Ford Recalls More F

May 20, 2023

If the wipers stop working in bad weather, drivers might not be able to see the road

Ford is recalling over 220,000 F-150 pickup trucks from the 2021 model year because their windshield wipers may stop working. If this happens during rain or snow and drivers can't see where they are going, it could lead to a crash. Ford has already recalled over a million F-Series trucks and Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs for similar issues.

The problem is due to a faulty batch of windshield wiper motors. Before the wipers fail, drivers may notice that one or both wipers are slow or erratic.

Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it did not include vehicles equipped with "smart" wipers—those that can automatically detect obstructions—in an earlier recall, because smart wipers were not failing at the same rate as standard wipers. However, over time, the automaker found that smart wipers eventually failed as well.

The automaker told NHTSA it is aware of at least 576 reports of inoperative or detached windshield wiper arms, nine complaints to NHTSA, and no related crashes or injuries.

Ford dealerships will replace the faulty motors, free of charge. If owners already paid to have their wipers fixed, Ford may provide reimbursement as long as information is submitted by Sept. 13, 2023.

Vehicles recalled: Ford F-150 pickup trucks manufactured between Jan. 8, 2020, and Aug. 16, 2021.

The problem: The windshield wiper motors in these trucks may fail prematurely because of a defective spline.

The fix: Ford dealerships will replace the faulty wiper motors with replacement parts that were built after the motor supplier's manufacturing issues were resolved.

How to contact the manufacturer: Ford will contact owners of affected trucks by mail starting March 31, 2023. Owners may also contact Ford at 866-436-7332.

NHTSA campaign number: 23V163. Ford's number for this recall is 23S10. It is an expansion of recall 22V250.

Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA's website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.

If you plug your car's 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA's website and a recall doesn't appear, it means your vehicle doesn't currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.

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Keith Barry

Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master's degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on Twitter @itskeithbarry.