Failing Windshield Wipers Force Ford To Recall 420,000 Vehicles

According to documents from the National ⁠Highway Traffic Safety ​Administration, an estimated 3% of the 422,613 vehicles included in the recall will actually experience the issue at hand. However, without any way to know which vehicles will experience a failure, Ford is recalling any and all of the trucks and SUVs that may have a problem.

Vehicles included in the recall are the 2022-2023 Ford Super Duty Pickups, as well as the 2021-2023 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator siblings. The issue at hand is that "A windshield wiper arm may operate erratically, become inoperable, and/or detach from the vehicle." Naturally, this means the risk of a crash increases any time during which the windshield wipers are needed, and possibly even by them running when they shouldn't (which can be a distraction).

Ford and the NHTSA state that, "The windshield wiper arm's latch retention plate may have been incorrectly staked at the supplier. The latch retention plate keeps the arm head properly seated to the wiper arm. Additionally, the engagement between the knurl and wiper arm head may be reduced due to dimensional variability. Proper knurl-to arm head teeth engagement ensures robust wiper arm operation."

Ford will remedy the issue by inspecting and replacing the windshield wiper arms that do not meet the requirements. Owners will be notified by mail—Ford already has the parts on hand to make things right. The company urges those who have these vehicles to schedule appointments for service and to have the recall addressed as soon as possible.

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