Ford recalls more than 600K vehicles over two separate safety defects

Core Viewpoint - Ford is recalling over 615,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to safety defects related to windshield wiper motors and driveshaft components, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) [1][3]. Group 1: Recall Details - The larger recall involves 604,533 vehicles due to a defect in the front windshield wiper motor that may cause intermittent operation or complete failure, increasing crash risk [1][2]. - Affected models include certain 2020–2022 Ford Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles manufactured between July 6, 2020, and December 15, 2021 [2]. - The defect is attributed to a misalignment during assembly, potentially leading to poor electrical connections and loss of functionality over time [2][3]. Group 2: Warranty and Impact - Ford has recorded 1,374 warranty claims related to the wiper motor issue, with an estimated defect rate of about 1% among the recalled vehicles [3]. - As of now, there are no reported crashes or injuries linked to this defect [3]. Group 3: Repair Process - Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors at no cost to owners, with notifications to dealers starting on March 4, 2026, and interim owner notifications expected between March 9 and March 13, 2026 [4]. - A second notice will be sent once a final remedy is available, anticipated between May 11 and May 15, 2026 [4]. Group 4: Additional Recall - Separately, Ford is recalling 11,431 vehicles due to a potential failure in the driveshaft's friction weld, which could lead to rear driveshaft separation and loss of drive power [7].