The problem
Vehicle description: Mini vans. Contaminants such as water, salt, and windshield washer solution can enter the wiper motor cover assembly through pinholes on the exterior of the cover that are used in the molding process. In addition, on certain of the vehicles built between February and August 2000, a switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat. Either of these conditions could potentially result in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, smoke, or ignition of the plastic cover material. Contaminant entry could also result in unintended wiper motor operation.
The risk
Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will install a new wiper cover with improved sealing and water resistance. Owner notification begain August 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 01V-261 (01V261000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 01S25 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor |
| Report date | August 15, 2001 |
| Owners notified | August 27, 2001 |
| Vehicles affected | 598,256 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 01V-261 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install a new wiper cover with improved sealing and water resistance. Owner notification begain August 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 598,256 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.