Ford Initiates Recall for Over 600,000 Vehicles Due to Windshield Wiper Malfunctions

Ford Motor Company has issued a significant recall affecting more than 600,000 vehicles across its Ford and Lincoln brands. The recall is specifically tied to a defect in the windshield wiper motors, where misaligned terminals can lead to intermittent operation or complete failure of the front wipers. This widespread issue encompasses several popular SUV and crossover models from the 2020 to 2022 model years, highlighting a potential safety risk for drivers.

The affected vehicles include 2020-2022 Ford Explorer and Escape models, along with the 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Corsair. The core of the problem lies within the wiper motor's internal components. The misalignment of terminals creates an unreliable electrical connection, which can degrade over time and ultimately cause the wipers to stop functioning. This malfunction can severely impair driver visibility, particularly in adverse weather conditions, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.

Ford initially became aware of potential issues with these windshield wipers in June 2021. At that time, an internal investigation was launched but later concluded in September of the same year. The company determined that the condition did not present an unreasonable risk to vehicle safety, citing a low projected occurrence rate, the overt nature of the condition to customers, and an assessment of regulatory compliance.

However, the investigation was re-opened in November 2025 following an observed increase in reports of inoperative or intermittently functioning wipers during a review of a separate concern. Over the subsequent months, Ford collaborated with its supplier to conduct more thorough analyses. This renewed effort uncovered a substantial number of warranty claims, specifically 1,374 cases, all related to the wiper defect.

Consequently, Ford made the decision to initiate a recall at the end of last month. The company has stated that it is currently unaware of any injuries or accidents directly attributable to this particular wiper problem. Owners of the affected vehicles will start receiving official notifications from Ford in the coming week, detailing the necessary steps for repair and replacement.

The recall impacts a total of 604,533 vehicles: 328,341 Ford Explorers, 32,257 Lincoln Aviators, 210,349 Ford Escapes, and 33,586 Lincoln Corsairs. This incident adds to Ford's recent recall activity, as the manufacturer has already issued 14 recalls this year, a figure significantly higher than many competitors. Last year, Ford led all automakers with 152 recalls, affecting over 13 million vehicles. While this year's total may not reach such high numbers, the company continues to address various safety and quality concerns across its diverse product lineup.