Following an over-the-air (OTA) software update installed to my vehicle on Wednesday, all digital controls on the steering column/steering wheel console became completely non-functional by Thursday morning. Specifically affected systems include: Turn signal / blinker controls Windshield wiper controls and washer fluid activation Steering wheel-mounted media, phone, and instrument cluster dash navigation buttons A subsequent OTA update installed today did not resolve the issue. The inability to signal lane changes or turns and the complete loss of wiper and windshield cleaning controls create an immediate safety hazard, severely degrading vehicle visibility and signaling capabilities in active traffic. There were no prior warning indicators or messages preceding this failure. The vehicle was brought to an authorized dealership to schedule diagnosis and repair, but their earliest service opening is September 30th. While booking the appointment, the service advisor noted that other vehicles have recently experienced component and module failures following recent OTA software updates (specifically citing a customer whose vehicle cameras completely failed after an update). The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request.
Ford F-150 Hybrid wipers problems
12 of the 647 owner complaints about the Ford F-150 Hybrid describe windshield wiper failure, most of them for the 2021 model year.
- owner complaints
- 12
- worst model year
- 2021
- typical mileage
- 33,000
By model year
- 20241
- 20231
- 20222
- 20218
What owners say
Vehicle lost electrical power to multiple systems- Instrument cluster did not display any information- could not tell the speed of the vehicle, how much fuel was in the vehicle, gauges for coolant, oil, etc. were non-existent, did not have use of turn signals, hazard lights, blind spot indicators, did not have use of wipers, heating/cooling and defrost, could not tell what gear vehicle was in, could not tell what mode the vehicle was in. This made the vehicle extremely dangerous to drive. There have been multiple electrical issues prior to this. All issues have been addressed by Ford dealer and supposedly fixed as of now.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH during a snowstorm, the windshield wipers failed to function as intended. The contact became aware of an abnormal burning odor coming from under the hood of the vehicle, entering the vehicle through the A/C vents. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the windshield wiper motors had failed and needed to be replaced along with the wiring. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the Extended Warranty was lapsed. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V163000 (VISIBILITY); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 37,000.
Wipers failed during rain storm. Wipers initially started to operate sporadically and then stopped. Later they worked fine. Wipers then started to fail to operate every morning but if switch left on would randomly start working. Vehicle was taken in for service Vice but was told the issue could not be duplicated. As weather reached freezing temperatures wipers quit working completely. Replaced wiper motor myself and issue was fixed. Found out after replacing the motor had been previously replaced as part of a safety recall in April 2023.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the windshield wipers were not functioning. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the windshield wiper motor. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V142000 (Visibility). The VIN was included, and the vehicle was repaired, but the failure occurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 69,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on three occasions while the vehicle was parked, and while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side windshield wiper detached. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the driver’s side windshield wiper needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired three times however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
Ford is unable to correct the safety recall for the windshield wiper motor. Ford has sent out notice of recall with instructions to call them to correct on four + occasions. I have made four (4) attempts since the recall and two (2) dealerships in my area both have turned me away stating they would not be able to repair due to parts not being available, etc... The ability for the wipers to deactivate during rains/heavy rains would be a critical defect, placing drivers and other motorist, pedestrians at risks.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to remove slush and ice from the front windshield, it was discovered that the windshield wipers and windshield wiper fluid sprayer were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the windshield wiper motor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V163000 (Visibility). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced that failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 33,000.
2021 ford 150. Consumer writes in regard to inoperative wiper motor.
In April 0f 2022 I received a recall notice the federal safety agency 22V142 stating that my windshield wiper motor could stop working at any time. The recall has not been taken care of as of today 9-21-2022. I spoke with my dealership yesterday and they said that they have been told by Ford Motor Co. that they are Not to order the replacement motor to fix the issue unless the customer comes in with a broken motor. Why do we the customer have to wait until the motor stops working before this issue is fixed? What if it breaks during travel in heavy rain? The recall does state that this issue increases the risk of a crash. Ford is still building trucks that requires the part needed to fix my truck, so why am I having to risk getting caught in the rain? your help would be greatly appreciated.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Ford F-150 Hybrid wipers
Which Ford F-150 Hybrid years have windshield wiper failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2021 (8 complaints), 2022 (2 complaints) and 2023 (1 complaints).
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