GMC recall 15V609 covers 29,295 2016 Acadia, Traverse, and Enclave vehicles for an overheating wiper motor. Repair is free at any franchised GMC dealer.
GMC is recalling 29,295 2016 Acadia, Traverse, and Enclave vehicles because a manufacturing defect can make the windshield wiper motor overheat during use. An overheated wiper motor increases the risk of a fire, and GMC dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
In GMC recall 15V609, the windshield wiper motor is the electric unit that moves the front wiper arms across the glass. When you turn the wipers on, the motor drives the linkage under the panel at the base of the windshield. That motion keeps the windshield clear in rain, spray, and washer use.
On affected 2016 Acadia, Traverse, and Enclave vehicles, the wiper motor cover was made with a broken supplier tool. That defective cover allows internal electrical terminals to shift and touch each other. When those terminals contact, they create an electrical short inside the motor. The short can make the motor overheat when the wipers are used, and testing confirmed the motor can catch fire.
There is no warning sign before failure. Smoke from the area above the front wiper motor is a sign the problem is already active, not an early warning.
Who's affected?
Covers Acadia, Traverse, and Enclave SUVs from the 2016 model year, all tied to the wiper system.
| 2016 GMC Acadia | wiper system |
|---|---|
| 2016 Chevrolet Traverse | wiper system |
| 2016 Buick Enclave | wiper system |
| Units affected | 29,295 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching 2016 model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An overheated wiper motor increases the risk of a fire. Until the wiper motor cover assembly is replaced, avoid using the front windshield wipers. If weather makes wiper use necessary, have the dealer arrange pickup for service instead of driving with the wipers on. Repair is free at any franchised GMC dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 GMC Acadia, Traverse, or Enclave is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised GMC dealer to schedule the free windshield wiper motor cover replacement that addresses the wiper-motor overheating risk.
- Bring the recall notice if GMC has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V609 when you call.
- Avoid using the front windshield wipers until the wiper motor cover is replaced.
- Ask GMC customer service about vehicle pickup if weather prevents driving without the windshield wipers.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a GMC technician replaces the windshield wiper motor cover assembly. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Until that cover has been replaced, do not use the front windshield wipers. If weather requires wiper use to operate the vehicle, the manufacturer can arrange pickup for service. The manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan covers documented, eligible out-of-pocket repairs paid before the recall notice. Bring repair invoices and payment records to the service desk so the dealer can explain the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 29, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 29, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 29, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 30, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V609?
Recall 15V609 covers 29,295 2016 GMC Acadia, Traverse, and Enclave vehicles with a windshield wiper motor that can overheat when the front wipers are used. An overheated wiper motor increases fire risk. GMC dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor cover assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2016 GMC Acadia, Traverse, or Enclave is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V609. If it is, contact a franchised GMC dealer to schedule the windshield wiper motor cover assembly replacement. Do not use the front windshield wipers until the repair is complete.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 15V609, a franchised GMC dealer will replace the windshield wiper motor cover assembly free of charge.
Is it safe to drive before the wiper repair is done?
Drive only if you can avoid using the front windshield wipers. The recall remedy says owners are advised not to use the front windshield wipers until the wiper cover has been replaced. If weather prevents safe driving without wipers, ask GMC about pickup arrangements for service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V609000 |
|---|---|
| GMC customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V609 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V609000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →