Ford and Lincoln have announced a major recall affecting more than 422,000 SUVs and heavy-duty pickup trucks due to defective windshield wipers. The recall includes certain models of the Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition from 2021 to 2023, as well as Ford Super Duty pickups from 2022 to 2023. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the windshield wipers on these vehicles may operate unpredictably, stop working completely, or even detach from the vehicle.
According to the recall documents, the issue stems from a defect in the windshield wiper arm’s latch retention plate. This component is responsible for keeping the wiper arm head securely attached. When faulty, it can cause both driver and passenger side wipers to move erratically or fail altogether. Such malfunction poses a serious safety risk, especially in wet weather conditions, increasing the chances of accidents.
The recall covers approximately 17,210 Lincoln Navigators and 79,164 Ford Expeditions manufactured between 2021 and 2023. The largest group affected is the Ford Super Duty pickup trucks, with around 326,239 units from the 2022 and 2023 model years included. While no accidents or injuries have been reported so far related to this defect, Ford has received over 1,500 warranty claims and several field reports pointing to problems with these windshield wipers.
Ford is actively working on a permanent fix for the erratic wipers but has not yet finalized a solution. In the meantime, owners of affected vehicles will be able to get their windshield wipers inspected and repaired free of charge. Notification letters informing owners about the recall are scheduled to be mailed between April 13 and April 17.
Owners who suspect their vehicle might be part of this recall can verify its status through NHTSA’s official resources. This recall serves as an important reminder for buyers of used trucks and SUVs to stay informed about vehicle safety recalls that could impact their driving experience. Ensuring timely repairs on recalled vehicles helps maintain road safety for all drivers.
As used trucks remain popular for both personal and commercial use, understanding such recalls is vital. Defective parts like windshield wipers can create hazardous conditions, especially during adverse weather. Buyers are advised to check for any open recalls before purchasing a used truck or SUV to avoid unexpected safety risks.
