshield wipers stopped working without notice. It resulted in a very urgent and panicy stop on i96 from highway speed in relatively light traffic. We waited a few minutes by the side of the road and they restarted on their own. I called the corporation customer service and got nowhere. I wrote a letter thinking it would get action (dec 1, 2003). I got a response that basically said that this vehicle had already been recalled for the problem and that there was nothing that they could do. …”
NHTSA complaint #10082817, filed 2004-07, 75,000 miles“When windshield wipers are activated and the engine running, they will not turn off unless the ignition is turned off. Dealer advises me this is not related to NHTSA recall 03v159000.”
NHTSA complaint #10078434, filed 2004-06, 75,000 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: GMC Suburban 1994–1997, Chevrolet Suburban 1994–1997, 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: GMC Suburban 1997–1998, Chevrolet Suburban 1997–1998, Blazer 1997 +5 more
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 2 | 13% |
| 1999 | 10 | 4% |
| 1998 | 17 | 17% |
| 1997 | 12 | 6% |
| 1996 | 26 | 15% |
| 1995 | 20 | 9% |
| 1994 | 72 | 18% |
| 1993 | 19 | 9% |
| 1992 | 12 | 15% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Suburban
58 complaintsSteering
39 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsTires
16 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 GMC Suburban
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