The problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
The risk
Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 26V-117 (26V117000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 26S14 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor |
| Report date | March 3, 2026 |
| Vehicles affected | 604,533 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof
- 2020 Ford Escape window & wiper problems 66
- 2021 Ford Escape window & wiper problems 24
- 2022 Ford Escape window & wiper problems 3
- 2020 Ford Explorer window & wiper problems 68
- 2021 Ford Explorer window & wiper problems 48
- 2022 Ford Explorer window & wiper problems 30
- 2020 Lincoln Aviator window & wiper problems 8
- 2021 Lincoln Aviator window & wiper problems 7
- 2022 Lincoln Aviator window & wiper problems 7
- 2020 Lincoln Corsair window & wiper problems 4
- 2021 Lincoln Corsair window & wiper problems 2
- 2022 Lincoln Corsair window & wiper problems 4
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 26V-117 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 604,533 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.