Washer Fluid Leak - Front Wheel Well [2021 4 Dr Badlands]

[iradi8]

Been noticing my reservoir gets empty really quickly and finally decided to pay attention. Bought a new bottle, poured it into reservoir and marked on the bottle how much I used. I happened to hear a drip sound on the garage floor and saw fluid actively dripping on the floor. The felt in the front passenger wheel well was wet and dripping right under the reservoir. Also noticed dripping at the felt near the rock rail area. Dripping stops after a few minutes. Over the past two days, I have not used the washer fluid function on the wipers, but have proceeded to add more fluid every few hours or so. Obviously a leak somewhere or a crack in the reservoir.

Anyone have this issue? Will be calling the dealer soon.

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[Neps]

Be aware the washer reservoir is a two piece design and you may get some leakage if you run it filled to the cap (like you'd do on most vehicles). The filler neck is connected at the top of the tank and the seal there may be leaking.

You could (if so inclined) unbolt the filler neck and check the gasket to see if it twisted or cut. If the reservoir is cracked it should be a simple fix.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Been noticing my reservoir gets empty really quickly and finally decided to pay attention. Bought a new bottle, poured it into reservoir and marked on the bottle how much I used. I happened to hear a drip sound on the garage floor and saw fluid actively dripping on the floor. The felt in the front passenger wheel well was wet and dripping right under the reservoir. Also noticed dripping at the felt near the rock rail area. Dripping stops after a few minutes. Over the past two days, I have not used the washer fluid function on the wipers, but have proceeded to add more fluid every few hours or so. Obviously a leak somewhere or a crack in the reservoir.

Anyone have this issue? Will be calling the dealer soon.

Hi there! Would you send us a private message with your VIN and dealership name and location? I’d like to look into this concern on my end.  

 

[emore93x]

I have a 2021 OBX and have the exact same issue. Noticed a puddle of fluid just under the passenger fender.
Good luck trying to get into a dealer.
They are making appointment 2 weeks out...it will be quicker to troubleshoot and fix it yourself rather than wait on Ford.

 

[Brian_B]

There is a line that runs back for the rear wiper that runs through the passenger side too - I’ve seen a few posts where the hose had just come off - it’s just some rubber tubing on barbed fittings and nothing but friction really holding it together

 

[HotdogThud]

I had the same problem about a year ago, the plastic weld in the bottle itself failed.

At the bottom of the reservoir. *facepalm*

bottle was swapped for a new one, and hasn't been a problem since.

 

[JimCA]

Similarly, my washer fluid reservoir spontaneously empties at the same spot within a couple hours of using it as if holding pressure or a vacuum and then releasing. Haven’t taken the fender off yet to figure it out.

 

[emore93x]

There is a line that runs back for the rear wiper that runs through the passenger side too - I’ve seen a few posts where the hose had just come off - it’s just some rubber tubing on barbed fittings and nothing but friction really holding it together

That is exactly where the loose hose was.
Just followed the flood of washer fluid to the passenger foot well and found the disconnected hose.
What an awesome idea it was to create so many failure points just to run a single rubber hose line.

 

[Ranbronc]

I had the same problem about a year ago, the plastic weld in the bottle itself failed.

At the bottom of the reservoir. *facepalm*

bottle was swapped for a new one, and hasn't been a problem since.

The bottle on mine has cracked , dealer ordered a new one under warranty.

 

[Knownman]

Oh boy,

Had the light come on last week so I filled it with a new bottle of fluid. yesterday the light is on again. I grabbed a pitcher of water and half filled the reservoir and then watched the fluid pour out of the wheel well. Same year, 2021 badlands. Looks like I'll have to figure it out as my warranty just expired. Why is this an issue on a 2 year 5 month old car?

 

[Knownman]

@Ford
Any chance you'd like my VIN number too?
So that looks like fun! I can't wait too waste a day trying to get this thing fixed. Hopefully I can just pull the fender liner and have a peak inside to see if it's a detached hose. But my luck suggests it'll need a new reservoir.

 

[beetle]

My bottle cracked and won't hold a drop. Dealer doesn't consider it a warranty issue. Likely charge you 150 for labor and another 100 for the bottle.

 

[Knownman]

My bottle cracked and won't hold a drop. Dealer doesn't consider it a warranty issue. Likely charge you 150 for labor and another 100 for the bottle.

I don't know how they could ever not cover it considering it is completely encased in the the fender. It's not like anyone could do anything that would ever cause it to be owner inflicted damage. It sounds like a manufacturing defect at minimum. perhaps actually a design flaw at most.

 

[beetle]

I don't know how they could ever not cover it considering it is completely encased in the the fender. It's not like anyone could do anything that would ever cause it to be owner inflicted damage. It sounds like a manufacturing defect at minimum. perhaps actually a design flaw at most.

I completely agree, I got a call from their social media guy after I gave them a 1 star on google. Maybe I'll call him and give him the run-down.

 

[Erick2123]

i have the issue on my 22 badlands, seems to be coming from the connector to the bottom of the reservoir that's plastic, has anyone gotten any resolution about this? definitely seems to be a manufacturing issue

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