Recall 26V117 covers 604,533 2020-2022 Corsair, Aviator, Explorer, and Escape vehicles for wiper motor failure. Repair will be free once available.
Lincoln recall 26V117 covers 604,533 2020-2022 Corsair, Aviator, Explorer, and Escape vehicles because the windshield wiper motor can fail and stop the wipers from working properly. Loss of wiper operation can reduce visibility and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The windshield wiper motor on the affected 2020-2022 Corsair, Aviator, Explorer, and Escape vehicles powers the front wiper arms. When the driver turns the wipers on, the motor converts electrical power into the motion that sweeps the blades across the windshield. That motion is what keeps rain, road spray, and slush from blocking the driver's view.
In these vehicles, a terminal inside the front wiper motor was not aligned correctly during assembly. The cover terminal and brush card terminal need solid contact for the motor to keep electrical continuity. When that connection weakens over time, power flow through the motor stops and the wipers stop moving.
Owners can notice the wipers working on and off before the motor fails completely. Intermittent front wiper operation is the warning sign that the motor connection has started to break down.
Who's affected?
Covers four SUV and crossover models across the 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years, all tied to the wiper system.
| 2022 Lincoln Corsair | wiper system |
|---|---|
| 2021 Lincoln Corsair | wiper system |
| 2020 Lincoln Corsair | wiper system |
| 2020 Lincoln Aviator | wiper system |
| 2022 Ford Explorer | wiper system |
| 2021 Ford Explorer | wiper system |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | wiper system |
| 2022 Ford Escape | wiper system |
| 2021 Ford Escape | wiper system |
| 2020 Ford Escape | wiper system |
| 2022 Lincoln Aviator | wiper system |
| 2021 Lincoln Aviator | wiper system |
| Units affected | 604,533 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1374 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash. Intermittent front wiper operation is the warning sign before complete inoperability, so avoid driving in rain or poor visibility and call a Lincoln dealer for current instructions. Repair will be free at any franchised Lincoln dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2022 Corsair, Aviator, Explorer, or Escape is included in this recall.
- Watch for the final remedy letter before scheduling the dealer inspection and wiper-motor replacement.
- Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer once the final remedy opens for the free front-wiper-motor inspection and replacement that fixes the wipers failing to operate properly.
- Bring the recall notice if one arrives. If not, reference recall number 26V117 and Lincoln recall 26S14 when you call.
- Avoid driving in rain or poor visibility until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
The final dealer repair is not open yet. Interim owner letters were mailed April 2, 2026, and additional letters are expected once the final remedy opens, anticipated in May 2026. Once Lincoln opens the final repair, a Lincoln technician will inspect the front wiper motors and replace them when needed. Parts and labor will be free under the recall. Ford's general reimbursement plan on file applies to eligible out-of-pocket repairs paid before the recall notice. Keep your repair paperwork and ask Lincoln customer service how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 3, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 4, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| March 4, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 4, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 9, 2026 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V117?
Recall 26V117 covers 604,533 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Aviator, Explorer, and Escape vehicles with a front windshield wiper motor that can fail. If the wipers stop working properly, visibility is reduced and crash risk increases. Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Aviator, Explorer, or Escape is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 26V117. If it is, contact a franchised Lincoln dealer and ask about the front wiper motor inspection and replacement. Reference Lincoln recall number 26S14 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 26V117, dealers will inspect the front windshield wiper motor and replace it as needed free of charge.
Is it safe to drive with this windshield wiper recall?
The recall is about visibility, so weather matters. The defect can stop the windshield wipers from working properly, which reduces visibility and increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair and avoid driving in rain, snow, or conditions that require the wipers.
When were owners notified about recall 26V117?
Lincoln mailed interim owner letters on April 2, 2026, telling owners about the safety risk. Additional letters were planned once the final remedy became available. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call a franchised Lincoln dealer with recall number 26S14.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V117000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V117 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V117000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →