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GM tells owners not to use SUV wipers due to fire risk

Sun, Oct 11 2015 General Motors is recalling 31,685 examples of the 2016 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia because a short circuit in the windshield wiper motor can potentially lead to a fire. Due to the danger, the company is asking owners not to use the wipers until the problem is fixed, according to The Detroit Free Press citing the Associated Press.

A manufacturing defect in the wiper motor cover means that the electrical terminals can come into contact and cause a short. The part could "melt, smoke, or catch fire," according to a statement from GM. The company will get them fixed immediately, and dealers will replace the cover. If there's bad weather at the time the owner specifies to get the recall work completed, the automaker will come pick up the crossovers. Depending on parts availability, the automaker will supply a rental car for customers, as well.

The issue was discovered at the factory. According to the company's statement, only 6,405 actually made it to customers, and they were notified immediately by overnight letter. The rest were in dealer stock. The affected crossovers carry build dates between August 18, 2015 and September 24, 2015. Of those, there are 29,295 in the US and 1,073 in Canada.
GM Statement:

General Motors has told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it will recall approximately 29,295 2016 model year Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia SUVs in the U.S. because the front windshield wiper motor may overheat when in use because of a manufacturing defect. In some cases, the front windshield wiper motor cover may melt, smoke or catch fire. The approximately 6,405 customers who have taken delivery of these vehicles were notified by overnight letter and are urged to contact a GM dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service appointment. These customers should not use the front windshield wipers until they have been repaired. If weather conditions prevent driving the vehicle without using the windshield wipers, GM will arrange to pick up the vehicle for servicing. If repair parts are unavailable, GM will provide a rental car at no cost until parts become available. The total population, including Canada, Mexico and exports, is approximately 31,685. About 25,280 of these vehicles are in dealer stock and will not be sold until repairs are made.


RECALL Subject : Front Windshield Wiper Motor may Overheat

Report Receipt Date: SEP 29, 2015
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V609000
Component(s): VISIBILITY
Potential Number of Units Affected: 29,295
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
BUICK ENCLAVE 2016
CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2016
GMC ACADIA 2016

Details

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

SUMMARY:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured August 18, 2015 to September 24, 2015. Due to a manufacturing defect, the windshield wiper motor may overheat when used.

CONSEQUENCE:
A wiper motor that overheats increases the risk of a fire.

REMEDY:
GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor cover assembly, free of charge. Owners are advised not to use their front windshield wipers until the wiper cover has been replaced. If weather conditions prevent operation of the vehicle without using the windshield wipers, GM will make arrangements to pick up the vehicle for servicing. The recall began on September 30, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15780.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.


Transport Canada Recall # 2015449

Recall Date 2015/10/05
Notification Type Safety Mfr
System Electrical
Manufacturer Recall Number 15780
Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 1,073
Category SUV

Recall Details
Certain vehicles may have been assembled with a defective front windshield wiper motor that could overheat when in use. This could cause the windshield wiper motor cover to melt, smoke and/or catch fire, which would increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper motor cover assembly.

Make Model Model Year(s) Affected
BUICK ENCLAVE 2016
CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 2016
GMC ACADIA 2016

By Chris Bruce


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