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Explorer, Aviator washer fluid contaminated with brake fluid

NHTSA campaign 21V014000 · Reported Jan 15, 2021 · Ford Motor Company

high How serious is it? About this label

Reduced visibility from a compromised washer system increases the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	21V014000
Reported to NHTSA	Jan 15, 2021
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Part affected	Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer
Vehicles covered	2 model/year combinations, model years 2020
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

On some Explorer Police Interceptor Utility and Aviator vehicles, the windshield washer fluid was contaminated with brake fluid. Washer fluid contaminated this way can reduce the driver's ability to clear the windshield, which increases the risk of a crash.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your vehicle is affected.
2. Contact a Ford dealer or call customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
3. The washer system flush and any needed part replacement will be done free of charge.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 21V014000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (2)

2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept
2020 Lincoln Aviator

Who to contact

Ford — official Ford recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Lincoln — official Lincoln recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Ford Visibility Recalls Cover Windshields, Wipers, Windows and Roof Glass · all 17 Ford recalls in this area
Lincoln Visibility Recalls Cover Power Windows, Wipers and Windshield Defects · all 13 Lincoln recalls in this area

Other Ford Explorer Police Intercept recalls

Apr 14, 2022Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Rear Axle Bolt Issuehigh

Official notice

Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The affected vehicles contain windshield washer fluid that was contaminated with brake fluid. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."
Safety risk: A washer system contaminated with brake fluid can reduce the driver's ability to clear windshield, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush out the washer system, replacing the washer bottle neck, washer pump assembly, fluid level sensor and the front and rear wiper blades. Dealers will also inspect and repair the vehicle's paint and exterior components if affected, free of charge. The recall began March 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C01.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.