Windshield Wiper/washer problems of the 2002 Ford Focus

Windshield wipers frequently fail without notice during rain events despite expensive repairs. Sometimes I have smelled smoke and am concerned having heard that the Focus wiper motors have caused fires in the past. Two Ford dealers have failed to isolate problem.

Windshield washer fluid disappears when you drive the car. I put in over 3 gallons, even though we did not use the washer. It is impossible to see how much fluid is in the container as it is hidden in the wheel well. We visited the dealer 4 times. Although he says he replaced the system, the problem is not fixed. In the northeast, we have severe snow and ice storms. Failure of the washer system during an ice storm would be a safety hazard. It would require stopping the car at frequent intervals on a dangerous interstate highway to clead the windshield. The dealers solution: "carry a gallon of wiper fluid in the car at all times. " he can't fix it. Says it is a design defect. Can you force Ford to make good on this? note: this form says the airbag was deployed. It was not.