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In the U.S., Ford is issuing a recall for over 615,000 vehicles due to two distinct safety flaws concerning windshield wiper mechanisms and driveshaft parts, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
This more extensive recall encompasses 604,533 automobiles. A flaw in the front windshield wiper motor could lead to wipers functioning sporadically or ceasing operation altogether, thereby diminishing visual clarity and elevating the likelihood of an accident, according to NHTSA documents.
Affected by this recall are select 2020–2022 Ford Explorer and Escape variants, in addition to 2020–2022 Lincoln Aviator and Lincoln Corsair automobiles manufactured from July 6, 2020, to Dec. 15, 2021.
An Explorer from Ford is depicted at the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant, the facility where the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator sport utility vehicles undergo production.(Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
The Part 573 safety report indicates that this problem originates from a situation where the motor’s cover terminal might have been incorrectly aligned with the brush card terminal during manufacturing. This misalignment could potentially establish an inadequate electrical connection, eventually resulting in a discontinuation of electrical flow. Initially, front wiper performance might be sporadic before evolving into total failure.
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As of Feb. 18, 2026, Ford has documented 1,374 warranty complaints concerning non-functional or inconsistent windshield wiper motors among the impacted group. However, the company stated it has no knowledge of any accidents or harm attributed to this fault. The projected failure rate is approximately 1% of the total recalled vehicles.
A 2020 Ford Explorer ST actively moving.(Ford Motor Co.)
This recall is cataloged as NHTSA Campaign Number 26V117, with Ford’s proprietary recall identification being 26S14.
Automobile dealerships are instructed to examine and substitute the front wiper motors, without any cost to the owners, when required. The dissemination of notifications to dealers commenced on March 4, 2026, and provisional letters to owners are projected to be dispatched between March 9 and March 13, 2026. A subsequent communiqué will be issued upon the provision of a definitive solution, foreseen between May 11 and May 15, 2026.
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Ford has directed its dealerships to refrain from showcasing or handing over new inventory automobiles affected by this recall until all necessary repairs are finalized. According to federal legislation, recall-related fixes must be concluded prior to vehicle delivery to purchasers.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | FORD MOTOR CO. | 12.34 | -0.47 | -3.67% |
Vehicle proprietors may reach Ford’s customer support at 1-866-436-7332 or verify their vehicle identification number on NHTSA.gov, as the impacted VINs became discoverable on March 4, 2026.
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Independently, Ford is additionally summoning 11,431 U.S. automobiles due to a potential failure in the driveshaft’s friction weld. This could lead to a detachment of the rear driveshaft and an abrupt cessation of propulsive force, NHTSA declared. Dealerships will rectify this problem without any charge to vehicle owners.