| Subject: | Windshield wiper malfunction |
| Components covered: |
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| Investigations Summary: |
This investigation was opened on Jul. 28, 1999.
It was closed on Apr. 24, 2000.
Note: this investigation has resulted in
a vehicle safety recall. Odi has received 35 complaints alleging malfunction of the windshield wipers on certain 1997-1999 Ford explorers and Mercury mountaineers. The complainants allege that the wiper system is prone to erratic operation including failure to operate consistently during precipitiation as well as inadvertent operation when the control switch is disengaged. Of the 35 complaints received,11 allege that the wipers stopped sweeping the windshield without warning, 16 allege inadvertent operation, and 8 allege to have experience both conditions. Wipers are a critical automotive safety system without which a vehicle operator is unable to adequately see the road surface and other vehicles during precipitation. This inability to see could result in a crash. A preliminary evaluation is warranted to invetigate the alleged problem. |
| Vehicles Affected by this investigation: |
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