The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·21V014000·Announced 2021-01-15

Ford Recalls 2020 Explorer Police Interceptor and Lincoln Aviator for Washer Fluid Contamination

Ford is recalling 2020 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because their windshield washer fluid was contaminated with brake fluid, which can reduce visibility and increase crash risk.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (reduced visibility leading to increased crash risk) where no specific injuries or fatalities have been reported in the source text, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products without reported injury.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The recall addresses a defect where the windshield washer fluid in these vehicles was contaminated with brake fluid. This contamination causes the vehicles to fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 104, which governs windshield wiping and washing systems.

The presence of brake fluid in the washer system can reduce the driver's ability to clear the windshield, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. No specific number of affected units is provided in the source text, but the recall covers the specified model years and trims.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush out the washer system, replace the washer bottle neck, washer pump assembly, fluid level sensor, and front and rear wiper blades. Dealers will also inspect and repair the vehicle's paint and exterior components if affected, free of charge. The recall began on March 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
FORD, LINCOLN EXPLORER POLICE INTERCEPT, AVIATOR
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — Windshield Washer System
Hazard
Affected units
283

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • EXPLORER POLICE INTERCEPT
  • AVIATOR

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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