YearToAvoid

2020 Ford Escape Visibility & Wipers Problems

NHTSA lists 64 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2020 Ford Escape, 4% of its 1,599 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 40,000 miles. A related recall (26V117000) covers a wiper motor that may fail on 2020-2022 Escape models.

Visibility & Wipers complaints
64
4% of 1,599
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
40,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical visibility and wiper symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the rear-view mirror mount is oversized and blocks part of the view to the right, especially on curvy roads.
  • Some drivers describe the windshield cracking suddenly near a wiper contact point during cold weather after the cabin heater had been running.
  • Several complaints describe the front driver's door striker or spot weld failing, which also kept the driver's window from rolling down fully.
  • One complaint reported a cracking sound from the front driver's door hinge that worsened until the window would not roll down properly.
  • A recall (26V117000) addresses a windshield wiper motor that may fail and stop the wipers from operating.

When 2020 Ford Escape visibility and wiper complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 14, 2020, latest Aug 28, 2026.

2020 Ford Escape visibility & wipers complaints: complaints filed per month7Feb 2020Nov 2022Sep 2023Sep 2024May 2025Nov 2025May 2026
64 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2020 to Aug 2026; peak Apr 2026 (7).

Visibility & Wipers recalls for the 2020 Ford Escape

  1. NHTSA 26V117000Mar 3, 2026Visibility & Wipers604,533 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.

Visibility & Wipers complaints by Escape model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201087 (4%)
  2. 201145 (3%)
  3. 201220 (3%)
  4. 201338 (1%)
  5. 201425 (1%)
  6. 201519 (2%)
  7. 201619 (2%)
  8. 201715 (1%)
  9. 201812 (1%)
  10. 20193 (1%)
  11. 202064 (4%)
  12. 202122 (6%)
  13. 20223 (1%)
  14. 20233 (3%)
  15. 20241 (1%)
  16. 20251 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How many visibility and wiper complaints does NHTSA have for the 2020 Ford Escape?
NHTSA lists 64 complaints in the Visibility & Wipers category for the 2020 Escape, which is 4% of all 1,599 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a wiper recall for the 2020 Ford Escape?
Yes. Recall 26V117000 covers 2020-2022 Escape, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles where the windshield wiper motor may fail. Dealers inspect and replace the front wiper motor as needed at no charge.
At what mileage do visibility and wiper problems typically show up on the 2020 Escape?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 40,000 miles.
Were there any crashes or fires linked to visibility and wiper issues on the 2020 Escape?
NHTSA records 0 crashes and 0 fires tied to Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2020 Escape, but 2 injuries were reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.