Ford is recalling 422,613 vehicles across the United States after discovering a defect in windshield wiper components that could reduce driver visibility and increase crash risk, drawing immediate attention to one of the automaker’s largest safety actions this year.
The recall affects 2021 to 2023 Ford Expedition SUVs, 2021 to 2023 Lincoln Navigator models, and a wide range of 2022 to 2023 Super Duty pickup trucks, including the F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550 and F-600. According to safety filings, the issue stems from a faulty latch retention plate in the wiper arm assembly that may fail to properly secure the arm.
As a result, the wipers can behave unpredictably — operating at irregular speeds, stopping mid-use, or in some cases detaching entirely from the vehicle. The defect becomes particularly dangerous in rain or snow, where reduced visibility can sharply raise the likelihood of an accident.
The scale of the recall reflects how widely the affected components were used. Of the total vehicles, 326,239 units are Super Duty trucks, 79,164 are Ford Expeditions, and 17,210 are Lincoln Navigators. These models represent some of Ford’s most popular and highest-revenue vehicles, commonly used for long-distance travel, commercial work, and towing.
More than 1,500 complaints before recall action
While Ford said it is not aware of any crashes or injuries linked to the issue, the company had already received more than 1,500 warranty claims along with 11 field reports tied to the faulty wiper system. That volume of complaints appears to have triggered closer investigation and ultimately the recall filing with US safety regulators.
The issue highlights how seemingly minor mechanical components can become significant safety risks when replicated across large production volumes. In this case, a defect in a small retention mechanism has the potential to disable a critical visibility function during adverse weather conditions.
Ford has assigned the recall reference number 26S24 and confirmed that dealerships will inspect affected vehicles and replace defective wiper arms free of charge once a final remedy is in place. The company is still working on a permanent fix.
What owners should expect next
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed between April 13 and April 17, informing customers about the issue and the next steps. Once a repair solution is finalized, a second round of communication will follow with instructions for scheduling service.
Vehicle owners can already check whether their car or truck is part of the recall by searching their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall database.
The recall comes at a time when automakers are under increasing scrutiny over quality control and component reliability, particularly in high-margin segments such as large SUVs and heavy-duty trucks. For Ford, the challenge now extends beyond fixing the defect to maintaining consumer confidence in vehicles designed for durability and everyday dependability.
Even without reported injuries, the scale of the recall and the nature of the defect — one that directly impacts driver visibility — ensures it will remain a closely watched issue among regulators, customers and industry observers in the weeks ahead.
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