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Ford Explorer, Escape and Lincoln wiper motors may quit

NHTSA campaign 26V117000 · Reported 2026-03-03 · Ford Motor Company

medium How serious is it? About this label

Moderate: the notice does not say to stop driving, but be extra careful in rain or snow until the repair is available and done.

What's wrong, in plain English

The motor that drives the windshield wipers can fail, so the wipers may not work the way they should or may stop working at all. If that happens during rain or snow, you can lose your clear view of the road. Ford has already mailed a letter warning owners about the risk, but the final fix is not ready yet; it is expected in October 2026. Dealers will inspect and replace the motor free of charge.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your vehicle is covered (Ford's recall number is 26S14).
2. Watch for Ford's second letter, expected around October 2026, when the final repair is ready.
3. Contact your dealer or Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 to have the wiper motor inspected and replaced. The repair is free.

Affected vehicles (12)

2020 Ford Escape
2020 Ford Explorer
2020 Lincoln Aviator
2020 Lincoln Corsair
2021 Ford Escape
2021 Ford Explorer
2021 Lincoln Aviator
2021 Lincoln Corsair
2022 Ford Escape
2022 Ford Explorer
2022 Lincoln Aviator
2022 Lincoln Corsair

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

Why do Ford windshields, glass panels and wipers keep getting recalled? · all 17 Ford recalls in this area
Why do Lincoln windows, wipers and windshields keep getting recalled? · all 13 Lincoln recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Summary: 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.
Safety risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 October 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.

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