2023 Ford Explorer window and wiper problems

10 of the 152 complaints about the 2023 Ford Explorer are about the glass, mirrors and wipers — 7% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 11,750 miles.

A

10

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Visibility/Wiper 5 50.0%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly 2 20.0%
Power Window Devices AND Controls 1 10.0%
Windshield 1 10.0%
Visibility 1 10.0%

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers across every Ford Explorer year

1991 33 2.0%
1992 48 2.8%
1993 56 3.3%
1994 75 4.4%
1995 22 1.3%
1996 49 2.9%
1997 97 5.8%
1998 117 6.9%
1999 225 13.3%
2000 48 2.8%
2001 19 1.1%
2002 141 8.4%
2003 62 3.7%
2004 114 6.8%
2005 26 1.5%
2006 16 0.9%
2011 23 1.4%
2012 24 1.4%
2013 63 3.7%
2014 53 3.1%
2015 45 2.7%
2016 68 4.0%
2017 76 4.5%
2018 27 1.6%
2020 68 4.0%
2021 40 2.4%
2022 29 1.7%
2023 10 0.6%
2025 12 0.7%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

San Ramon, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The panoramic sunshade on our 2023 Ford Explorer bunches up and dips down into the rear passenger compartment when being retracted, obstructing rear visibility when using the rear view mirror or looking over your shoulder.

NHTSA complaint #11759896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Boise, ID

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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

NHTSA complaint #11732998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hagerstown, MD

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I have a 2023 Ford Explorer with a sun room/moon roof and the fabric is sagging causing visibility issues due to not being able to properly see out of my rear view mirror. I have not taken it to the dealership to get it checked out but I’m going to as my vehicle already has an open recall on it.

NHTSA complaint #11695919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Prosper, TX

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The driver side windows control buttons are breaking off for no apparent reason. Ford refused to fix faulty windows controls which could cause harm to a person attempting to roll windows up or down. Two buttons have broke off within a matter of a week and are in the shape of a W which could lead to injury. A 3rd button appears damaged as well.

NHTSA complaint #11615757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 21,000 miles Inez, TX

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, road debris was kicked up by the vehicle ahead and cracked the windshield. The contact stated that the windshield was replaced by a glass repair shop. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving on the highway, road debris was again kicked up onto the windshield, and the windshield cracked. The contact asked the glass repair shop if the windshield was replaced with an OEM windshield and was informed that the windshield was an OEM part. The contact stated that while looking at the windshield from the left or right side, and at a right angle of light, there was a wavy imperfection running from the left to the right and in the middle of the windshield. The contact stated that the windshield had been replaced five times. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

NHTSA complaint #11615010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Allen Park, MI

VISIBILITY

The contact was purchasing a 2023 ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reviewing the purchase agreement, it was discovered that the vehicle was not equipped with fog lights. The contact was concerned that without fog lights his visibility to the roadway would be impaired while driving at night. The vehicle was not yet in the contacts possession therefore it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the issue and referred the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline. The contact has not experienced a failure as of yet.

NHTSA complaint #11552623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Atlanta, GA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The rear side window just disintegrated. Was at the beach on Aug. 25, 2023 the car was parked in hot sun when I went out in the morning noticed the glass had just cracked around the corners. There was no evidence of a break-in attempt.

NHTSA complaint #11547154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Senatobia, MS

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

While on interstate at 70mph, the front sunroof exploded. Sounding like a gun going off.. was no vehicles in front of me to cause debris.. after pulling over to see what happened I could tell the glass was pushed up away from vehicle. Not only was this safety concern for me. But also the vehicles behind me that had to suddenly stop and avoid the flying glass..

NHTSA complaint #11541588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Seattle, WA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

New car has millions of tiny dots everywhere in the windshield placed in irregular pattern. Not visible at normal light they brightly shine when sun is low and shining. I almost can't see anything in front of the car. Here is someone else on internet having exactly same problem. https: [XXX] Windshield is clear, washed multiple times - it doesn't seem that it can be removed from outside. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11538390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 2,500 miles Swannanoa, NC

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, she heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to park on the side of the road and noticed that the sunroof had shattered independently. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that the sunroof needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,500.

NHTSA complaint #11518193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2023 Ford Explorer problems

← Full 2023 Ford Explorer report