The windshield wiper system has malfunctioned and appears to have an electrical issue. The wipers only activate on the highest speed setting and cannot be reduced to lower speeds unless the system is completely turned off. At times, the wipers also fail to activate entirely when the control switch is engaged. This malfunction creates a safety hazard because the windshield wipers may not operate when needed during rain or snow, significantly reducing driver visibility. Limited visibility increases the risk of a crash and poses a danger to myself and other drivers on the road. There are no dashboard warning lights or indicators related to the malfunction. The vehicle has not yet been taken to the manufacturer or a dealership for inspection due to financial constraints.
Ford Taurus wipers problems
316 of the 16,903 owner complaints about the Ford Taurus describe windshield wiper failure, most of them for the 1993 model year.
- owner complaints
- 316
- worst model year
- 1993
- typical repair cost reported
- $400
- typical mileage
- 61,443
By model year
Often reported together
Headlights 13Won't start 7Stalling 5Fire or smoke 5Hesitation 4Airbag light 4Transmission failure 3Power steering loss 3
What owners say
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 25V611000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while washing the vehicle, the silver paint on the driver side was peeling. The paint near the driver’s side mirror was peeling. Upon further investigation, the contact noticed that the passenger’s side had started peeling as well. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. Most recently, the exterior vent under the windshield wipers was fractured. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 ford taurus. The contact stated that the windshield wipers failed to operate intermittently. In addition, the vehicle needed to be restarted in order for the windshield wipers to operate. The contact mentioned that the windshield wipers were being adjusted when the failure occurred. The contact called flood ford at 401‑884‑4000 and was informed to only bring in the vehicle once the failure occurred and to contact the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that the failure was a technical issue and to contact the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000
About half the time, when windshield wipers are turned on, they will not shut off. I haven't experienced them turning on suddenly as I drive. They stay on when I turn them on. The headlights stay on as well. Even when turning lights off, the wipers remain. This causes them to be on while it's dry resulting in a dragging wipe and noise. It can also cause a minor smudge. I've had the car since june 2016 and this has always been an issue. To turn them on causes hesitation as they may not turn off any time soon. I've restarted the car a few times and my experience is to wait it out after a couple days. A brief look online shows various ford cars and trucks have this issue.
My 2000 ford taurus ses is having a problem with the radio and windshield wipers.when I start the car in the morning the radio is playing and the windshield wipers are working.as I am driving the car the radio suddenly turns off and the windshield wipers won't work.the radio and windshield wipers won't work for the rest of the day.the next morning when I start the car to go somewhere the radio and windshield wipers are working again.as before,while I am driving the radio goes off and the windshield wipers stop working again and they won't work for the rest of the day.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford taurus. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact mentioned that there was a short circuit within the radio, which caused the speedometer and the windshield wipers to fail. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure for the air bag however, the mechanic replaced the windshield wipers and radio. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.
20150705 0940 as I was driving about 25-30 MPH the car started accelerating on its on, I tapped on the brakes, there were no deceleration of the vehicle, as the car continued to accelerate. As I was coming to my left hand turn approaching other vehicles I realize that I was not going to be able to stop the car as long as the car keeps accelerating, therefore I executed the turn prematurely to avoid a possible accident. As I entered onto the street I turned on to I pumped the brakes several times and the car continued to accelerate. I continued to press the brakes and slowing the car to about 5 MPH and released the brakes and the car taken off again. I placed the car in neutral and revved the engine several times and the engine speed came back down to idle.I just had the vehicle at the butch oustalet ford dealership (20150512 with a written and oral description of the problems with the acceleration, engine shut-off, stalling . I was contacting by them informing me about the cruise control cable, windshield wiper water hose broken as well as bill for over $1000.00 to repair.as I researched online last night to find out there has been a issue related for this same problem, and that the federal safety agency has contacted ford about this, but given them the opportunity to handle it in-house, a recall was never issued of this potentially death trap at the cost of the consumer.on the invoice there is a limited warranty for certain parts, but there is no warranty for misdiagnosing, wrongful charge, intentional fraud and abuse of customer expectation, not to mention integrity of the dealership.what I have read online regarding the federal safety agency investigation is , it is going to take several deaths related to this issue before positive corrective matters are taken before the consumers receive the justice that is needed.1965 mustang issues, still in denial.
Tl* the contact owns 1999 ford taurus. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH, the windshield wipers failed intermittently. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.
My battery discharge light came on then the ABS light, the brake light and others. I have taken it to a repair shop and neither he nor I can find the battery drain. The computer doesn't show anything. At times if its raining the wipers go as does the heat or air blower. I have also noticed the transmission not shifting correctly. My main concern is the engine stopping or the brakes not working and I have had my wipers not work in a rain storm . Any advice?
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving various speeds in rainy weather, the windshield wipers failed to function in the intermediate setting. The wipers would only operate in high mode. In addition, the front passenger's side seat belt buckle would not unlatch or latch whenever engaged. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number 01v258000 (visibility) and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The failure mileage and VIN were unavailable.
Related recalls
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 number 05V520000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, "windshield mounting." the windshields may potentially exhibit increased wind noise, water leakage, and squeaks and rattles.
- Risk
- Potential loss of windshield retention may also reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace these windshields. Owner notification began on march 31, 2003. 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/mercury at 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 03V087000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, or ignition of the plastic cover material. 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. These vehicles were built at the following assembly plants: atlanta plant from 2/11/00 through 7/31/00; chicago plant from 2/14/00 through 8/4/00; kansas city plant from 2/26/00 to 9/4/00; kentucky truck plant from 2/18/00 to 8/31/00; michigan truck plant from 2/23/00 through 8/3/00; norfolk plant from 2/21/00 through 7/27/00; wayne stamping and assembly plant from 2/25/00 through 8/15/00; and wixom plant from 2/15/00 through 8/8/00.
- Risk
- Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. Motors built with the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced. Owner notification began august 20, 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 number 01V258000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford Taurus wipers
Which Ford Taurus years have windshield wiper failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1993 (122 complaints), 1999 (31 complaints) and 1992 (25 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix windshield wiper failure on the Ford Taurus?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $400 (median of 15 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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