Recall 21V014 covers 283 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept and Lincoln Aviator vehicles with brake-fluid-contaminated washer systems. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 283 2020 Explorer Police Intercept and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because their windshield washer fluid was contaminated with brake fluid. The contaminated washer system can reduce the driver's ability to clear the windshield and increase crash risk, so Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The windshield washer system on the 2020 Explorer Police Intercept and Aviator stores cleaning fluid in a reservoir, then pumps it through small nozzles onto the windshield. The wipers spread that fluid across the glass so the driver can clear dirt, road spray, and other buildup while driving.
On affected vehicles, the problem is the fluid in the reservoir. Ford says the assembly plant filled the washer reservoir with washer fluid that was contaminated with brake fluid, so the system sprays a brake-fluid and washer-fluid mixture instead of clean washer fluid. The issue is the fill material, not a broken pump, hose, or wiper motor.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner would not have a dashboard light or normal service message that identifies brake fluid contamination in the washer reservoir before using the washers.
Who's affected?
Covers the Explorer Police Intercept and Aviator, both tied to the same wiper system.
| 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept | wiper system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Lincoln Aviator | wiper system |
| Units affected | 283 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
Brake fluid in the washer system can keep the windshield from clearing properly, which reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before reduced washer performance, so schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept or 2020 Lincoln Aviator is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free washer-system flush and parts replacement that removes brake-fluid contamination from the wiper washer system.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V014 when you call.
- Avoid driving with poor windshield visibility until the repair is complete; pull over safely if the washer system cannot clear the windshield.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician flushes the washer system to remove contaminated fluid. The technician also replaces the washer bottle neck, washer pump assembly, fluid level sensor, and front and rear wiper blades. The dealer then inspects the vehicle's paint and exterior components and repairs any damage tied to the contamination. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Ford excludes a separate reimbursement program because the original warranty provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies to prior washer-system or exterior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| January 15, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 19, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| January 19, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 2, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 8, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V014?
Recall 21V014 covers 283 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept and Lincoln Aviator vehicles with windshield washer fluid contaminated by brake fluid. The contamination can reduce the driver's ability to clear the windshield, increasing crash risk. Dealers will flush the system and replace affected washer and wiper parts for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept or 2020 Lincoln Aviator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V014. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the washer system flush, washer part replacement, wiper blade replacement, and any needed inspection of paint or exterior components. Reference Ford recall number 21C01 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V014, dealers will flush the washer system, replace the listed washer and wiper parts, and inspect and repair affected paint or exterior components free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility through the windshield. Brake fluid contamination in the washer system can interfere with the driver's ability to clear the glass, increasing crash risk. The repair removes the contaminated fluid and replaces affected washer and wiper parts.
What if I bought the vehicle used?
The free repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2020 Explorer Police Intercept or Aviator is included, then contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 21V014 or Ford recall number 21C01.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V014000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V014 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V014000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →