Ford Issues Recall for Over 422,000 Vehicles Due to Wiper Issues
On Tuesday, federal regulators revealed that Ford is recalling over 422,000 vehicles across the U.S. because of a faulty windshield wiper system.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that the recall affects Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition SUVs, along with certain F-Series trucks. Specifically, vehicles from the 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 Ford Expedition, and 2022-2023 Ford Super Duty are part of this recall.
In total, 422,613 vehicles are included, with an estimated 3% expected to be defective.
According to the NHTSA, the issue relates to the windshield wiper arm, which could function erratically or even break, leading to a wiper malfunction.
Safety officials indicated that drivers might experience unstable wiper speeds, which could signal potential failure.
“If the wiper arm isn’t functioning properly, it could obstruct the driver’s view, significantly raising the risk of an accident,” the NHTSA reported.
The agency explained that the problem stems from an improperly secured latch retention plate on the wiper arm. This plate is crucial for ensuring that the arm head is correctly attached, but dimensional variances have also contributed to lessened engagement between components.
This recall only applies to a specific production period, as improvements made by the supplier in December 2022 have rectified the issue at its source.
Ford has stated that it hasn’t received any reports of accidents or injuries connected to this wiper defect.
Notifications to dealers will go out on April 1, while interim owners can expect to receive their notifications starting April 13, with completion anticipated by April 17.
Vehicle owners affected by this issue will be able to check their VINs beginning April 1.
The remedy will involve inspecting the wipers, and any arms that don’t meet safety standards will be replaced. The new wiper arms will be manufactured to meet the specified requirements, ensuring proper function.
