Ford Windshield Wiper Recall: 605,000 Vehicles Affected

Ford is recalling 604,533 vehicles because their windshield wipers may fail. Some front wiper motors may have misaligned terminals, resulting in intermittent functionality before they completely fail.

The recall affects the 2020-2022 Ford Explorer and Escape, as well as the 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Corsair. According to the recall report, these misaligned terminals can create a poor connection that eventually fails.  

Ford first learned of a potential issue with the wipers in June 2021. The automaker opened an investigation but closed it in September of that year after determining “that the condition did not pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.” According to the report:  

‘This conclusion was supported by a low projected occurrence rate, the overt nature of the condition to the customer, and Ford’s assessment of regulatory compliance.’

Ford would reopen its investigation in November 2025 after learning of an increased rate of inoperative or intermittent wipers while looking into a separate issue. Between November and February 2026, the automaker and its supplier conducted further investigations, during which Ford uncovered 1,374 warranty claims related to the issue.  

The automaker decided to issue a recall late last month. It is unaware of any injuries or accidents related to the issue. Ford will begin notifying affected owners next week.  

• 2020-2022 Explorer — 328,341 Affected
• 2020-2022 Aviator — 32,257 Affected
• 2020-2002 Escape — 210,349 Affected
• 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair — 33,586 Affected
• Total Affected — 604,533 Affected 

Motor1’s Take: Ford has issued 14 recalls so far this year, nearly three times as many as the next manufacturer, Toyota. Last year, Ford Motor Company recorded the most recalls of any automaker, with 152 recalls affecting more than 13 million vehicles. Ford won’t likely get anywhere close to that number this year.