The actions affect certain 2020–2022 Ford and Lincoln SUVs and include a dealer delivery hold tied to the larger recall
Ford is recalling more than 615,000 vehicles in the U.S. over two separate safety defects — one involving windshield wiper motors and the other affecting driveshaft components — according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The two recalls, issued separately, cover a wide range of popular Ford and Lincoln SUV models and carry significant safety implications for hundreds of thousands of American drivers.
The Bigger Problem: Wipers That Can Stop Working
The larger of the two recalls covers 604,533 vehicles and centers on a front windshield wiper motor defect that could cause the wipers to work intermittently — or stop functioning altogether.
When wipers fail during rain or snow, driver visibility drops sharply, significantly raising the risk of a crash. NHTSA filings confirm this assessment.
The affected vehicles include:
- 2020–2022 Ford Explorer
- 2020–2022 Ford Escape
- 2020–2022 Lincoln Aviator
- 2020–2022 Lincoln Corsair
All affected units were manufactured between July 6, 2020, and December 15, 2021.
What Went Wrong During Assembly
According to Ford’s Part 573 safety report, the root cause traces back to the manufacturing process. During assembly, the wiper motor’s cover terminal may have been misaligned with the brush card terminal, creating a weak or unstable electrical connection.
Over time, this poor connection can lead to a complete loss of electrical continuity — first showing up as intermittent wiper behavior before eventually progressing to total inoperability.
Ford has identified 1,374 warranty claims related to this issue as of February 18, 2026. However, the company says it is not aware of any crashes or injuries tied to the defect. The estimated defect rate is approximately 1% of the recalled population.
What Ford Is Doing About It
The recall is listed under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V117, with Ford’s internal tracking number 26S14.
Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors at no cost to vehicle owners. The repair timeline breaks down as follows:
- Dealer notification began: March 4, 2026
- Interim owner notification letters: Expected between March 9–13, 2026
- Final remedy availability: Anticipated between May 11–15, 2026
In the meantime, Ford has instructed dealers not to demonstrate or deliver any new, in-stock vehicles covered under this recall until the repairs are completed. Federal law requires that recall repairs be finished before a vehicle is handed over to a buyer.
Owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or check their vehicle identification number directly on NHTSA.gov, where affected VINs became searchable on March 4, 2026.
The Second Recall: A Driveshaft That Can Separate
Separately, Ford is also recalling 11,431 vehicles due to a driveshaft defect. The concern here is that a friction weld on the rear driveshaft may fail — potentially causing the driveshaft to separate entirely from the vehicle.
A sudden driveshaft separation means an abrupt and unexpected loss of drive power, which can be extremely dangerous, particularly at highway speeds or in heavy traffic.
As with the wiper recall, dealers will perform the necessary repairs at no charge to affected owners.
What Owners Should Do Now
If you own a 2020–2022 Ford Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, or Lincoln Corsair, here is what to do:
- Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov to confirm whether your vehicle is affected.
- Contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 for further guidance.
- Watch for a mailed notification from Ford, expected between March 9–13, 2026.
- Schedule a dealer visit once parts are available and the repair remedy is confirmed.
Both recalls are free of charge, and no action is required before the notification letters arrive — though owners are encouraged to stay informed.
Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford Motor Company Part 573 Safety Report, NHTSA Campaign No. 26V117
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