Vehicle recalls are something no car owner wants to deal with, but they happen anyway. Thankfully, rectifying an issue is relatively painless. So when Ford issued its latest recall in January, it seemed like no big deal. The company sent out notices regarding 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor models for a seemingly trivial issue with windshield washer fluid.

However, it might be a bigger deal than most thought at first glance.

2020 Lincoln Aviator windshield washer fluid

This isn’t the first time the 2020 Lincoln Aviator has seen a recall alongside the Ford Explorer. Last year, the SUVs saw recalls for improperly fastened side airbags. Then the automaker recalled them for unsafe driveshafts. Finally, the Aviator and Explorer closed out 2020 with a recall for dysfunctional motor mounts. It looks like they’re starting 2021 the same way.

Now, Ford has issued a recall for 2020 Aviator and 2020 Explorer Police Interceptor models for contaminated windshield washer fluid. CarComplaints.com reports the recall affects 283 vehicles in the United States and three in Canada. The affected Aviators were manufactured between May 28 and June 2, 2020, and the Interceptors were built between May 26 and 30, 2020.

Even if those vehicles’ owners used up the original washer fluid by now, the case is more complicated than that.

Interesting details about the recall

Ford‘s recall notice doesn’t identify the contaminant in the washer fluid. However, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration records show it’s brake fluid. That would certainly damage a paint job and require replacing the washer fluid system. The affected vehicles also violate federal vehicle safety standards because brake fluid on the windshield could impair the driver’s visibility.

The manufacturer stated that affected SUVs should be taken to Ford dealers. Service technicians will flush the windshield washer system, replace the fluid, pump, fluid level sensor, bottleneck, and wiper blades. Dealers will also look for paint damage and repair any caused by the contaminated washer fluid free of charge. 

The recall is expected to start on March 8. If you want to know more, call Ford at 866-436-7332 and mention the recall number is 21C01. The NHTSA adds, “Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.”

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator is still a great SUV

Despite its many recalls (seven so far, per the NHTSA), the 2020 Lincoln Aviator has plenty to recommend it. This midsize SUV’s powerful V6 engine produces 494 hp, on the higher end of its competitors. But it’s in the details that the Aviator shines. It comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. 

Plus, the Aviator offers a ton of the latest safety and driver-assist technology. It boasts the Co-Pilot360 system, with features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection, automatic high-beams, and a rearview camera. Optional features include traffic sign recognition, parallel parking assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator may have had a rough start with several recalls, but here’s hoping the washer fluid snafu will be the SUV’s last. The Aviator remains a safe vehicle. In fact, the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating.