The problem
Some of these vehicles have a strained or separated washer/wiper switch power feed wire.
The risk
This can cause the windshield washer/wiper to work intermittently and could ultimately result in inoperative wipers. If this were to occur in a severe weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the old designed washer/wiper switches with a newly designed switch.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 97V-017 (97V017000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring |
| Report date | February 11, 1997 |
| Owners notified | March 6, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 349,331 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 97V-017 repair free?
Yes. Buick dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect and replace the old designed washer/wiper switches with a newly designed switch.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 349,331 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.