Wiper Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

I am reporting a safety incident involving a 2021 Ford Explorer. While driving at normal speed, the hood unexpectedly flew open and struck the windshield, completely obstructing visibility and causing damage. I did not open the hood prior to driving, and there were no prior warnings or indications of failure. The incident suggests a possible hood latch or secondary safety latch malfunction. I am submitting this report due to a serious safety concern involving sudden loss of driver visibility.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Explorer 🔎.

No impact shattering of rear window. I entered the car and closed the driver’s side door when I heard the window shatter.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Recently, my sun roof shade has started to sag and no longer retracts correctly. This is causing a loss of visibility out of the rear and side windows. It also is causing a distraction as it has lost it's tension. Additionally I have contacted two separate Ford dealerships, only for them to tell me that I have to bring the vehicle in and pay hundreds of dollars to "diagnose" that the shade is broken and that my extended warranty will not cover this cost even though it is a danger for me to drive my vehicle in this condition.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Explorer 🔎.

I had a really disappointing experience at delta sonic car wash in [xxx] and feel like other customers should be aware. During my visit, an employee used a pressure washer on my windshield before I entered the wash. This caused small debris to stick to the glass, and instead of being removed, it stayed on my windshield as my car went through the wash. The equipment then dragged that debris across the glass, leaving a deep scratch about 8 inches long. My windshield was only 2 months old and in perfect condition before this. I reported the damage immediately on-site, but my claim was denied. There was no real accountability, no effort to make it right—just a flat refusal. What makes this even more frustrating is that my fiancé and I have been loyal customers for years. We’ve spent hundreds here and have had memberships every winter since 2018. Because of how this was handled, we have now canceled our membership and have urged others to do the same. Also worth noting—many of the reviews here focus heavily on the food and not the car wash itself, which I now find misleading based on my experience. I understand that accidents can happen, but how a business handles those situations matters. In this case, the damage was caused by their process, and they still chose not to take responsibility. I would recommend taking photos of your vehicle before entering or reconsidering using this location altogether. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Rear windshield wiper doesn't work. Earlier model years have been recalled for wiper motor issues.

See all problems of the 2024 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Sunroof liner is sagging, blocking rear vision. Currently unable to use sunroof unless I pay 4k for repairs.

Windshield wipers worked when they wanted to for a while not anymore. It's impossible to see in the rain or clear the windshield when driving.

Sunroof shade sags when opening it, impeeding rearview visability.

The panoramic sunroof sunshade in my 2022 Ford Explorer failed and now sags downward. The shade hangs low enough to partially block the rear window and interferes with visibility through the rearview mirror. After researching the issue, I found many other owners reporting the same failure with the sunroof sunshade mechanism or clips. This appears to be a common defect. The reduced rear visibility while driving creates a safety hazard when checking traffic behind the vehicle.

Plastic trims on both sides of the windshield are recalled and Ford has not fixed yet. Safety hazard driving and both pieces are loose on vehicle.

See all problems of the 2012 Ford Explorer 🔎.

My right windshield wiper dose not working properly . When I turn on the wipers the right one don't move . Sometimes it will come up but the only one that's works right is the left one . This is a safety hazard for driving.

The rear tailgate window has blown out twice. First time 2/10/2026 and again 3/22/2026. Both times happened while parked with the car running.

I spoke to the service manager at hub city Ford located at [xxx] about the rubber around windshield was dry rotting and had came completely off. I was told that there was a recall that would fix the issue last year and so I waited for the call. During this time the vehicle started making this very loud whistling noise once the vehicle got to 40 mph. I was contacted n October of 2025 about getting the window fixed. We scheduled an appointment and someone came to fix the issue however once they left I notice that they only fixed to left and right side and did not fix the top and bottom of window so I called the manager back. The manager insisted that this was the only parts they were going to fix and if we wanted the rest fixed we would have to pay out of pocket which would’ve cost around $800. This is very concerning to me because why would they only fix half of the problem with no explanation on why the rest would not be fixed. Since then I have called to complain about the loud whistling that is still there and now water is leaking inside of vehicle. Since the leak started we have has problems with the electrical system and windshield wipers coming on with no rain. I really need help because this is the only vehicle I have to drive to my doctors appointments as an elderly [xxx] ), wheelchair bound female. If the vehicle electrical system were to fail I would be stranded wherever it breaks down because my vehicle carries my wheelchair on a lift. I am also considered fully disabled and so I only receive social security as my primary income. I can not afford the $800 cost of fixing a problem that is a clear malfunction of the vehicle versus wear and tear problem. I have not where else to turn and since I live in [xxx] now my means of getting around f consist of my daughter using my vehicle to take me to appointments because I no longer have a driver’s license. I am dependent of my vehicle and the rain in beh is getting worse. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b).

The headliner that covers my panoramic sunroof has came loose on both sides , obstructing my reaview .

Opened driver door to exit vehicle and heard a loud pop! noticed rear window had exploded. Glass flew outside behind vehicle and continued to fall in rear of vehicle. Defrost was not in use. It was single digit temp out.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Issue: rear liftgate window on my 2017 Ford Explorer sport spontaneously shattered without any impact. Conditions: occurred in cold weather (approx. 5 f) within 30 minutes of starting the vehicle. Description: the glass failed suddenly with an explosive sound and scattered fragments inside and outside the vehicle. There were no prior cracks, chips, or external forces. Safety concern: sudden loss of rear visibility, risk of injury from flying glass, and potential hazard to pedestrians or nearby vehicles. Pattern: multiple owners of 2017 Explorers report the same issue—rear window shattering in cold weather or during defroster use—suggesting a possible systemic defect in the rear glazing or defroster system. Request: please review this incident as part of a potential defect trend and assess whether an investigation is warranted.

Sunroof shade failed during normal operation. It is hanging down and obstructing the back window.

The windshield wipers activate by themselves, even when it is not raining and there is no water.

Sunshade has fallen off the tracks and the fabric is falling. This is a known issue amongst Ford Explorers with a sunroof; rear visibility is completely blocked. Ford requesting $1800 just to repair shade.

Sunroof shade does not roll up and blocks rear view window.

See all problems of the 2023 Ford Explorer 🔎.

In January of 2025 the rear windshield suddenly blew a hole in it after starting the vehicle with the remote start. I was advised that due to the cold temperatures and then the heat from the rear defrost caused this to occur. On Wednesday 12/31/25, the same exact thing happened. My vehicle was parked at my home in the garage when I remote started it. A few minutes later, my daughter and I got in, started it, then proceeded to back up when we heard a loud boom. Same thing happened as the first issue in January of 2025. No reason, no damage and it blows a hole it in near the rear wiper. This is causing glass shards to explode into the interior.

There is a large black box on the interior windshield surrounding the rearview mirror. This box blocks the defrost on the windshield, causing ice buildup on the windshield in this area thus causing ice buildup on the windshield wipers. This causes the windshield wipers to be ineffective at removing water, snow, slush, - whatever debris is on the windshield from being removed greatly decreasing visibility in freezing temperatures. I first noticed this when it started to get cold and my windshield wipers were making a strange noise. I got out of the car to see what was going on with the windshield and noticed the ice building up at the top middle of the windshield. As I drove, and the temperatures dropped, the top half of my windshield where this black box is iced up causing my windshield wipers to be ineffective on about the top half of my windshield. This greatly reduced visibility in already reduced visibility driving conditions. This was not just ice on the windshield. It was very obviously accumulating where this box is, due to ineffective defrost of the windshield.

See all problems of the 2025 Ford Explorer 🔎.

During a storm, our SUV had water leaking in through the top, middle of the windshield. The water soaked the dashboard controls and our heating/air system was stuck on high heat and would not turn off. It was 70° and it was extremely hot in the SUV and the windows kept fogging up making it hard to see. Our temperature controls no longer work properly.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Review camera unavailable, image flashing, or image reversed.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Explorer 🔎.

My vehicle originally showed more than 10 open safety recalls in the Fordpass app and at the servicing dealer. I saved screenshots of each recall. After Ford performed a remote over-the-air software update, all but one recall suddenly disappeared from the app even though no physical repairs were done and no documentation was provided. Nhtsa still shows recall 25v543 as incomplete, involving bcm soldering defects that can cause trailer taillamp failure, electrical malfunctions, hvac issues, mirror/window failures, power outlet issues, and other safety-related electrical problems. The dealer has not scheduled the repair despite parts being listed as available. Ford motor company and the dealer have not provided any recall history, oasis report, repair documentation, or explanation for why multiple recalls disappeared. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle may have unresolved electrical or lighting defects that were not properly repaired or were prematurely marked as closed after a software update. The issue has not been resolved, and Ford has not responded to multiple requests.

“I rented vehicle VIN [xxx] from budget rental car in panama city beach, FL (reservation #xxx, rental agreement xxx). I later discovered the vehicle had an unrepaired federal safety recall (NHTSA recall 25v543 / manufacturer recall 25c42) involving the body control module. Budget never informed me of the recall at any time. On November 11, 2025, when I attempted to extend my rental, the representative told me the vehicle had been ‘sold’ and must be returned within two days. When I attempted to exchange it on November 12–13 at three different budget locations in lansing, mi, they refused to take the vehicle, stating it had a safety recall and should not have been rented out. Only after this did I check the VIN myself and learn of the safety recall. The recall affects multiple electrical and visibility-related components: trailer lights, interior lights, mirrors, windows, rear defroster, usb/12v ports, and hvac systems. These issues can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash. While driving the vehicle, I experienced visibility problems. The windows fogged up severely, and the defroster did not operate properly. As a result, I was unable to see an animal that entered the roadway and unfortunately struck it. There is now damage to the front driver’s side of the vehicle. This visibility impairment aligns with the body control module recall defects described by NHTSA. This vehicle should not have been rented to any customer, especially with the remedy unavailable until late 2025. I am reporting this because an unrepaired safety recall vehicle placed into active rental service directly resulted in a visibility hazard and an unavoidable collision while I was driving. ” I did not make it back in time to return the vehicle yesterday 11/14/2025 I am finishing up this report and on my way to budget in panama city beach florida to return it. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Backup camera is cloudy/foggy. Brought it to Ford service department attention in regards to issue date 2022-08-26 campaign 22s51/22v644 per fullerton Ford, they would not participate. I feel this is a visability issue when backing up and would like Ford to also consider 2016 Ford Explorer in this recall since it is a safety issue.

Sun roof, moon roof collapse while driving . Making rattling noise.

Vehicle: 2020 Ford Explorer XLT date of incident: October 24 2025 approx. Mileage: 82000 affected component: visibility / defroster / rear window glass description of problem: while the rear defroster was on, the rear window of my 2020 Ford Explorer XLT suddenly made a popping noise and began to spider-crack from a point near the defroster grid. There was no external impact to the glass. The cracking continued slowly across the entire rear window after the noise. The event occurred on October 24 2025. The vehicle was parked outdoors in normal fall weather conditions in pennsylvania, and the rear defroster had been turned on to clear condensation. This appears to be a rear defroster thermal event, similar to issues described in Ford’s customer satisfaction program n192265660, which addressed defroster overheating and rear-window damage in certain Ford vehicles. The defect presents a safety concern, as the rear glass integrity is compromised and visibility is reduced. I have photographs of the crack pattern and plan to have the the window replaced by safelite. It is not safe to drive to a dealership. Please investigate this potential manufacturing or electrical defect affecting 2020 Ford Explorer models.

Backup camera doesn't always work. It displays a black screen alot of times.

Recall id 25v695 rear camera. Camera does not work. Please issue a remedy!.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Rear view camera and a-pillar clips that were promised in the recalls are still not available, increasing the amount of time that it is unsafe to backup my 2015 Ford Explorer. As well as the a-pillar clip the endangers other drivers if the trim were to come off.

The shade that covers the moonroof has fallen off the tracks (or something) and it's sagging down from the headliner. There wasn't a snapping or breaking sound, I just went to open it and it sagged instead of sliding back under the headliner like it should. The car is only 4 years old, we bought it new, and we hardly ever use this feature, so it hasn't received a lot of use. With the shade sagging down (it won't go back into place) it blocks the view of the rear window, which makes it a safety hazard. Apparently it's not covered by my warranty, and will be around $1,800 to fix. My car is at the dealership right now and they just told me it's not covered. This is very dangerous because it also blocks the view of my children in the back seat, and most of the rear window. I just googled how to fix it, and it seems like this is a known issue that many others are having. There was no warning lights or messages about this failure. It first happened on October 11, 2025. Note: it's still at the dealership, and I need to pick it up after work, so I don't have a photo to include. I apologize.

Sunroof shade came off track and began drooping, obscuring view out of rearview mirror. Total lack of visibility out of the rear window (whether turning my head or using the rearview mirror) presented a significant safety hazard. Dealer confirmed problem and quoted over $2500 for repair. Prior to issue, a persistent rattling noise had been coming from the vehicle’s ceiling (at speed) for at least 6 months.

Front side windows (driver and passenger side) have a quality issue that creates a distorted, wave-like view when looking out the window. This results difficulty viewing objects seen in the side mirrors. Also, when viewing anything out the side windows (ie. Cross traffic) the view is distorted. Further, this makes the driver and passenger nauseated. The issue is constant and does not depend of environment, temperature, weather, or time of day. No warning lamps or messages appear. The dealer confirmed the issue, but stated nothing could be done because other Ford Explorers on-site also have the issue. The issue has also been confirmed on other Explorers in the market.