Component
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
What Happened
The wiper motor in your vehicle is the part that helps your windshield wipers move back and forth. In some cases, the manufacturer forgot to apply grease to the gears inside this motor, which are like the cogs that make it work.
Risk if Unfixed
If the gears get worn out from driving on high speed, they might break, leaving you with no windshield wipers at all. This could be a problem in bad weather, making it hard to see the road and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will check the wiper motor to see if it needs grease, and if so, they'll add it for free. This is a free fix, and you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
AFTER A PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS USE ON THE HIGH SPEED SETTING, LACK OF GREASE ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR MAY CAUSE THE GEAR TO DISTORT OR FRACTURE DURING OPERATION RESULTING IN A LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION. INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIPER MOTOR FOR THE PRESENCE OF GREASE AND GREASE THE WIPER MOTOR GEARS IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673 OR LINCOLN/MERCURY AT 1-800-521-4140.
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Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →