How many 2020 Ford Explorer owners complained about visibility and wipers?

NHTSA lists 66 complaints in this category for the 2020 Explorer, which is 5% of all 1,218 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a wiper recall for the 2020 Ford Explorer?

Yes. Recall 26V117000 covers 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles for a windshield wiper motor that may fail and stop the wipers from operating; dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motor free of charge.

At what mileage do wiper and visibility problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 7,000 miles at the time these complaints were filed.

Did any 2020 Explorer visibility or wiper complaints involve crashes or injuries?

Yes. NHTSA records 2 crashes and 4 injuries linked to Visibility & Wipers complaints on the 2020 Explorer, with no fires reported.

2020 Ford Explorer Visibility & Wipers Problems

Visibility & Wipers issues account for 66 complaints (5% of all 2020 Explorer complaints), with a median failure mileage of 7,000 miles. A related recall, 26V117000, covers a wiper motor that can fail and stop the wipers from working.

Visibility & Wipers complaints: 66; 5% of 1,218
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 4
Median mileage: 7,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical visibility and wiper symptoms owners report

Rear backup camera intermittently displays a blue or dark screen, sometimes disabling parking sensors and rear braking assist.
Front windshield wipers stop moving or only vibrate back and forth about an inch, especially while driving in rain, sometimes forcing drivers to pull over.
Driver-side wiper becomes inoperable and reoccurs even after dealer replacement, with one report tracing it to a bracket sinking into the cowl.
Windshield washer fluid tank leaks continuously while driving, requiring frequent refills even after the tank was replaced.
Sunroof/moonroof wind deflector detaches while driving, in one case repeatedly after multiple dealer repairs.
Windshield develops a spontaneous crack starting near the base of the glass without any reported impact.

When 2020 Ford Explorer visibility and wiper complaints were filed

First complaint May 28, 2020, latest Jul 24, 2026.

66 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2020 to Jul 2026; peak May 2025 (7).

Visibility & Wipers recalls for the 2020 Ford Explorer

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 Explorer model year

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

20103 (3%)
201121 (2%)
201223 (3%)
201362 (3%)
201452 (3%)
201542 (2%)
201667 (3%)
201773 (4%)
201827 (4%)
20197 (2%)
202066 (5%)
202141 (10%)
202229 (11%)
202310 (9%)
20243 (14%)
202513 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

How many 2020 Ford Explorer owners complained about visibility and wipers?: NHTSA lists 66 complaints in this category for the 2020 Explorer, which is 5% of all 1,218 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a wiper recall for the 2020 Ford Explorer?: Yes. Recall 26V117000 covers 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles for a windshield wiper motor that may fail and stop the wipers from operating; dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motor free of charge.
At what mileage do wiper and visibility problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 7,000 miles at the time these complaints were filed.
Did any 2020 Explorer visibility or wiper complaints involve crashes or injuries?: Yes. NHTSA records 2 crashes and 4 injuries linked to Visibility & Wipers complaints on the 2020 Explorer, with no fires reported.