Ford is recalling more than 140 000 2012 model year Focus hatches and sedans in the United States to deal with a problem in the wiring of windscreen wipers.
The recall posting on the website of the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website says: “Water or other contaminants may accumulate in the connector, resulting in an intermittent or inoperative passenger side wiper motor, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.”
Affected are 140 310 Focuses (Foci?) made between August 1, 2010 and October 18, 2011 - and because of the American habit of releasing new models earlier every year they are all regarded as 2012 models.
No mention is made on the posting of Focus models sold outside the United States, and Ford SA has assured us that the recall applies to North Amrican models only.
Ford says its dealers in the US will be bringing in the suspect vehicles for inspection from late May. If the passenger side passenger side wiper motor connector has been leaking it will cleaned and resealed and, if the motor isn't working it will be replaced.