NHTSA complaint #11515300

Owner complaint summary

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Windshield wipers. Yes, it's available, but since it is environmentally dependent, it may be harder to capture. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Per Ford: "The vehicle is equipped with protection features to prevent damage to the wiper motor in case of overheating, usage on dry windshields or obstructions to the wiper blade due to snow or ice accumulation on the windshield. In such conditions, the wiper motor may restrict its speed, reduce area of cleaning or completely stop operation. System returns back to normal operation mode once conditions are resolved." The current "safety" measures put in place by Ford are actually causing a safety hazard when driving. When driving in rain so heavy that I couldn't see, in 37-degree weather, the wipers slowed down to once every 3-7 seconds, which means I was virtually blind that long on a freeway, going 70mph, and surrounded by vehicles. I haven't seen the issue when the wipers run slower (light-mid rain). At the most recent time of occurrence: * The temperatures were near, or below freezing, which should've helped keep the motors cool (I was driving through the mountains at the time). * There was so much rain that my windshield was completely obfuscated by a layer of water within about 1 second. It was not dry, at all. * There was no debris or build-up on the windshield, impeding the blades. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. Other Bronco owners that have reported it were told "this is normal." Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Nothing indicated why it was happening. It just would happen.