2020 Ford Explorer visibility & wipers problems

Related recalls

• Recall 26V117000Mar 3, 2026604,533 vehicles
  VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

  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.

  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.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 8, 2026MISteeringTransmission & DrivetrainVisibility & Wipers

   on the highway it was raining heavily, and my 6 years old was in car back seat. Suddenly wipers stopped working, Steering wheel wasn't working, indicator was not working, I was getting multiple warnings on my screen. We would have ended up in a major accident.

   NHTSA complaint #11769834 · source
2. Filed Sep 25, 2026NDBody & StructureVisibility & Wipers

   Panoramic roof sunshade/retractor failure resulting in obstruction of rearward visibility through the interior rearview mirror while driving

   NHTSA complaint #11766953 · source
3. Filed Jul 24, 2026MDOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers

   The edges of the fabric sunroof cover have come off the tracks, causing the sunroof cover to not roll up properly and block the rear window when open.

   NHTSA complaint #11752661 · source
4. Filed Jul 22, 2026AKOther / UnknownTransmission & DrivetrainVisibility & Wipers

   The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V685000 (Equipment), 26V117000 (Visibility), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact was concerned that the incomplete recalls presented significant safety risks, specifically because the contact resided in Alaska, where it rained constantly with low temperatures. The dealer was contacted and confirmed…

   NHTSA complaint #11752205 · source
5. Filed Jul 21, 202687,159 miTNCrashTransmission & DrivetrainVisibility & Wipers

   The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V675000 (Power Train), 26V117000 (Visibility), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle with the foot on the brake pedal, the gear shifter was shifted to park(P), and the…

   NHTSA complaint #11751786 · source
6. Filed Jul 21, 2026TXVisibility & Wipers

   The front windshield wiper motor on my 2020 Ford Explorer is experiencing severe intermittent failure and physical binding/clunking while in operation, resulting in a total loss of front visibility while driving in rain. This failure matches the exact root cause and symptoms described in Ford Safety Recall 26S14 / NHTSA Campaign 26V117 (intermittent wiper function progressing to complete electrical continuity failure due to internal terminal misalignment). However, Ford…

   NHTSA complaint #11751765 · source
7. Filed Jul 7, 2026OHOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers

   Explorers moon roof shad came of track and I was unaware and could not see behind my in my rear view camera. Also was covering my infant child's face when it drooped down instead of rolling back.

   NHTSA complaint #11748902 · source
8. Filed Jul 1, 2026AZVisibility & Wipers

   The sunroof shade malfunctioned and feel while driving obstructing view and could possibly have caused an accident. Took to dealer and they said it was a common thing that happens with the moonroof shade coming off the tracks. They said it was not covered under warranty and was going to be a 2k repair. Or pin it up and don’t use the shade. The the car is only 5 years old and shade possibly used 4 times a year. For such a new car and unused component should not fail that…

   NHTSA complaint #11747855 · source
9. Filed Jun 20, 2026NJElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

   The front windshield wiper on my vehicle,may become inoperative. The Ford Motors says that they don't have the part to replace,and when they have it I have to pay for the repair.

   NHTSA complaint #11745393 · source
10. Filed May 21, 2026MOElectrical SystemLightingVisibility & Wipers

    Both my passenger and driver headlights have failed. I have paid to have them replaced. The drivers side has failed twice. The passenger side has failed 3 times. I have taken it to the dealership and they “fixed” the issue but it keeps coming back months or weeks later. The low beams are what is failing. The message on the dash says “check headlight assembly see manual” This is a safety risk to me and other people on the road. They have failed while driving. If I am driving…

    NHTSA complaint #11739255 · source
11. Filed Apr 1, 2026PAVisibility & Wipers

    I had a really disappointing experience at Delta Sonic Car Wash in [XXX] and feel like other customers should be aware. During my visit, an employee used a pressure washer on my windshield before I entered the wash. This caused small debris to stick to the glass, and instead of being removed, it stayed on my windshield as my car went through the wash. The equipment then dragged that debris across the glass, leaving a deep scratch about 8 inches long. My windshield was only 2…

    NHTSA complaint #11728456 · source
12. Filed Mar 10, 2026IAVisibility & Wipers

    My Right windshield wiper dose not working properly . When I turn on the wipers the right one don't move . Sometimes it will come up but the only one that's works right is the left one . This is a safety hazard for driving

    NHTSA complaint #11723401 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology