Wiper Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

25v347 and 24v031 I recieved a notice of the first recall in February 2024. Over the summer of 2024 and 2025 both the a-pillar and b-pillar trim has melted and become detached from the vehicle during high heat warnings and during my commute to work on the interstate 60 miles each day. Parts from the vehicle flew off at high rates of speed and were at risk to others on the road. For 2. 5 years now I have driven a duct taped windshield on both drivers and on the passenger sides windows and on the tops of the door frames. The windshield rattles on the interstate--I feel this is dangerous. I have now recieved my 3rd factory recall: 25n17 every day I drive this duct taped Ford, it is cemented in my mind that I will never purchase another Ford or Ford related product.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Explorer 🔎.

While driving my 2026 Ford Explorer on the highway, the panoramic roof glass made an abnormally loud noise and completely shattered without any impact from an object or other vehicle. No other cars were nearby. The protective shade remained in place and no glass entered the cabin. This appears to be a spontaneous failure of the tempered glass. I have already located a nearly identical NHTSA complaint on another 2026 Ford Explorer (campaign 11734759). The vehicle is currently undrivable in normal conditions and is being repaired through insurance. I am concerned this is a known defect with the panoramic roof glass on 2026 Explorers.

The edges of the fabric sunroof cover have come off the tracks, causing the sunroof cover to not roll up properly and block the rear window when open.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The front windshield wiper motor on my 2020 Ford Explorer is experiencing severe intermittent failure and physical binding/clunking while in operation, resulting in a total loss of front visibility while driving in rain. This failure matches the exact root cause and symptoms described in Ford safety recall 26s14 / NHTSA campaign 26v117 (intermittent wiper function progressing to complete electrical continuity failure due to internal terminal misalignment). However, Ford claims my specific VIN falls just outside their designated production date window, leaving my vehicle uncovered under the safety recall despite suffering from the identical defect. Although Ford confirmed there is an active customer satisfaction program (csp) listed for my vehicle's wiper motor, severe supply chain restrictions and dealership backlogs have prevented repairs. Ford has placed a restricted distribution hold on replacement motors, preventing independent shops and local dealers from securing parts, while requiring a multi-day diagnostic wait during which I am expected to drive a vehicle with non-functioning wipers. Driving a vehicle with active, unpredictable wiper failure poses an immediate safety hazard and severe crash risk. Ford's refusal to expand recall coverage or immediately supply unrestricted safety components leaves vehicle owners exposed to hazardous driving conditions. Furthermore, customers face a mandatory four-day intake period solely for vehicle diagnostics. To qualify for a wiper motor replacement under warranty guidelines, Ford requires the motor to experience total failure while under dealership care. If technicians are unable to duplicate the fault condition during testing, the vehicle is returned to the owner without repair, leaving an ongoing safety hazard completely unresolved. I have also contacted Ford corporate and filed a formal complaint and that was of no assistance.

The panoramic sun roof shade failed on my vehicle where instead of it retracting properly it drops down onto the second row passenger's. This posses a safety risk as it impedes completely the drivers ability to see through the rear view mirror by blocking off the view of the back glass. The issue happened without any notice or noise it just happened all of a sudden I noticed it as I was not able to look through rear view mirror. This also puts at risk others as it impedes the drivers field of view allowing the possibility of an accident of occurring. I like to drive with my sunroof open very often, so now that is a risk I will have all the time I open my sunroof where I will have my field of view blocked. I have called two Ford dealership to try to get quotes to repair the issue. First I was shocked with the price for the repair, but I was also shocked when I was told that it is a very common issue with the panoramic sunroof where the shade drops down. I asked do people usually get it repaired or not and they told me that most people don’t fix it that they just decide to deal with it or not use the sunroof at all. One of the dealerships told me the cost of the repair was roughly above $3 thousand dollars and the other told me it would be around $2. 8 thousand dollars. A lot of labor is required as they have to bring down the headliner and remove the sunroof glass panels to be able to get it repaired. They also were not able to guarantee that after the repair that it would not happen again as they told me it was a design flaw that it was just a matter of time before it happened again. I believe Ford should be hold accountable for this and provide a permanent fix to this issue that is very common with the panoramic sun roof that creates a safety hazard for vehicle occupants and others. Especially if after customers have to pay considerable amounts of money for repairs and the issue will happen again as it is a design flaw.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Rear wiper motor stopped working completely. Fuses are good, wires are good, motor is good, it just doesn't work. Water pump works.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Backup camera does not work properly. Sometimes it’s showing objects behind me backwards (safety concern) like it’s showing I’m on the opposite side of where I’m trying to park/back up and sometimes it doesn’t work at all (flickering screen/black/gives notification to contact dealer). I have taken it to our local dealer for an approved inspection that it does not work & was told there’s no fix for it yet. No warning sign that this was coming- I had to look up the recall myself.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The windshield wiper motor failed, causing the windshield wipers to stop operating properly. At the same time, the windshield washer system is unable to spray washer fluid onto the windshield. This significantly reduces visibility during rain and when the windshield becomes dirty, creating a safety hazard. No warning lights were displayed.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Explorer 🔎.

For the second time now, when changing out wiper blades, the wiper arm has sharp points which easily allow the arm to shatter the windshield. To change the wiper you have to push a button and pull quite hard which can easily cause the wiper arm to slip out of your grasp . This can cause the arm to shatter the windshield even at an inch away.

See all problems of the 2025 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The front windshield wiper on my vehicle,may become inoperative. The Ford motors says that they don't have the part to replace,and when they have it I have to pay for the repair.

Explorers moon roof shad came of track and I was unaware and could not see behind my in my rear view camera. Also was covering my infant child's face when it drooped down instead of rolling back.

Rear wiper was working intermittently now it does not work at all. I notice campaign 26s14 (NHTSA campaign 26v117) but my VIN is not included. Even though I have the same problem.

I have a brand new 2026 Ford Explorer st. There is a permanent haze on or between the glass windshield that does not come off with any cleaning agent and appears to be between the layer. The service manager at the dealership acknowledges seeing the haze and the reduced clarity but clains Ford will not warranty since it is not on a recall. It is dangerous when the sun glare causes it to "glow" impairing clear visibilty of the road. It is also evident and impairs during rain. The difference is very evident when looking through the windshield versus the side windows at the same object,.

Moon roof sunshade is defective, when button is pressed to open the shade, it drops down blocking view out the rear window. This seems to be a know problem on Ford Explorers which is a major safety concern.

Rear wiper works intermittently.

Panoramic sun roof sunshade detaches and sags; interfering with rear view visibility. Shade is in this state when shade and roof are closed. Sunshade cannot be opened as this causes driver rear visibility to become more severe. Additionally when opened, the shade sags onto anyone sitting in the second row seats.

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.

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 🔎.

The contact owns a 2026 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph in the rain, the front windshield wipers suddenly stopped operating. The front power windows failed to operate properly and failed to go up or down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,600.

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.

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).

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 .

No warning. It was cold out. I ran into a store. Came back to my car and started it. The rear window defrost automatically turned on. I sat for a few minutes to let my car warm up and the back window exploded. I heard the loud explosion like a gun shot. Look back and the window exploded all into the vehicle. If I had a child in the 3rd row seat they would have had glass all over them. Possibly causing harm to any rear passenger. I since have had the window replaced. But after doing research about complaints. This has happened to several people. Even several times. This is a safety concern and should be thoroughly investigated!.

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.

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.