GM Recalls SUVs For Potential Fire Hazards

General Motors is recalling nearly 32,000 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia SUVs from the 2016 model for vehicle defects involving windshield wipers.

According to an Associated Press news report, the automaker is telling owners of these SUVs not to use their windshield wipers because an electrical short could cause the wiper motor to catch fire.

A majority of the recalled vehicles are in North America.

Repairs Available Soon

GM says if the weather stops owners from taking their SUVs to dealers, it will pick up the vehicles for service. It will also arrange rental cars if parts are not readily available for the repairs.

When the recall begins, dealers will replace faulty wiper motor covers that allow some electrical terminals to come in contact with each other. Parts are being shipped and will be used first to fix customer vehicles and those SUVs that have been sold.

The problem was apparently discovered when a wiper motor overheated at a factory where the SUVs are manufactured. The company says no fires have been reported outside of that plant. A quality manager reported the problem as part of the company’s “Speak Up for Safety” program, according to the AP report.

Vehicle Fire Statistics

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), about 86 percent of highway vehicle fires occurred in passenger vehicles. Nearly 61 percent of highway vehicle fires and 35 percent of fatal vehicle fires originated in the engine, running gear or wheel area of the vehicle.

The leading factor contributing to the ignition of vehicle fires was mechanical failure (44 percent). Insulation around electrical wiring (28 percent) and flammable liquids in the engine area (18 percent) were the most common items that caused these fires, statistics show.

Auto Product Liability Issues

Defects that trigger vehicle fires can result in serious burn injuries or even deaths. If you have been injured in a car fire caused by a defective auto or vehicle part, it is important that you preserve the vehicle so it can be thoroughly examined by an experienced expert who can thoroughly examine it for defects, malfunctions and design flaws.

It would also be in your best interest to contact a knowledgeable auto product liability attorney who will fight for your rights and hold the negligent automakers accountable.