Ford Wiper Problems

Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a 2005 recall of 199,942 vehicles due to windshield wiper problems. Registered vehicle owners affected by the recall should have received instruction on where to bring the vehicles for inspection and free repair.

Defect and Affected Models

The windshield wiper recall affected Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, E-450, Escape, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, Ranger and Taurus; Lincoln Mark LT and Navigator; and Mercury Mariner and Mountaineer vehicles from the 2006 model year. On affected Fords, the manufacturing process may have occurred without the application of grease to the windshield wiper motors output shaft gear.

Risk

Per the NHTSA, the lack of grease application in the manufacturing process could cause the gear to distort or fracture during operation after a period of continuous use on the high speed setting. If the wipers were to fail in inclement weather, impaired visibility could cause an accident.

Remedy

Ford charged authorized dealers with inspecting the wiper motor and greasing the wiper motor gears if necessary. Concerned Ford owners may contact the NHTSA or visit the NHTSA website to determine whether their vehicle might have been part of this or other recalls.