Owners describe wiper arms coming loose or jamming at angles that obstruct the windshield, particularly during rain or snow at highway speed. One reported an arm lying flat on the glass at 19,000 miles after jerking during use; another had arms stick at an angle after operation, completely blocking view. A third owner reports arms repeatedly popping off the motor and having to be reinstalled. One vehicle lost wiper function entirely on both sides at 65,000 miles.
Ford issued recall 22V250000 in April 2022 for wiper blade arms, but parts shortages persisted through July 2023—over a year later—preventing timely repairs. Several owners were told by dealers they could not fix the recall until an actual failure occurred, contradicting earlier promises. After finally receiving recall blades, one owner found they no longer retracted properly; the dealer determined the wiper motor had adapted to running without the recalled part and now conflicts with the new blades. Ford refused warranty coverage for a replacement motor, even though the vehicle was under warranty when the recall was issued.
One 2021 Expedition's sunroof spontaneously exploded at 18,000 miles and 80 MPH with no warning. Another reported washer fluid leaking from the reservoir into the cabin floorboards, creating odor and mold. A third experienced unexplained noise from the moonroof. A fourth reported wiper failure at 65,000 miles in snow.
Failure modes owners describe
Wiper arm detachment and malfunction
Wiper arms separate from the motor or jam at abnormal angles, obstructing the windshield. Some owners report arms lying flat on the glass after jerking during use; others report arms repeatedly popping off the motor. One owner experienced arms that became stuck at an angle after operation, completely blocking the view.
When: 19,000 to 65,000 miles; incidents occur during active wiping in rain or snow conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Wiper arms lying on windshield after jerking at highway speeds; Wiper arms stuck at abnormal angles after moving back and forth; Wiper arms repeatedly popping off the motor; Both driver and passenger side wipers ceasing to function; Wiper arms not fully retracting after recall blade installation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replacement of wiper arms at 19,000 miles. One owner faced months of supply shortages delaying replacement; another required new wiper motor due to programming mismatch with recall blades, which Ford refused to warranty despite motor being under warranty at recall time.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V250000 (Visibility) issued April 2022; wiper blade arm recall. However, widespread parts shortages persisted through at least July 2023, preventing timely repairs. Ford denied warranty coverage for motor replacement needed to accommodate new recall blades.
Windshield washer fluid leak into cabin
Blue washer fluid leaks from the reservoir onto the ground beneath the vehicle and seeps into the front floorboards, causing odor and mold growth inside the cabin.
When: Approximately 27,000 miles; discovered while vehicle was parked
Symptoms owners cite: Puddle of blue washer fluid underneath vehicle; Washer fluid leaking into front floorboards; Odor in interior; Mold in interior
Repairs/costs cited: None; dealer could not duplicate the failure and did not perform repairs. No independent diagnosis conducted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no recall issued or repair performed.
Sunroof spontaneous failure
Sunroof glass suddenly shattered while vehicle was in motion at highway speed with no warning.
When: Approximately 18,000 miles during normal highway driving at 80 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof glass exploded while driving; No warning lights illuminated prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was repaired by dealer; specific parts or costs not stated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; case number provided. Owner advised to contact NHTSA Hotline. Cause of failure could not be determined by dealer.
Moonroof abnormal noise
Abnormal sound emanates from the moonroof during driving, occurring on multiple occasions with no identifiable cause and no visible defect.
When: Approximately 30,000 miles; failure occurred on several occasions
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal sound from moonroof; Sound occurs during normal driving
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle passed inspection; no repairs attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V729000 (Visibility) referenced. Dealer inspection found no identifiable cause; vehicle passed inspection.
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.