Ford Recalls Over 420,000 Vehicles for Faulty Windshield Wipers

Ford said the issue was first identified in January, when reports of stripped wiper arm splines in some Expedition and Navigator vehicles were reviewed.
Published: 4/7/2026, 1:41:50 PM EDT
Ford Recalls Over 420,000 Vehicles for Faulty Windshield Wipers
A Ford logo is seen on the Ford Motor World headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, on March 12, 2025. (Rebecca Cook/Reuters)
Ford Motor Co. is recalling 422,613 vehicles in the United States due to a defect that can cause windshield wiper arms to fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said.

The recall covers certain 2021–23 Lincoln Navigators and Ford Expeditions, as well as 2022–23 Ford Super Duty trucks, including F-250 through F-600 models.

The NHTSA said the issue involves windshield wiper arms that may operate erratically, become inoperable, or detach from the vehicle. “Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge,” states the recall.
The recall covers the following makes, models, and model years, according to the NHTSA:
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty 2022–2023
  • Ford F-350 Super Duty 2022–2023
  • Ford F-450 Super Duty 2022–2023
  • Ford F-550 Super Duty 2022–2023
  • Ford F-600 Super Duty 2022–2023
  • Ford Expedition 2021–2023
  • Lincoln Navigator 2021–2023
Ford said the defect stems from problems in the wiper arm assembly supplied by TRICO Componentes SA de CV, a manufacturer in Mexico. A latch retention plate in the wiper arm may have been incorrectly staked at the supplier, preventing the arm from staying properly secured.

A malfunctioning or detached wiper arm can impair driver vision, especially in rain or snow. This can increase the risk of a crash, states the recall. Drivers may notice warning signs such as inconsistent or erratic wiper speeds before failure.

Ford said the issue was first identified in January, when reports of stripped wiper arm splines in some Expedition and Navigator vehicles were reviewed. Engineers analyzed warranty claims, inspected returned parts, and conducted stress testing to reproduce the failure. The investigation later expanded to Super Duty trucks that used similar components and supplier designs.

In March, Ford determined the root cause involved improper engagement between the wiper arm head and its connecting parts, which could lead to wear and detachment over time.

As of mid-March, Ford said it had received 1,538 warranty reports, 11 field reports, and three customer service reports related to the defect.

The company said there were also two formal consumer complaints submitted to regulators. Ford said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue.

Dealers will inspect the windshield wiper arms and replace them if necessary. Ford said replacement parts will be manufactured with corrected specifications to ensure proper function.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed between April 13 and 17. Drivers can also check whether their vehicle is affected by contacting a dealer or Ford’s customer service line.

The NHTSA recall number is 26V204. Ford’s recall number is 26S24.