More than 37,000 newer Ford Maverick, Bronco Sport, and Mustang Mach-E models have been recalled for a front windshield wiper motor than can fail, the NHTSA disclosed this week.
Ford investigated an issue of wiper motors failing due to water getting into the wiper motor in the affected recall population. Ford’s supplier determined that a sealer between the gear cover and housing wasn’t applied correctly.
Ford knows of 81 instances globally of water intruding into the wiper motor. In such cases, the wipers won’t work, potentially impairing visibility and prompting the recall of 37,371 vehicles broken down into the following vehicles:
Earlier this year, Ford recalled nearly a half-million Mavericks and Bronco Sports for a loss of drive power, in what has become a troubling trend for the automaker with the most annual recalls for several years running (see below).
For this recall, owners can expect notification as early as Aug. 26, and they’ll be instructed to visit a Ford service center to have the windshield wiper motor replaced at no cost. Reimbursement will be provided to owners who have had the work done previously. For more info, contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or visit Ford’s recall page.
Ford on track for highest number of recalls and most vehicles recalled, again
Quality control has plagued Ford in recent years. Ford appears on pace to repeat in 2024 the dubious distinction it’s held for three years prior of being the automaker with the most recalls. In 2023, Ford issued 57 recalls covering more than 6.1 million cars, representing 16% of all recalled cars, according to the NHTSA. Honda recalled 6.3 million cars, but issued far fewer recalls.
In the first half of 2024, Ford issued 30 recalls affecting 3.6 million cars, according to Automotive News. It’s well on pace to break last year’s low point.