The problem
On certain trucks, passenger cars and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper motor May have been produced without grease being applied to the output shaft gear.
The risk
After a period of continuous use on the high speed setting, lack of grease on the output shaft gear May cause the gear to distort or fracture during operation resulting in a loss of wiper function. Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the wiper motor for the presence of grease and grease the wiper motor gears if necessary. The recall began on November 22, 2005. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673 or Lincoln/Mercury at 1-800-521-4140.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 05V-520 (05V520000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 05S40 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor |
| Report date | November 9, 2005 |
| Owners notified | November 22, 2005 |
| Vehicles affected | 199,942 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof
- 2006 Ford E-150 window & wiper problems 3
- 2006 Ford E-250 window & wiper problems 1
- 2006 Ford Escape window & wiper problems 21
- 2006 Ford Expedition window & wiper problems 5
- 2006 Ford Explorer window & wiper problems 14
- 2006 Ford F-150 window & wiper problems 18
- 2006 Ford Ranger window & wiper problems 5
- 2006 Ford Taurus window & wiper problems 9
- 2006 Lincoln Mark window & wiper problems 3
- 2006 Mercury Mountaineer window & wiper problems 1
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 05V-520 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the wiper motor for the presence of grease and grease the wiper motor gears if necessary. The recall began on November 22, 2005. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673 or Lincoln/Mercury at 1-800-521-4140.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 199,942 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.