Recall 12V151 covers 47,846 2011-2012 Buick Enclave, Acadia, and Traverse vehicles for loose windshield wiper arms. Repair is free at franchised Buick dealers.
Buick is recalling 47,846 2011-2012 Enclave, Acadia, and Traverse vehicles because snow or ice buildup can loosen the windshield wiper arm and leave the wiper inoperative. Reduced driver visibility increases crash risk, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The windshield wiper linkage is the set of arms and joints that transfers motion from the wiper motor to the wiper arms. When it works normally, the motor moves the linkage, the linkage moves each arm, and the blades sweep water, snow, and road spray off the glass.
On affected 2011-2012 Enclave, Acadia, and Traverse vehicles, snow or ice buildup on the windshield or on the wiper can block the wiper arm from moving through its normal path. That extra resistance can loosen the wiper arm. Once the arm loosens, the wiper can stop working instead of clearing the windshield.
There is no warning sign before failure. You will notice the problem when the wiper no longer sweeps the glass normally, or when it stops moving after being restricted by packed snow or ice.
Who's affected?
Spans Enclave, Acadia, and Traverse SUVs across the 2011 and 2012 model years, all using the same wiper system linkage.
| 2012 Buick Enclave | wiper system |
|---|---|
| 2011 GMC Acadia | wiper system |
| 2011 Buick Enclave | wiper system |
| 2011 Chevrolet Traverse | wiper system |
| 2012 Chevrolet Traverse | wiper system |
| 2012 GMC Acadia | wiper system |
| Units affected | 47,846 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
Loose wiper arm nuts can keep the wipers from clearing the windshield properly. Reduced driver visibility increases the risk of a crash. Use extra caution in wet weather and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Buick dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Enclave, Acadia, or Traverse is included in this recall.
- Wait for Buick owner notification before scheduling if your VIN status does not show an open dealer repair.
- Contact a franchised Buick dealer and reference recall number 12V151 when you ask about the free wiper-arm nut tightening.
- Bring the recall notice if Buick mailed one, or give the dealer your VIN and recall number 12V151.
- Clear snow and ice from the windshield and wipers before driving until the wiper-arm nut repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
The listed remedy is straightforward: at the dealer, a Buick technician tightens the windshield wiper arm nuts so the arms stay secured and the wipers can move as designed. The recall covers parts and labor at no charge. Because the final remedy status is not marked available here, confirm your VIN first, then ask the Buick service desk to verify the campaign and repair handling before the appointment.
Timeline
| April 9, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 27, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V151?
Recall 12V151 covers 47,846 2011-2012 Buick Enclave, Acadia, and Traverse vehicles registered in listed cold-weather states. Snow or ice buildup on the windshield or wiper can restrict wiper-arm movement, loosen the wiper arm nut, and make the wiper stop working.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Buick Enclave, Acadia, or Traverse is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V151. If it is, contact a franchised Buick dealer and ask for the windshield wiper arm nut recall repair. Reference recall number 12V151 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will tighten the wiper arm nuts free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Buick dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced driver visibility if a windshield wiper stops working during snow, ice, or wet weather. NHTSA campaign 12V151 says reduced visibility increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
When did the recall repair begin?
The safety recall began on April 20, 2012. Because that date has passed, included vehicles should already be eligible for the free dealer repair. Check your VIN before scheduling, since the recall applies only to specific vehicles in the covered state registration group.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V151000 |
|---|---|
| NHTSA recall # | 12V151 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V151000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →