GM Recalls 600,000 Mid-Size SUVs

DETROIT February 9, 2004; The AP reported that General Motors Corp. will recall about 636,000 mid-size sport utility vehicles from model years 2002 and 2003 to inspect and repair possible faulty windshield wiper equipment, the automaker said Monday. It said the condition has caused at least two accidents.

The vehicles involved are the 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer and TrailBlazer EXT, GMC Envoy and Envoy XL and Oldsmobile Bravada built between October 2000 and June 2002. Some 2003 TrailBlazers and TrailBlazer EXTs, Envoys and Envoy XLs and Bravadas built between April 2002 and November 2002 also are included. Some 2002 Isuzu Ascenders also will be recalled.

Of the total, about 580,000 are in the United States, 31,000 in Canada and the rest outside the two countries.

Beginning in the third quarter, owners will be notified to bring affected vehicles to their dealers to have a vent hole in the windshield wiper module covered with a patch.

In some of the vehicles, water can enter the wiper module, causing a short circuit or corrosion of components in the module. As a result, there have been reports of wipers not working properly. Owners should have their vehicles checked and serviced if they're experiencing windshield wiper problems.

GM said most owners probably will not experience any wiper problems and should wait for the recall notification letter before bringing in their vehicles.

The wiper motor, circuit board and electrical connector will be inspected for signs of water intrusion and corrosion. Repairs will be performed at no cost to customers.

There have been two reports of crashes related to the condition but no injuries or fatalities, GM said.