General Motors, stung recently by a $900 million fine over its handling of an ignition-switch defect linked to more than 100 deaths, is telling owners of a few its big crossover SUVs not to use windshield wipers because an electrical short could cause a fire in the wiper motor. The promotion reportedly covers almost every model under Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac, but specifics will be available at each and every one of GM’s 4,200 dealerships.
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According to GM, a fault with the wiper blades may cause electrical terminals in the motor to touch, meaning it overheats and could burst into flames.
The discovery of the safety risk was accidentally made at GM’s SUV factory in Lansing, Michigan.
The vehicles are being repaired through replacement of wiper motor covers.
The company also offered to pick-up the units from the owners directly, if weather did not permit them to take their vehicles to their respective dealers. The plant’s quality manager reported the problem on September 21 through GM’s “Speak up for Safety” program, and GM began investigating five days later.
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General Motors bosses say that, to the best of their knowledge, no fires have happened outside the plant so far. Parts are being shipped and will be used first to fix customer vehicles and those that have been sold.
