422K Ford Expedition & Lincoln Navigator Recalled for Wiper Failure

Ford Motor Company has issued a major safety recall affecting 422,613 vehicles, including the popular 2021-2023 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models. The recall, designated as campaign number 26V204000, addresses a critical safety defect where windshield wiper arms may break, causing complete wiper failure and significantly reducing visibility during adverse weather conditions.

Affected Vehicles and Models

The recall impacts a substantial number of Ford and Lincoln vehicles manufactured between 2021 and 2023:

Ford Models:

2021-2023 Ford Expedition
2022-2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty
2022-2023 Ford F-350 Super Duty
2022-2023 Ford F-450 Super Duty
2022-2023 Ford F-550 Super Duty
2022-2023 Ford F-600 Super Duty

Lincoln Models:

2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator

With over 422,000 vehicles potentially affected, this recall represents one of the larger safety campaigns Ford has initiated in recent years, particularly concerning popular consumer vehicles like the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.

The Safety Defect: Windshield Wiper Arm Failure

The recall addresses a manufacturing defect where the windshield wiper arms may break during operation. When this failure occurs, the wipers become completely inoperable, creating a dangerous situation for drivers. According to NHTSA documentation, windshield wiper failure can severely reduce visibility, especially during rain, snow, or other adverse weather conditions, significantly increasing the risk of crashes.

This type of safety-critical defect is particularly concerning because:

Wiper failure can occur suddenly without warning
Reduced visibility dramatically increases accident risk
The defect affects essential safety equipment required for vehicle operation
Drivers may be stranded in dangerous weather conditions

Ford’s Remedy and Timeline

Ford has outlined a comprehensive remedy plan for affected vehicle owners:

Inspection and Replacement: Authorized Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the windshield wiper arms on recalled vehicles and replace them as necessary, free of charge.

Owner Notification Process:

Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were expected to be mailed on April 13, 2026
Additional letters will be sent once the remedy parts are available
Vehicle owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332
Ford’s internal recall number is 26S24

VIN Lookup Availability: Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 1, 2026, allowing owners to verify if their specific vehicle is affected.

California Lemon Law Protection for Ford and Lincoln Owners

For California residents experiencing persistent windshield wiper problems or other defects in their Ford Expedition or Lincoln Navigator, the state’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act provides comprehensive protection that goes beyond typical recall remedies.

Understanding Your Rights Under California’s Song-Beverly Act

California’s lemon law, formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, offers some of the strongest consumer protections in the nation. If your Ford or Lincoln vehicle has recurring problems that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to:

Complete Vehicle Buyback: The manufacturer must repurchase your vehicle at full value, minus a reasonable mileage offset, if the defect substantially impairs its use, value, or safety.

Vehicle Replacement: As an alternative to a buyback, you may choose to have the manufacturer provide a comparable replacement vehicle.

Attorney Fees Coverage: Unlike most legal matters, California’s Song-Beverly Act requires the manufacturer to pay your attorney fees and costs if you prevail in a lemon law case.

Civil Penalties: If the manufacturer willfully violates the Song-Beverly Act, you may be entitled to a civil penalty of up to two times the actual damages.

When Recall Repairs Aren’t Enough

While Ford’s recall remedy addresses the immediate windshield wiper defect, some vehicle owners may experience additional problems or find that the recall repair doesn’t fully resolve their vehicle’s issues. Common situations where California lemon law protection may apply include:

The recall repair fails to permanently fix the problem
Multiple repair attempts are needed for the same or related defects
Other safety-critical defects emerge beyond the recalled component
The vehicle experiences recurring problems that substantially impair its use or value

California’s “Reasonable Repair Attempts” Standard

Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer must be given a reasonable opportunity to repair defects. California law establishes specific presumptions for what constitutes reasonable repair attempts:

Four or more repair attempts for the same problem
Two or more repair attempts for a problem that could cause death or serious bodily injury
Vehicle out of service for 30 or more days (cumulative) due to warranty repairs

For safety-critical defects like windshield wiper failure, the lower threshold of two repair attempts may apply since wiper failure can lead to serious accidents.

Beyond the Recall: Protecting Your Investment

If you own a 2021-2023 Ford Expedition or Lincoln Navigator affected by this recall, it’s important to:

Schedule the recall repair immediately once parts become available
Document all communications with Ford, Lincoln, or dealership service departments
Keep detailed records of any ongoing problems, including dates, mileage, and repair descriptions
Monitor for additional issues that may indicate broader quality problems with your vehicle

Signs Your Vehicle May Qualify for Lemon Law Protection

Beyond the windshield wiper recall, watch for these indicators that your Ford or Lincoln may have more extensive defects:

Recurring electrical problems affecting safety systems
Engine or transmission issues causing stalling or loss of power
Brake system malfunctions or warning lights
Steering or suspension problems affecting vehicle control
HVAC system failures in extreme weather conditions
Infotainment or navigation system malfunctions

Take Action to Protect Your Rights

If you’re experiencing ongoing problems with your Ford Expedition or Lincoln Navigator that go beyond the windshield wiper recall, California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act may provide the relief you deserve. Don’t let manufacturers delay tactics or inadequate repairs compromise your safety or financial investment.

Our experienced California lemon law attorneys understand the complexities of automotive defect cases and have successfully helped thousands of consumers obtain full vehicle buybacks, replacements, and monetary compensation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case – and if we do, the manufacturer pays our attorney fees.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your Ford or Lincoln vehicle problems and learn how California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act can protect your rights as a consumer. Don’t let defective vehicles compromise your safety or drain your wallet – let us help you get the resolution you deserve under California law.