Ford Motor Co. Has announced a significant safety recall affecting 422,613 vehicles in the United States due to a critical defect in the windshield wiper systems. The company is taking this preventive action after identifying a failure that could severely impair driver visibility, particularly during adverse weather conditions, thereby increasing the risk of road accidents.
The recall, which is being supervised by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), targets a range of high-profile models including the Lincoln Navigator, Lincoln Expedition, and several heavy-duty Ford F-Series trucks. According to reports, the defect can lead to irregular wiper operation, reducing the driver’s ability to clear the windshield during rain or snow via Infobae.
This latest move comes amid a challenging year for the American automotive giant. Data from the NHTSA indicates that Ford has been the company with the highest number of recalls in the U.S. Since the start of 2026, with approximately 5.4 million vehicles called back—representing nearly 44% of the total recalls in the country via Yahoo Noticias.
Affected Models and Scope of the Recall
The current safety campaign, identified by Ford under the recall number 26S24, specifically targets vehicles produced between 2021 and 2023. The scope of the recall includes the following models:
- Lincoln Navigator and Expedition: Model years 2021, 2022, and 2023.
- Ford F-Series Super Duty: F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, and F-600 produced between 2022 and 2023.
The recall is particularly impactful for commercial sectors, as the F-Series trucks are widely utilized in public services, transport, and construction. By initiating this recall, Ford aims to minimize operational disruptions for fleet owners and prevent safety incidents that could jeopardize client activity via Infobae.
Understanding the Technical Failure and Safety Risks
The primary concern involves the irregular functioning of the windshield wipers. When wipers fail to operate correctly during heavy precipitation or snowfall, the driver’s field of vision is compromised. The NHTSA has emphasized that such a reduction in visibility significantly elevates the probability of collisions.
Here’s not the first time Ford has dealt with wiper-related issues in 2026. In March, the company recalled 603,162 vehicles—including the Ford Escape, Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair (years 2020-2022)—due to defects in the wiper motors manufactured by Valeo Norteamérica in Mexico via Yahoo Noticias. In that specific instance, a misalignment between motor terminals and the brush card caused intermittent or total failure of the system via En Segundos.
Comparison of Recent Ford Wiper Recalls (2026)
| Recall Date/Period | Approx. Vehicles | Affected Models | Primary Defect |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2026 | 603,162 | Explorer, Escape, Aviator, Corsair | Motor electrical connection/misalignment |
| April 2026 | 422,613 | Navigator, Expedition, F-Series SD | Wiper arm/functional failure |
Next Steps for Vehicle Owners
Ford has established a clear timeline for notifying affected customers. Starting April 13, 2026, owners of the affected vehicles will receive official notifications via postal mail. These letters will detail the specific nature of the failure and provide instructions on how to proceed via Infobae.
To resolve the issue, Ford will provide a free replacement of the wiper arms at official dealerships. Owners are encouraged to leverage the campaign number 26S24 when contacting their service centers to ensure the correct parts and procedures are applied.
Broader Context of Ford’s 2026 Recall Trend
The frequency of Ford’s recalls in 2026 suggests a systemic challenge in quality control across various components. Beyond windshield wipers, the company has faced other significant safety hurdles this year:
- Towing Module Failures: On February 26, 2026, Ford recalled 4.3 million vehicles due to a problem with the module controlling trailer connections, which could cause brake and turn signals to malfunction via Yahoo Noticias.
- Drivetrain Issues: A separate recall in March affected 11,431 units due to potential friction weld failures in the rear drive axle, which could lead to a sudden loss of power via En Segundos.
With a total of 5.4 million vehicles recalled so far in 2026, the company is under intense scrutiny from the NHTSA and global markets. While Ford has reported no known accidents or injuries directly resulting from the wiper motor defects in the March recall, the sheer volume of affected units underscores the potential risk via Yahoo Noticias.
The next confirmed checkpoint for vehicle owners is April 13, 2026, when official mail notifications regarding the 26S24 campaign will begin to be dispatched.
Do you own one of the affected models? Share your experience with the recall process in the comments below or share this article with other drivers to ensure they stay informed about these critical safety updates.