What Expedition, Super Duty, and Lincoln Navigator owners should know about recall 26S24 and NHTSA campaign 26V204

Key Takeaways

• Model year alone does not prove that a vehicle is included. Owners must check the 17-character VIN.
• The issue is in the wiper arm attachment, not simply the replaceable rubber blade.
• Erratic movement can be an early warning that the splined connection is slipping or stripping.
• There is no general Do Not Drive instruction in the public recall summary, but a vehicle with malfunctioning wipers should not be driven into rain or low-visibility weather.
• The inspection and any required replacement will be performed free under the safety recall.

The Ford recall windshield wipers campaign covers more than 422,000 large SUVs and heavy-duty pickups that may have defective front wiper arm assemblies. If the connection between the arm head and its mounting shaft strips, one or both wipers can move unpredictably, stop sweeping the glass, or separate from the vehicle.

The risk becomes most serious during rain, snow, road spray, or any condition in which the driver depends on the wipers for a clear view. Ford reported no known crashes, injuries, or fires connected to the issue as of March 16, 2026, but the company had identified 1,538 warranty reports and 11 field reports during its investigation.

The supplied Car and Driver recall report summarizes the affected models, the potential for erratic operation or detachment, and Ford’s plan to inspect the vehicles and replace defective arms without charging owners.

Which Ford and Lincoln Vehicles Are Affected?

The Super Duty population includes F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and F-600 trucks. Ford estimated that approximately 3 percent of the recall population may contain the defect, but every VIN listed in the campaign should follow the recall process. A low estimated defect rate does not allow an owner to assume that a specific truck or SUV is safe.

Vehicles were not produced in a simple sequential VIN block, so a model-year list is only a starting point. A 2022 Expedition may be included while another 2022 Expedition may not be. The VIN result or Ford dealer system is the deciding source.

What Exactly Is Wrong With the Wiper Arms?

A front wiper arm is secured to a splined mounting point that transfers motion from the wiper mechanism to the arm. Ford found that the latch retention plate in certain assemblies may have been staked incorrectly by the supplier. Dimensional variation could also reduce engagement between the arm head and the knurled or splined mounting surface.

When the teeth do not engage securely, repeated use can damage or strip the connection. The motor may continue operating while the arm moves at the wrong speed, travels inconsistently, remains nearly still, or breaks free. Installing new rubber wiper blades will not correct this structural attachment problem.

What Is the Current Repair Status?

The original March 31 recall filing said Ford was developing an inspection process. Interim owner letters were sent in April. A later owner notice dated June 29, 2026 stated that the remedy was still not available. Ford’s current support language tells owners to contact a dealer to schedule service when the remedy becomes available.

Once the program is ready for a VIN, the dealer is expected to inspect the front wiper arms and replace any arm that does not pass. Corrected replacement parts are designed with properly staked retention plates and splines that meet specification. The recall inspection and required replacement are free.

Parts and appointment availability can vary by dealer and vehicle. An owner who received only an interim letter should continue checking the VIN rather than assuming that a second letter has been delivered or that the dealer already has the required process and parts.

What Owners Should Do Now

Owners can use the official NHTSA VIN recall lookup to see whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired safety recall. NHTSA notes that recently announced recalls may be updated as VIN information becomes available, so checking again is reasonable if a vehicle appears to match the model and year but no campaign is shown.

Is It Safe to Drive Before the Repair?

The public NHTSA summary does not issue a broad Do Not Drive or Park Outside instruction for this campaign. A vehicle whose wipers operate normally may still be driven while the owner follows the recall process. However, the absence of a blanket stop-driving order does not make malfunctioning wipers safe.

If either arm moves erratically, becomes loose, stops, or detaches, avoid driving in rain, snow, fog, road spray, or other conditions that require windshield clearing. Safely stop if visibility deteriorates. Contact the dealer, Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, or roadside assistance instead of attempting a roadside adjustment that may not hold.

What Used-Vehicle Buyers and Sellers Should Know

A used Expedition, Navigator, or Super Duty can be advertised while an open recall is still waiting for parts or an appointment, but the status should be checked before purchase. Ask the seller for the VIN, run the recall search, and request a service record showing completion if the campaign is listed as repaired.

A dealership repair order should identify campaign 26S24 and state whether the inspection passed or replacement arms were installed. A newly fitted set of wiper blades, a verbal assurance that the arms look tight, or a generic multipoint inspection is not proof that the safety recall was completed.

How Ford Found the Problem

Ford began reviewing elevated wiper-arm warranty claims in January 2026 while performing a three-year lookback on an earlier 2022 wiper recall. Engineers examined returned parts, supplier production records, dimensional data, shared vehicle designs, and stress analysis. The review expanded from Expedition and Navigator SUVs to Super Duty trucks using the same basic attachment design and supplier.

By March, Ford concluded that incorrect retention-plate staking and reduced tooth engagement could damage the mating surfaces. Supplier process improvements made in December 2022 addressed the production conditions, which explains why the affected build periods end around that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all 2021 to 2023 Expeditions recalled?

No. The campaign applies to specific VINs within the listed model years and production periods. Check the VIN instead of relying on the model year alone.

Does the recall include the Ford F-150?

Not in campaign 26S24. This campaign covers Expedition, Navigator, and the listed F-250 through F-600 Super Duty models. Other Ford wiper recalls may cover different vehicles.

Will Ford replace both wiper arms?

The remedy is described as inspection and replacement as necessary. The dealer will follow Ford’s campaign procedure for the specific vehicle.

Do I have to pay for the repair?

No. The recall inspection and required replacement are free at an authorized Ford or Lincoln dealer.

Can I fix the recall by tightening the nut or installing new blades?

No. The defect can involve damaged splines and an incorrectly produced arm assembly. A temporary adjustment or blade replacement is not the approved recall repair.

What if I did not receive a letter?

Run the VIN through NHTSA or Ford, confirm that registration and address information are current, and contact a dealer with campaign number 26S24.

Bottom Line

Ford recall 26S24 is a visibility-related safety action involving certain 2021 to 2023 Expedition and Navigator SUVs and 2022 to 2023 Super Duty trucks. The wiper arm attachment can strip, causing erratic motion, complete failure, or detachment. The most reliable way to know whether a vehicle is included is to check its VIN.

Owners should monitor the recall status, contact a dealer, and avoid driving in weather that requires wipers if either arm behaves abnormally. Once the remedy is available for the vehicle, Ford will inspect the arms and replace any defective parts at no charge.