How common are visibility and wiper problems on the 2021 Ford Escape?

NHTSA lists 22 complaints in this area for the 2021 Escape, which is 6% of all 346 complaints filed for that model year — the highest share among Escape model years in this dataset.

Is there a recall for wiper problems on the 2021 Ford Escape?

Yes. Recall 26V117000 covers 2020-2022 Escape and related Ford/Lincoln vehicles for a windshield wiper motor that may fail and stop the wipers from working. Dealers are to inspect and replace the front wiper motor free of charge.

At what mileage do these visibility and wiper issues show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 58,395 miles.

Have visibility and wiper problems on the 2021 Escape caused crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 injuries and 0 fires linked to Visibility & Wipers complaints on the 2021 Escape.

2021 Ford Escape Visibility & Wipers Problems

NHTSA lists 22 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2021 Ford Escape, 6% of its 346 total complaints for the year — the highest share of any model year. A related recall (26V117000) covers a wiper motor that may fail, tied to one reported crash and no injuries.

Visibility & Wipers complaints: 22; 6% of 346
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 58,395 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical visibility and wiper symptoms owners report

Passenger-side wiper arm loosens and misaligns, sometimes crossing over the driver-side wiper and impairing visibility in winter conditions.
Windshield cracks on its own while parked with the defroster running on high to clear frost.
Driver-side window fails to open or close properly.
Panoramic sunroof shade sags or will not roll up fully, blocking rear visibility.
Sunroof plastic cover has detached while driving at highway speed.
Owners report the wiper motor recall repair (26V117000) has been delayed because replacement parts were not available at dealers.

When 2021 Ford Escape visibility and wiper complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 15, 2022, latest Sep 23, 2026.

22 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2022 to Sep 2026; peak Apr 2026 (4).

Visibility & Wipers recalls for the 2021 Ford Escape

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.

201087 (4%)
201145 (3%)
201220 (3%)
201338 (1%)
201425 (1%)
201519 (2%)
201619 (2%)
201715 (1%)
201812 (1%)
20193 (1%)
202064 (4%)
202122 (6%)
20223 (1%)
20233 (3%)
20241 (1%)
20251 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are visibility and wiper problems on the 2021 Ford Escape?: NHTSA lists 22 complaints in this area for the 2021 Escape, which is 6% of all 346 complaints filed for that model year — the highest share among Escape model years in this dataset.
Is there a recall for wiper problems on the 2021 Ford Escape?: Yes. Recall 26V117000 covers 2020-2022 Escape and related Ford/Lincoln vehicles for a windshield wiper motor that may fail and stop the wipers from working. Dealers are to inspect and replace the front wiper motor free of charge.
At what mileage do these visibility and wiper issues show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 58,395 miles.
Have visibility and wiper problems on the 2021 Escape caused crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 injuries and 0 fires linked to Visibility & Wipers complaints on the 2021 Escape.