Windshield wipers are beginning to get stuck in the up position to the point where I have to go and push it down by hand. This is created unsafe driving in rain because it cannot clean the windshield properly. I talked with a mechanic and they let me know that many other ford vehicles are having the same issue and a recall has been put out for that defect for other vehicles, but not the f150. There are no warning lights.
2021 Ford F-150: windshield wiper failure
53 of the 1,052 complaints about the 2021 Ford F-150 describe windshield wiper failure.
- owner complaints
- 53
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical mileage
- 49,350
- recalls
- 6
Windshield wiper failure by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the windshield wipers failed to activate as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V842000 (VISIBILITY). The failure mileage was 97,000.
When using the window wipers, they become inoperable. Stopping in the middle of the window, pausing when moving, or completely stopping and unable to get them to start moving until they begin to move on their own. This has occurred multiple times and at multiple different speeds of operation for the wipers. This was a previous recall issued by Ford that has been completed on the vehicle yet the same result is occurring.
Here is what happened on Feb 21st 2026 at about 8:00 AM MST. We were driving east in the mountains on I-70 in Colorado approaching the Eisenhower tunnel. The truck had been parked in a heated garage overnight. There had been some snow the night before which had been melted by sand and salt, so the road was wet and messy. The vehicles ahead and around my truck were kicking up a mist of water and sand and dirt. My windshield quickly became covered and obstructed. I attempted to apply some windshield washer fluid, but nothing came out. To make matters worse, the wipers automatically turned on turning the speckled dirt and sand to be smeared across the windshield making it almost impossible to see. The smear was too dry that any further wiper action did nothing to clear the windshield. This happened while entering the tunnel. In the dark or the tunnel I could barely see the road – only by ducking way low and peeking through a small portion of the windshield below the wiper smear. There is no place to pull over inside the tunnel. As we exited the tunnel, we were facing the east sun which lit up the smear and made the windshield completely obscured - even my last tiny piece. We were still at 50 MPH with surrounding traffic. My only option was to ease right and hope the emergency lane was clear. I had to hang my head out the side window to determine how far to ease right. It was a miracle we were able to pull off and not hit any other vehicles and come to a stop (I was completely blind). I tried the washer fluid many more times but nothing. I opened the hood and verified I had plenty of fluid and that it was liquid and not frozen. I checked the spray outlets and made sure they were not blocked in any way. Nothing. The washer spray would not work. After turning the truck off and back on - the washer/wipers worked fine. I believe this is a software issue. My family and I were quite shaken up.
Windhshield wipers suddenly stopped working.
The windshield wipers on my 2021 Ford F-150 are inoperable. The wipers suddenly stopped working with no warning. The vehicle had already received Recall 23S10, which was supposed to replace the defective wiper motor arm. However, the wipers have failed again, suggesting the recall remedy was inadequate or that defective components are still being used. Ford and the servicing dealer refuse to reopen the recall or provide coverage, even though this is clearly the same safety issue. Without functioning wipers, the vehicle is unsafe to drive in rain or snow. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether Ford’s recall 23S10 remedy is effective and whether additional corrective action or a new recall should be issued to address continued wiper motor failures on these vehicles.
My Ford truck was part of Recall 22S26 / the federal safety agency Recall 22V250, which required the replacement of faulty windshield wiper arms. On 12/12/2023, I took my vehicle to Karl Flammer Ford for the recall service. The receipt I was given states that both wiper arms were replaced as part of the recall. In 2025, I noticed the driver-side wiper arm was loose and could potentially detach while in use. Upon closer inspection, I found the stamped date code on the wiper arm showed “2021,” the year of my truck. This indicates the part is one of the original faulty components included in the recall and was never replaced, despite the dealer’s claim that it was. A failing wiper arm poses a significant safety hazard because loss of windshield visibility during rain could easily result in a crash. I presented this evidence to Karl Flammer Ford, but they continue to insist the wiper arms were replaced. Ford Motor Company has been unresponsive and unhelpful, repeatedly transferring me between departments and promising call-backs that never come. No progress has been made toward fixing the issue. At this time, the vehicle remains equipped with the recalled part, which is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has only been reviewed by the dealer; Ford has not conducted any proper inspection or resolution. No police or insurance inspection has taken place. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages prior to this discovery. The only symptom was the driver-side wiper arm becoming loose, which I observed in 2025. Given Ford’s failure to properly address this recall and the ongoing safety risk, I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this matter and ensure Ford fulfills its obligation to replace the defective parts.
I was driving in a torrential rain storm in Florida. My wipers were on as I have the Platinum edition which has numerous sensors. I heard a strange sound then nothing the wipers stopped and I could not see a thing. I was in traffic so i put my hazard lights on and I indicated to the right and pulled over. I could not drive the vehicle so I had to wait the storm out before I could drive. When I got home I noted that this was a common problem with the 2021 F150 and in Particular the Platinum edition. I called Greenway Ford who told me it was covered under warranty but when I got there they advised me that my vehicle was not part of the recall. They advised that a technician could take a look at $179 to assess the damage. I said its clearly wiper motor as there is no sound at all when you try to turn on the wipers its completely dead. I wondered if any other owners had suffered the same fate. Unfortunately I cant drive the vehicle right now as we have regular storms in Orlando. I have only had the vehicle a few months and I was pretty disappointed in their response as it was really dangerous when this happened. I am not a mechanic but it appears by the VIN my vehicle was not part of the recall. I am reporting this in case there are other owners who suffered the same issue and it may warrant a recall. I thank you in advance for any help you can provide and thank you for keeping us safe.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the windshield wipers were hesitating while operating, before becoming inoperable. While driving in the rain, it was difficult to see due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V163000 (Visibility). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another Ford dealer, Ted Britt Ford of Chantilly Service (4175 Auto Park Cir, Chantilly, VA 20151); to be diagnosed, and the wiper arms were replaced for not working properly. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The manufacturer stated the repairs were outside of the warranty or recall parameters. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Complaint Regarding Wiper Motor Recall – 2021 Ford F-150 VIN [XXX] I am filing this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2021 Ford F-150 (VIN [XXX] ). The wipers sometimes stop mid-sweep or malfunction during operation, creating a major hazard during rain and poor visibility. This appears to be related to Ford Recall 22S12, which addresses defective wiper motors on this vehicle model. I contacted a local Ford dealership and asked if this recall had been completed. They could not confirm it. Instead, they told me that the problem might have been caused by an oil change shop replacing the wiper blades — and that I would be responsible for paying $200 for an inspection and up to $400 for repairs, even though the issue appears to be recall-related. Replacing wiper blades is routine maintenance and should not affect the motor’s function. I can find no technical data or public documentation that supports the dealership’s claim that improper blade installation causes a wiper motor to fail or stop mid-cycle. This sounds like an excuse to avoid honoring the recall. I am unsure whether the recall was ever completed on my truck. If it wasn’t, it needs to be done now. If it was, and the motor is still failing, that indicates a faulty or incomplete recall repair. Either way, Ford should not charge me for diagnosing or fixing a known recall-related defect. I am requesting: •Written confirmation of whether Recall 22S12 was completed •Immediate inspection and proper repair if the motor was not replaced •Coverage under recall or warranty if the part remains defective I’m also reporting this to the Better Business Bureau to document what I believe is an unfair attempt to shift responsibility and costs for a known safety issue. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in a rainstorm, the windshield wipers suddenly stopped functioning. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V163000 (Visibility), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 39,000.
Windshield wiper motor failure during a heavy rain driving down [XXX] at night with children in truck on the way to a soccer tournament in Tulsa Oklahoma. Had new wiper motor replaced at dealership due to failure. No symptoms or warning prior to the failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service bulletins that may apply
- Window not responding to one-touch controls and/or bouncing back when using the one-touch close function
- 25S49 Recall Remedy: -Infotainment software update to address frozen screens"
- Window not responding to one-touch controls and/or bouncing back when using the one-touch close function
- Window not responding to one-touch controls, not opening all the way and/or bouncing back when using the...
- Inoperative A/C, lack of air flow, blows warm, and/or evidence of the evaporator freezing
- Window not responding to one-touch controls, does not open all the way and/or bounces back when using the...
- Various exterior rear view mirror functional concerns that require replacement after diagnosis
- High pitched squeal or whistle type noise from the engine compartment after the engine is shut off
Related recalls
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.
- Risk
- A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning October 30, 2025.
Recall number 25V729000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
- Risk
- Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S10. This recall expands previous recall number 22V‑250.
Recall number 23V163000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
- Risk
- Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper motor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2023. Remedy parts are expected in the 3rd Quarter of 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S71. This recall expands previous recall number 22V‑142.
Recall number 22V842000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
- Risk
- Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.
Recall number 22V250000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
- Risk
- Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper motor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 22, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S12.
Recall number 22V142000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield: critical fasteners
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 and 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C06.
Recall number 21V090000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2021 Ford F-150 wipers
Is windshield wiper failure a common problem on the 2021 Ford F-150?
53 of 1,052 owner complaints about the 2021 Ford F-150 (5%) mention windshield wiper failure. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Ford F-150?
There are 6 recalls and 13 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2021 Ford F-150
Headlights 77Jerking 55Harsh shifting 53Loss of power 40Stalling 40Fuel pump 35Backup camera 32Check engine light 30Transmission failure 29Slipping 27Hesitation 25ABS 21Power steering loss 19Adaptive cruise 17Engine failure 17Collision warning 16Screen failure 16Door locks 15Shudder 14Grinding brakes 13Knocking 11Overheating 10Won't shift 10Misfire 9Oil consumption 7Sudden acceleration 7Sunroof shattered 6Won't start 6Fire or smoke 5
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2021 Ford F-150?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history