Wiper Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

Ford Escape owners have reported 267 problems related to wiper (under the visibility category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the Escape.

1 Wiper problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 10/09/2026

**subject: unavailable safety recall remedy – Ford recall 26s14 / NHTSA 26v-117** I am submitting this concern regarding an outstanding safety recall affecting the front windshield wiper motor on my 2020 Ford Escape se. Ford recall 26s14 (NHTSA campaign 26v-117) was announced in March 2026 because the windshield wiper motor may fail, causing the windshield wipers to stop operating properly. This defect presents a serious safety concern. If the windshield wipers fail during rain or other adverse weather conditions, a driver could suddenly lose the ability to see the roadway, surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, and other hazards. As of October 9, 2026, my vehicle remains subject to this recall, and NHTSA's VIN-specific database indicates that a remedy is not yet available. I am particularly concerned about continuing to operate a vehicle with an unresolved defect affecting a critical visibility and safety system. I respectfully request that NHTSA review the status of Ford's recall remedy, verify the anticipated repair availability, and provide guidance regarding appropriate safety precautions while affected vehicle owners await a repair. I also request that Ford provide a clear timeline for completing the recall at no expense to affected owners. This submission concerns an outstanding safety recall and the unavailability of a repair. It is not a report of an actual windshield wiper failure, crash, or injury.

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2 Wiper problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 10/02/2026

Our 2020 Ford Escape cowling is separated from the windshield. I took it to a body shop to see if they could fix it. The strip groove that connects the cowling to the windshield has separated from the glass. The only way to fix it is replace the windshield. This is a know issue with Ford cars researching. I was in recently for the windshield motor replacement warranty. I asked the service tech about it and stated not covered considered a "body issue. " this is does not sit well. Is there anything that can be done. We take very good care of our car. This is cosmetic but it appears to be a known defect.

3 Wiper problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 09/23/2026

Issue date: 2026-03-05 campaign: 26c11/26v123 on my vehicle, it may be possible to have the sync screen image on the center display flipped or inverted immediately after an ignition cycle. Safety risk this may result in the image displayed being inverted or flipped, which includes all buttons. While in reverse, the rearview camera image, buttons, and camera guidelines may also be inverted or flipped. A rearview camera that does not correctly display an accurate image in reverse can reduce your view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. The dealership and Ford have failed to fix this in a timely manner when I received my car back, they informed me that they had forgotten to fix my recalls. Meanwhile my car had been in and out of the dealership since the beginning of may and they still won't fix any of my recalls. I also contacted the main Ford recalls department, and they informed me they had no remedies for some of these recalls. This is a safety hazards that greatly effects my safety while driving and Ford seems to not care to fix any of these. After two transmission overhauls and replacement of several parts like the turbocharger. Additionally, my sunroof also has lost its hardcover and the fabric hands below the glass sunroom. My sunroof had the hard covering when I left it at the dealership but once I received it back from the dealership the sunroof hardcover is missing. I contacted Ford customer service as well as the dealership and they do not contact me back. This is a major safety issue and Ford seems to not care to fix these recalls. I demand an investigation to be done.

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4 Wiper problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 09/22/2026

The front windshield wiper motor in my vehicle may become non-functional or operate sporadically, according to the recall notification dated March 3, 2026. Presently, necessary replacement components are not in stock. Since the windshield wiper system is essential for maintaining driver visibility during rain and challenging weather conditions, this safety-critical component warrants immediate attention. The recall should have been resolved during all my dealership service appointments, yet this failure has caused unnecessary inconvenience and heightened safety apprehensions. Ford should ensure adequate availability of parts for addressing such important safety matters. Driving my 2021 Ford Escape with concerns about potential wiper malfunction creates unacceptable safety hazards for myself and other motorists. An investigation into covid era 2021 Escape manufacturing is warranted, specifically examining how pandemic-related challenges supply chain disruptions, parts scarcity, labor shortages, and reduced quality control oversight affected production integrity. These systemic issues during the pandemic period appear to have resulted in substandard manufacturing quality. The frequency of defects in pandemic-produced Escape vehicles indicates they do not meet proper safety specifications, thereby exposing owners to considerable safety risks.

5 Wiper problem of the 2015 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 09/02/2026

Backing out of parking place at kroger and camera not working almost hit a pedestrian.

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6 Wiper problem of the 2016 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 08/28/2026

Wiper on front dash no longer worked correctly. Water sprayed under the hood. Hose cracked.

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7 Wiper problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 07/13/2026

While driving intermittent wipers started. After only 4-5 inches in motion, they began stuttering until reaching about ¾ of the full elevation. At that point they stalled. I turned them on, which made no change. When turning off, they returned to the lowered or of position. If it had been raining, my visibility would have been severely impacted. This action continues after 3 days. I learned there is an issued recall for this issue in the same year/make/model, but my VIN / vehicle is not yet covered.

8 Wiper problem of the 2016 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 07/06/2026

The rear camera first started failing intermittently, and now occurs constantly. The camera goes black on the screen. I nearly backed into a child in a grocery store parking lot.

9 Wiper problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 06/25/2026

Wipers will swipe a couple times then stop half way and not descend all the way. Then begin to “flutter” have to shut off for them to descend and turn on again, over and over.

10 Wiper problem of the 2025 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 06/01/2026

While driving, the hood of my vehicle flew up and broke my windshield and caused damage to body by the hood hinge on both sides. There were no warning lamps or signals that warned me that the hood was loose. I had limited visual to pull over and close the hood. Fortunately I was going slow and there were not other vehicles that were impacted. Because the hood is opened inside with the double pull mechanism it is too easy to open the hood without the secondary safety hook outside like most vehicles have. I have had the windshield replaced and am working with insurance to complete repairs on the body.

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11 Wiper problem of the 2015 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 06/01/2026

Backup camera recall has been since October 2025 and they have not stocked the parts since. I feel that that has been excessively long.

12 Wiper problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/30/2026

The sunscreen on the panoramic sunroof has become detached and the shade falls causing a visibility issue.

13 Wiper problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/24/2026

My windshield wipers aren’t working properly and it causes me to not be able to see while driving which cause me to hit a curb and damage my front fender and my trunk makes a nose when I drive like it wants to pop open my car flashes warnings and then no sign of issues.

14 Wiper problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/21/2026

The wiper has stopped working. The part number, lj6z17508j, is listed under NHTSA bulletin 26v117, but Ford claims that the vehicle is not covered under the recall. Please expand the safety recall to include this VIN number. This is a dangerous situation!.

15 Wiper problem of the 2022 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/16/2026

Sunroof fabric shade detached from roller arms meant to move shade open/closed. Plastic clips meant to hold shade fabric to roller arms snapped. Caused shade fabric to detach and cause hazard by hanging fabric, unable to see backseat or out back windshield. Caused hazard by not have shade to block out sunlight from above, hindering visibility.

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16 Wiper problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/15/2026

Windows and engines.

17 Wiper problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/03/2026

The panoramic sunshade does not work & also droops down.

18 Wiper problem of the 2023 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 05/01/2026

While pulling into a residential parking space at low speed, the vehicle (2023 Ford Escape) suddenly accelerated unexpectedly without additional throttle input. The acceleration was abrupt and forceful, and I was unable to stop the vehicle before it struck the structure in front of the parking space. The incident occurred at very low speed and under normal driving conditions. The driver was applying the brake at the time of the unintended acceleration. Airbags deployed upon impact. There were no prior warning lights or indications of a mechanical issue before the incident. The vehicle sustained significant front-end damage.

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19 Wiper problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/29/2026

Subject: request for buyback or trade assistance – 2020 Ford Escape se to whom it may concern, I am writing regarding my 2020 Ford Escape equipped with the 1. 5l engine, which is currently subject to multiple open safety recalls. Of particular concern is the active fuel injector recall involving a risk of engine compartment fire. I understand that the current remedy does not fully address the underlying defect and that additional actions may still be pending. In addition, my vehicle is affected by other safety-related recalls, compounding concerns about reliability and safe operation. Given the nature of these issues—specifically the fire risk and the lack of a complete and permanent repair— as well as a history of over 15 recalls on this vehicle, I am increasingly concerned about the safety, usability, and value of my vehicle. This situation has significantly impacted my confidence in operating the vehicle. Based on these circumstances, I am formally requesting that Ford motor company review my case for: • a manufacturer buyback, or • substantial trade assistance toward a new Ford vehicle, or • appropriate goodwill compensation reflecting the ongoing safety concerns and diminished value I would appreciate prompt review by a case manager and a written response outlining Ford’s proposed resolution. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss next steps. Thank you.

20 Wiper problem of the 2016 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/24/2026

Unknown.

21 Wiper problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/19/2026

The component that has failed is my front windshield wiper motor causing visibility issues. It has been confirmed by a service technician. No it has not been inspected by the police only by an auto shop. No it was not any warning. It was raining I turned on wipers and it malfunction. Got stuck in the middle of windshield and I had to pull over and keep turning on wipers for it to go back into normal position.

22 Wiper problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/16/2026

The manufacturer is unable to remedy the safety recall 26v123 & 26v117 for my vehicle in a timely manner.

23 Wiper problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/11/2026

I purchased this vehicle brand new from dunphy Ford in philadelphia, PA, along with a premium extended warranty, with the expectation that Ford would stand behind both its product and coverage commitments. This past weekend, while traveling at highway speeds 75+mph, the sun/panoramic roof began emitting a loud rumbling noise. When I attempted to open it to address the issue, the sunroof liner bunched up in the rear of the vehicle, blocking my rearview visibility and creating an immediate safety hazard. I was forced to quickly close the sunroof while driving to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Although the fabric returned to position, the interior cover failed to re-seat properly and remains dislodged creating a situation that causes me not to be able to use the sunroof safely due to visibility concerns. This is a safety defect. There are many documented cases of this issue out on the internet with Ford Escapes and other Ford models having this issue. The dealership wants $2,000 just to diagnose the issue. This situation—and the lack of meaningful support by Ford—has been extremely disappointing. Independent research suggests this issue is well-documented and recurring across Ford vehicles, and given that it compromises rear visibility, it constitutes a legitimate safety risk. I find it unacceptable that customers are expected to absorb substantial repair costs for a well known defect that directly affects driver safety. This should be a safety recall. This issue should not be dismissed or minimized, particularly given the safety implications. I was truly panicking while driving above 75mph and I am an experienced driver. If this had been a newer driver, this could have been horrible. I could not see at all out of my back window. I would greatly appreciate the NHTSA look into this safety risk. Please see attached pictures for reference. Tons of customer complaints out on the internet. Thank you kindly for looking into this matter. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information ac.

24 Wiper problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 04/02/2026

The last 2 weeks my wipers have nearly quit functioning. They don’t go all the way up, will stop in the middle of the windshield, will not go down and when I use the wiper stick to try and get them to go back down the back wiper will start going as well even when I’m not hitting the switch for the back wiper. For the last year, three out of four tps sensors have quit working as well. The dealership checked them and said they’re reading as if they’re working but the alert is on my dash and they do not read the tire pressure.

25 Wiper problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 03/12/2026

The windshield wipers on this vehicle just stop working without warning. However this vehicle is not included in the wiper recall even though it experiences the same failures as the vehicles covered under the recall.

26 Wiper problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 03/11/2026

Liftgate hinge cover loose on car but not under the recall. Caused back glass to shatter while driving.

27 Wiper problem of the 2021 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 03/06/2026

The recall on the fuel issue was released in July 2025. This is now March 2026. Eight months should be enough time to get the parts needed for this repair. What can you do to see about getting this process accelerated? thank you.

28 Wiper problem of the 2026 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 02/19/2026

My 2026my Ford Escape is having intermittent rear view camera issues. On two separate occasions in the last week, when I put the vehicle into reverse, there is no image displayed on the center stack screen. The screen was completely blank and did not show what is behind my vehicle. I tried putting the vehicle back into park and then back into reverse and it still did not work. Yesterday, I took the vehicle to my local Ford dealership and was told that there is no recall for this. I worked at Ford for 32 years and I am familiar with the laws governing safety features on passenger vehicles. I am concerned that this is similar issue that was announced recently by Ford on the bronco sport. The technician at the Ford dealership said for me to keep driving it until Ford becomes aware of the issue specific to other 2026my Escapes and then issues a recall and a potential fix. Based on my experience working for the company, this may take several months. I am concerned that this will lead to accidents that could endanger kids, pets, or personal property. Please compel the company to address this quickly. Thanks.

29 Wiper problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 02/01/2026

Wiper started going at a regular pace even when the speed was set to max or slow now the wiper won't go up. Looks like the wiper motor has gone bad and this seems to be the same issue with the recall put in place recall number 26s14.

30 Wiper problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 01/01/2026

The fabric covering for the sunroof detached and is now sagging down so that you can not see out the rearview mirror.

31 Wiper problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 12/29/2025

Sunroof shade blocking rear visibility when open, when open it’s not rolling up into cavity.

32 Wiper problem of the 2020 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 12/10/2025

The windshield wipers will slow to an intermittent-type speed while working in either low or high on a wet windshield. Ford had recall 23b35 on the bronco for this exact issue; the fix was a reflash of the vehicle's windshiel wiper motor.

33 Wiper problem of the 2016 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 11/30/2025

My 2016 Ford Escape is subject to safety recall 25sa9 / NHTSA 25v695 involving the rearview camera. Ford's recall states that the rearview camera may display a blank or distorted image in reverse, or may display a message that camera is unavailable. The rearview camera is now completely nonfunctional. It previously worked intermittently but progressively worsened and is gone now. When I place the vehicle in reverse, the center display either remains blank or continues displaying the navigation/map screen shown while driving. It does not display the rearview camera image. The vehicle and camera are available for inspection upon request. This creates a significant safety risk because I have lost the rearward view provided by the camera when backing up. This is particularly concerning because this is the exact safety defect addressed by the recall: an unavailable rearview camera (for a [xxx]!!) can reduce driver's view behind the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. I have contacted Ford dealerships regarding this recall both in texas, where I previously lived, and in utah, where I now live. I have been told that the replacement remedy part is still unavailable, so the recall repair cannot be performed. Ford's original NHTSA recall filing stated that final remedy owner notifications were planned for June 29–July 3, 2026. It is now August 23, 2026, and remedy remains unavailable. The problem has not been repaired or resolved by a dealer because the recall replacement part is unavailable. I have not had the vehicle inspected by police or an insurance representative. The camera initially worked intermittently and then stopped altogether. The current symptom is that, when in reverse, the display either remains blank or continues showing the navigation/map screen instead of displaying the rearview camera image. I am requesting that NHTSA review Ford's handling of recall 25v695/25sa9, particularly the continued lack of an available remedy. This is unsafe! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of informati.

34 Wiper problem of the 2014 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 11/01/2025

Rear-view camera is not working while in reverse. When backing up, it doesn't show anything but a blank screen. Says it is unavailable. I had a mechanic run a diagnostic on it and it showed the camera was faulty.

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35 Wiper problem of the 2017 Ford Escape

Failure Date: 10/22/2025

The seat stopped working. The Ford almost gave out on me multiple times today. On the highway and twice on the road. Apparently this vehicle has been recalled plenty of times. It has something to do with bush wiring. The seat will not adjust or move forward and the windshield wipers don’t work. It basically gave out and will not reverse.

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Other Common Visibility related problems of Ford Escape


☘ Escape Service Bulletins
⚑ Escape Safety Recalls
☤ Escape Defect Investigations