2021 Ford F-150 visibility/wiper problems

“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.”

“The rear window basically has 3 parts. Driver side, center sliding section, and passenger side. Only the driver side section defrost. According to online forums specifically for Ford trucks, this is a common issue. Ford’s Special Service Message (SSM) 48490 does reference this as a known issue.”

“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…”

“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 NHTSA 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.”

“Both Running Daytime Lights have stopped working. This is a common issue with 2021 and up F150's. The issue results in a loss of visibility during daylight hours, creating a safety issue during daytime hours. This also seems to be negligence on the manufacturer's side. My understanding of the issue is a part of the headlight gets too hot under normal operating conditions and results in a melting or possible burning of a section of the headlight assembly. This is also a potential fire hazard from this area which is close to the engine also.”

“Rear windshield spontaneously shattered. Reduced vision of rear window. Dealer will not inspect vehicle without paying a fee. Rear window defroster was on and there was cricking sound.”