Ford Announces Second Major Recall in Two Days

DETROIT, Nov 17, 2005; Reuters reported that Ford Motor Co. said it was recalling nearly 224,000 vehicles because their windshield wipers may malfunction.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the windshield wiper motor on the vehicles may have been produced without grease being applied to the output shaft gear.

Inoperative windshield wipers could cause a crash due to impaired visibility, NHTSA said.

Ford spokeswoman Kristen Kinley said no accidents or injuries had been reported in connection with the recall.

Trucks, SUVs, pickups and cars are all involved in the recall. Vehicles affected, all from the 2006 model year and mostly in the United States, include the Escape, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, Ranger, Taurus, Mark LT, Navigator, Mariner and Mountaineer.

They also include the Ford E-150, E-250, E-350 and E-450.

The recall follows a report on Wednesday that Ford was recalling nearly 226,000 vehicles in the United States and Canada, including its flagship Ford Five Hundred sedan and Freestyle wagon, because of fire risks.