Ford is recalling 16,330 of its trusty Transit Connect work vans due to faulty windshield wiper arms. All of the affected models are from the 2011 and 2012 model years.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the wiper arms on these Transit Connect models may not have been properly riveted, resulting in “incomplete or inconsistent clearing of the windshield and possible detachment of the wiper arm.” NHTSA points out that if the wiper becomes detached, a driver’s visibility can be reduced, which can of course lead to a crash.
Ford will begin notifying Transit Connect owners about this problem starting in mid-August, and dealers will replace both wiper arms on affected vehicles free of charge. Scroll down to read the official NHTSA report.
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Vehicle Make / Model: FORD / TRANSIT CONNECT
Model Year(s): 2011-2012
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Mfr’s Report Date: JUL 30, 2012
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V374000
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Potential Number of Units Affected: 16,330
Summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Transit Connect vehicles. The wiper arms may not be adequately riveted resulting in incomplete or inconsistent clearing of the windshield and possible detachment of the wiper arm.
Consequence
If the wiper arm detaches, the windshield wiper will fail and the driver’s visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side wiper arm and blade assemblies, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or before, August 13, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Notes
Ford’s recall campaign number is 12S36. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.