GM Recalling 1.5m Heated Washer Fluid Units, Will Pay Owners $100 Each
GM has announced a voluntary recall for 1.5m heated washer fluid modules due to a possible fire risk. According to the company’s press release,
Because the feature will be disabled, GM will make a voluntary payment of $100 to the owner or lessee of each vehicle.
This heated washer fluid unit was first recalled in August 2008, due to a short-circuit problem. GM became aware of another problem with the unit in June 2009, and has since become aware of five separate reports of fires caused by the unit. Hit the jump for a list of affected models.
GM’s John Boyer explains:
This was a unique technology available from only one supplier, and that supplier has stopped manufacturing, which left no opportunity to collaborate on an improved design. We want to be clear that the voluntary payment to customers is for the loss of the feature, not the recall.
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GM buys your car back one piece at a time So whats next? How much will I get for faulty ABS sensors? $200? Brakes are silly anyway What are broken bolts on the exhaust manifolds going for???? GM has just given new meaning to the often used advice "sell it for parts"
You can buy this system from several aftermarket companies for less than $100, BWMs have come with one that doesn't burst into flames since at least the mid 90s.
Chalk up another one for Mercedes. Mine has heated WW washer jets, too. 1982 300SD W126. No fires after 391,000 miles either.
Here is one: http://www.jcwhitney.com/windshield-washer-fluid-heater/p2019708.jcwx?skuId=519852&TID=8014524FT4&utm_source=Google_Product_Search&utm_medium=CSE&utm_content=product-445759&zmam=15972153&zmas=21&zmac=141&zmap=445759 another one: http://completeoffroad.com/i-2880733-on-demand-heated-windshield-washer-at-38od.html