The heated washer fluid system on 2006-09 GM cars and trucks, like the ones shown here, will be removed under the current recall.The heated washer fluid system on 2006-09 GM cars and trucks, like the ones shown here, will be removed under the current recall. (General Motors)

General Motors has announced a massive recall of 2006 to 2009 cars, trucks and crossovers due to a heated washer fluid system that could pose a fire risk.

The recall affects 1.5 million vehicles worldwide, including about 100,000 sold in Canada. The company says there have been no injuries or crashes resulting from problems with the washer fluid system, though it is aware of five fires.

Models covered under GM's recall:

  • 2006-09 Buick Lucerne
  • 2008-09 Buick Enclave
  • 2006-09 Cadillac DTS
  • 2007-09 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT
  • 2008-09 Cadillac CTS
  • 2007-09 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe
  • 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  • 2007-09 GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL
  • 2006-09 Hummer H2
  • 2007-09 Saturn Outlook

"While our analysis shows the number of incidents is very small compared with the number of vehicles on the road, we want our customers to have complete peace of mind," said Jeff Boyer, the executive director of safety at GM.

GM has had problems with the system since 2008 and during an earlier recall installed an inline fuse to repair it. But more failures in the system were found a year later. This time GM will simply remove the system and pay customers $100 for their troubles.

"We want to be clear that the voluntary payment to customers is for the loss of the feature, not the recall," Boyer said.

The company will begin issuing recall letters on June 11 and expects that process to be completed by the end of the month.