Windshield Wiper/washer Motor problems of the 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis

Windshield wipers on my 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis began operating erratically two months after the vehicle was out of warranty. Initially they turned on by themselves and could not be turned off; a week later I could not turn them on at all except in the very high setting. Finally, 1-2 weeks later they wouldn't turn on at all. All of this erratic operation happened within a 3 to 4 week period seemingly at comparatively low temperatures (15 to 30 degrees fahrenheit). The dealer recommended replacing a switch on the steering column for $350, but this did not permanently solve the problem. Then they recommended replacing the windshield wiper motor for another $350. So far this approach seems to have alleviated the problem, but such an outlay 2 months out of warranty is inexcusable, without a recall and free repair, given fords apparently generic problem with erratically operating wipers on their other products. Fortunately, I was not in any dangerous situations (snow or rain storms, etc. ) where my immediately safety depended on the reliable operation of the wipers, but this is a potentially dangerous condition and an inexcusable cash outlay for consumers.