The problem
Vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles equipped with 4.0l engines and all-time 4-wheel drive (a4wd) powertrains. The generic electronic module (gem) could experience a condition referred to as "lock-up" in which the gem controlled electronic functions (e.g., front windshield wipers, interior lights, 4x4 system, etc.) could not be turned on or, in some cases if the function is on, could not be turned off.
The risk
An inoperative windshield wiper system could affect driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will install a resistor in the gem circuit.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 00V-072 (00V072000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 00S04 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers |
| Report date | March 7, 2000 |
| Owners notified | April 15, 2000 |
| Vehicles affected | 208,903 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the electrical system
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 00V-072 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install a resistor in the gem circuit.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 208,903 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.