Ford has issued a recall for the 2023 Mustang Mach-E, along with the 2023-2024 Ford Maverick and the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport, due to an issue with the windshield wiper motor. The recall affects a total of 37,371 vehicles, with the potential to compromise driver visibility and increase the risk of an accident.
The Problem: Faulty Windshield Wiper Motors
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that the front windshield wiper motors on these vehicles may become inoperative, leading to the failure of the wipers. This defect could result in significantly reduced visibility for drivers, particularly during adverse weather conditions, heightening the risk of a crash.
Discovery and Cause of the Issue
Ford first became aware of the issue on April 16, 2023, and promptly launched an investigation. The root cause was identified as water intrusion into the windshield wiper motor. This intrusion occurred due to the improper application of a sealer between the gear cover and the gear housing of the motor. As a result, the motors failed to operate as intended.
The defective motors were assembled by a supplier on two specific dates: June 18, 2023, for both the Mustang Mach-E and Maverick, and September 1, 2023, for the Maverick and Bronco Sport. A total of 2,142 motors were produced during this period.
Affected Models and Production Details
The 2023 Mustang Mach-E vehicles impacted by this recall were manufactured at Ford’s Cuautitlan plant in Mexico between July 3 and July 17, 2023. In total, 3,603 units of the Mustang Mach-E are affected by this defect.
The 2023-2024 Ford Mavericks were built at the Hermosillo plant in Mexico between June 20 and September 29, 2023, while the 2023 Ford Bronco Sports were produced at the same facility from September 3 to October 6, 2023. These models account for the remaining affected vehicles.
Ford’s Response and Owner Notification
As of now, Ford is aware of 81 warranty claims related to this issue across all three models. Fortunately, there have been no reports of accidents or injuries linked to the faulty windshield wiper motors.
Ford will cover the cost of repairs for all affected vehicles. Owners are encouraged to take their vehicles to a Ford dealership, where technicians will inspect the windshield wiper motor and replace it if necessary.
Ford plans to notify owners of the recall beginning August 26, 2023. For additional information or assistance, vehicle owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, referencing recall number 24S51.
This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing even seemingly minor vehicle issues, as they can have significant safety implications on the road. Ford’s swift action in recalling and rectifying the problem highlights its commitment to customer safety and vehicle reliability.
