Recall - Windshield Wipers May Not Work Under Heavy Snow/Ice: Overview
SPECIAL COVERAGEBulletin No.: 12072A
Date: June 13, 2012
Subject: --12072A Special Coverage Adjustment Windshield Wipers May Become Inoperative Under Heavy Snow and Ice Loads
Models:
2011-2012 Buick Enclave
2011-2012 Chevrolet Traverse
2011-2012 GMC Acadia
Supercede:
The category of this bulletin has been changed from a Customer Advisory to a Special Coverage-Customer Advisory. This will allow the involved vehicles to be loaded into IVH and allow dealers the ability to determine if a vehicle is involved. Please discard all copies of bulletin 12072, issued April 2012.
Note
This Special Coverage-Customer Advisory is to be performed on involved vehicles if requested by the customer. A failure does not need to occur.
Condition
General Motors previously announced a safety recall involving 2011 and 2012 model year Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles registered in states with moderate to heavy annual snowfall (see below). If a buildup of snow or ice on the windshield or on the wipers restricts the movement of the wiper arm, the wiper arm nut may loosen and cause that wiper to become inoperative. If this were to occur, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a vehicle crash.
Customers outside of the areas mentioned above are being provided with a customer advisory letter in the event that they travel into one of the involved areas.
Special Coverage Adjustment
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 12 years or 200,000 miles (320,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.
Dealers are to tighten the wiper arm nuts. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after June 14, 2012 are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to June 14, 2012 must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.
Vehicles Involved
All involved vehicles are identified by Vehicle Identification Number on the Applicable Warranties section in GM Global Warranty Management system. Dealership service personnel should always check this site to confirm vehicle involvement prior to beginning any required inspections and/or repairs. It is important to routinely use this tool to verify eligibility because not all similar vehicles may be involved regardless of description or option content.
Parts Information
No parts are required for this owner advisory.
Service Procedure
1. Remove the driver's side windshield wiper arm nut cover.
2. Tighten the windshield wiper arm nut to 40 Nm (29 lb ft).
3. Install the wiper arm nut cover.
4. Perform procedure for passenger's side windshield wiper arm.
5. Perform a wet wipe and inspect the windshield wiper arm alignment. Adjust alignment if required.
Courtesy Transportation - For US
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranties. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product program is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.
Warranty Transaction Information
Submit a transaction using the table below.
* Submit transaction using a ZREG code.
Customer Notification
General Motors notified customers of the Customer Advisory in April 2012 (see copy of typical customer letter shown in this bulletin - actual divisional letter may vary slightly).
Disclaimer