Cars are an expensive but necessary purchase that many people make on a daily basis. There are of course many things that a potential buyer is looking for when trying to decide what car to buy. Along with the style and color, safety often looms large. Despite this, auto defects seem cause cars to be recalled on a regular basis.

The latest recall to be issued was announced earlier this week. U.S. safety regulators recalled more than 140,000 Ford Focus, model year 2012.

According to information provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the reason for the recall is a problem that could affect the windshield wiper motor. The motor electrical connector for the wiper could be missing a seal plug. It is possible that the missing piece could let water into the portion of the motor where the electrical connections are made. The introduction of the water into that area could render the passenger side wiper unable to work.

Compared to the potential for a car fire, this defect may seem small and somewhat insignificant. The reality however is that a malfunctioning windshield wiper can be quite dangerous, even when it is located on the passenger side of the vehicle. A windshield that is obstructed due to rain or snow could potentially lead to a car accident if the person behind the wheel is unable to see an oncoming object.

Information will be sent to the owners of the vehicles included in the recall next month. The potentially defective portion of the wiper motor will be repaired as needed.

Source: Reuters, "Ford recalls more than 140,000 Focus cars in U.S." April 9, 2012