Ford Recalls 235,000 Vehicles from 2006 Model Year

Ford Motor Co. is recalling about 235,000 pickups, vans and sport utility vehicles from the 2006 model year because of potential problems with the windshield wiper motor, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted yesterday.

The models include the E-150, E-250, E-350 and E-450 vans, the Escape, Expedition and Explorer SUVs, F-150 and Ranger pickups and Taurus sedan. It also includes the Lincoln Navigator SUV and Lincoln Mark LT pickup and Mercury Mountaineer and Mariner SUV.

NHTSA noted that the windshield wiper motor may have been made without grease being applied to the shaft gear. After continuous use on the high speed setting, the lack of grease may cause the gear to fracture during operation, leading to a loss of wiper function. According to the announcement, lack of a working windshield wiper could lead to a crash under poor weather conditions.

Ford spokeswoman Kristen Kinley said the problem was discovered during vehicle evaluations and there were no reports of consumer complaints. She said the automaker was cooperating with the government. The official recall is expected to begin Monday, Nov. 21. Dealers will inspect the wiper motor and grease the motor gears if necessary at no cost.