FaultScore

2017 Ford F-150 window and wiper problems

57 of the 1,797 complaints about the 2017 Ford F-150 are about the glass, mirrors and wipers — 3% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 50,000 miles.

A

57

Complaints

0

Crashes

2

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Visibility/Wiper 39 68.4%
Glass, Side/Rear 6 10.5%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly 3 5.3%
Visibility 3 5.3%
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System 2 3.5%
Rear Window 2 3.5%
Windshield 1 1.8%
Rear Window Wiper/Washer 1 1.8%

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers across every Ford F-150 year

1993 10 0.3%
1994 16 0.5%
1997 163 5.1%
1998 66 2.1%
1999 89 2.8%
2000 29 0.9%
2001 26 0.8%
2002 30 0.9%
2003 21 0.7%
2004 872 27.4%
2005 274 8.6%
2006 19 0.6%
2008 12 0.4%
2010 211 6.6%
2011 152 4.8%
2012 132 4.1%
2013 201 6.3%
2014 152 4.8%
2015 99 3.1%
2016 149 4.7%
2017 57 1.8%
2018 91 2.9%
2019 40 1.3%
2020 63 2.0%
2021 133 4.2%
2022 47 1.5%
2023 27 0.8%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Warrensburg, MO

VISIBILITY/WIPER

A week ago, the top interior strip that holds the sliding glass window in place randomly fell off. We taped the hole until we could find someone who could fix the track. Then, a week later the non-sliding portion of the back rear window exploded while parked. There was no sort of impact, the window just shattered sending pieces of glass into my kids car seats.

NHTSA complaint #11739962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wixom, MI

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I recently discovered a recall notification in my app regarding wiper corrosion, which has resulted in my wipers functioning very slowly regardless of the speed setting. This poses a significant safety concern, especially during rainy or snowy conditions in Michigan, as it substantially impairs visibility. After contacting Ford Motor Company and spending three hours on the phone, I was informed that this recall is applicable only in Canada. However, I am currently residing in the U.S. and experiencing related issues. Given the serious nature of this safety matter, I felt it necessary to bring this to your attention. Thank you for your consideration.

NHTSA complaint #11717354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brazil, IN

VISIBILITY/WIPER

When I turn my windshield wipers on during rain, I can't turn them back off. They WILL NOT TURN BACK OFF. I have to pull off the road and turn the truck off and then restart the truck.. Sometimes this works and sometimes this doesn't work either. THIS IS A VERY ANNOYING PROBLEM. This can be a safety issue if I am trying to deal with this and get off the road to turn the truck off. I also own a 2019 F150 and now it has started doing the EXACT same issue. I don't feel this is a problem for the owner. I feel there is a defect in these two trucks. I feel there should be a recall on this issue. I have talked to the Ford dealership about this issue. There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The date this first started is around April 2025 but I don't know the exact date. THANK YOU VERY MUCH:

NHTSA complaint #11675571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 166,000 miles Township of Cottrellville, MI

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the windshield wipers started moving extremely slow until ceasing to operate. The contact stated that the windshield wipers then regained functionality but operated at a slower speed. The contact stated that the failure progressed over time and the windshield wipers became inoperable. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

NHTSA complaint #11670847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Lexington, IN

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 5 MPH out of the driveway, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's husband then heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the rear window cracked. The contact called an independent mechanic and was informed that the defroster had heated up and cracked the rear window. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11649518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marion, NC

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Was driving down the highway and there was a strong smell like something electrical was burning. I thought it was someone's brakes or clutch burning. About 3 minutes later I stopped and went into a store and when I came out my whole back window was shattered. In doing research online, I see this appears to have been a common problem with Ford F150's since 2010.

NHTSA complaint #11642713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Navasota, TX

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear driver's side door glass fractured without impact. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the glass fracture was not due to a manufacturing defect. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that later, the rear driver's side door latch failed to latch as intended. The contact's son inspected the vehicle and noticed water in the door frame. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11636553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rahway, NJ

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The windshield was not sealed properly. The primer and glue were applied incorrectly and now has disintegrated over time causing a leak in the area where the pin holds the windshield at the drivers side of the vehicle. From what I understand this could cause the windshield to dislodge in an accident.

NHTSA complaint #11636079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jonesborough, TN

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The air conditioner/heater has intermittently. Sometimes that air will blow cold but then becomes warm and sometimes the defroster takes more time than usual to warm up. The AC fans will come on high and continuously run if the AC is on. This hasn't worked properly since I purchased this used truck with a warranty from a Ford dealership. I have had it to the dealership on 2 occasions and no codes existed and they could not replicate the issue. This issue affects the ability to defrost and/or defog the windshield. During driving when the windshield gets clogged up because of the weather conditions it becomes hazardous to my passengers and myself. Ford because there were no errors codes or lights and they could not reproduce the issue returned the vehicle unfixed. I have had the vehicle to 2 repair shops and both indicated this is a known issue by Ford and they have issued a Technical Service Bulletin #22-2089 on 9 March 2022 acknowledging this issue but has failed to correct this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11613346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Waynesboro, OH

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the sunroof failed to close as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof motor and framework on the sunroof needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was referred to the manufacturer by the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed about Technical Service Bulletin: 18-2374, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #11602904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sedro-Woolley, WA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Rear window shattered this morning during start up. I auto started the vehicle this morning at approximately 3:35. When I went out to get on about 7 minutes later, smoke bellowed out the door. I quickly shut off the vehicle and opened the hood, nothing indicated an issue.m but when I walked around the vehicle I noticed the rear window buldging out and shattered, the window was hot to the touch.

NHTSA complaint #11589752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sedro-Woolley, WA

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Rear window shattered this morning during start up. I auto started the vehicle this morning at approximately 3:35. When I went out to get on about 7 minutes later, smoke bellowed out the door. I quickly shut off the vehicle and opened the hood, nothing indicated an issue.m but when I walked around the vehicle I noticed the rear window buldging out and shattered, the window was hot to the touch.

NHTSA complaint #11589752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Papillion, NE

VISIBILITY/WIPER

hello i am a mechanic and have noticed on many of the f150s wiper transmission failure on the passenger side the due to water build up on the cowl the drivers side where the cowl meets the arm has two lower drain holes and 6 drain holes on the right side and a rubber seal around the wiper arm the passenger side only has two drain holes leading to water sitting and rotting the rubber seal allowing water to corrode the wiper pivot point causing total failure

NHTSA complaint #11577951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Papillion, NE

VISIBILITY/WIPER

hello i am a mechanic and have noticed on many of the f150s wiper transmission failure on the passenger side the due to water build up on the cowl the drivers side where the cowl meets the arm has two lower drain holes and 6 drain holes on the right side and a rubber seal around the wiper arm the passenger side only has two drain holes leading to water sitting and rotting the rubber seal allowing water to corrode the wiper pivot point causing total failure

NHTSA complaint #11577955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palos Heights, IL

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

On12.26.23 I entered my 2017 F150, closed the door, and the rear window shattered, causing glass to enter the back seat- falling on my child who was seated in the rear. I called the local Ford dealership because my truck is under warranty to 100,000 miles. The dealership said they refer people with that problem to a local glass shop. I took it there to be repaired, total cost with tax was $1067.00 There were no warnings, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to this happening. ***this submittal has an area to attached the service invoice- this function will not work for me, but I do have the invoice if needed.

NHTSA complaint #11564022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lithia, FL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Rear back sliding windows falls out of track and window falls out.

NHTSA complaint #11563399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lithia, FL

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Rear back sliding windows falls out of track and window falls out.

NHTSA complaint #11563399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Papillion, NE

VISIBILITY/WIPER

It is a known defect in the 2.7 ecoboost engine that the driver side turbo oil supply line fails, causing engine oil to pool during a start up after a cold soak. The smoke produced causes several safety risks. 1. The smoke obstructs the rear camera. 2. The carcinogenic smoke causes a health and environmental hazard 3. The burning of oil can also lead to excessive parts wear and possible engine failure, which, given at the right time, could lead to injury. There are countless cases all over. When I notified the dealership they informed me it is a repair left at the responsibility of the consumer.

NHTSA complaint #11553195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 106,000 miles Savoy, TX Fire

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and upon activating the rear window defroster, she observed smoke filling the interior of the vehicle. After a visual inspection of the rear window, the contact observed the rear window lower wire cover on fire. After turning the vehicle off, the fire extinguished on its own, after which the rear window shattered. Emergency services were not called. A fire report was not filed, and no injuries were reported. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the rear defroster wiring had shorted, causing the wiring to catch fire. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 106,000.

NHTSA complaint #11552662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 46,500 miles Elizabethtown, KY

VISIBILITY

The contact's husband owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while her husband was driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving, and the rear power sliding window fell forward on the unoccupied rear seats. The contact's husband drove to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact's husband that the rear power sliding window needed to be replaced and that he would be charged a fee for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would partially cover the repair. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 46,500.

NHTSA complaint #11547971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rutledge, GA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Entire rear window appears to have bulged outward and shattered....Outside temperature in 90s (not unusual for this time of year) ...parked in driveway...no contact with anything else...no one in vehicle

NHTSA complaint #11534571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Idaho Falls, ID

VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER

Rear window exploded sitting in my closed garage. Did a lot of research on it and apparently this has been happening to numerous people dating back to 2010 on all the f series picks. FORD refuses to issue a recall. CHILDREN CAN BE HURT BY THIS. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE.

NHTSA complaint #11528346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 52,000 miles Longwood, FL

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear window detached from the track. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA complaint #11525799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 52,000 miles Longwood, FL

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear window detached from the track. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA complaint #11525799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Harlingen, TX

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

No warning back seat driver window exploded while we were driving 65mph. Middle lane hwy83 April 14 at 9 20 am. We had just turned Ac on when we heard what sounded like a gunshot. There were no bridges or trucks near .We noticed a softball hole in middle of window all the rest of window was still there. No glass inside the cab. Pulling over to side of highway we noticed glass in bed of truck. We contacted the dealer immediately who said no recall! Contact your insurance.

NHTSA complaint #11517387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hurricane, WV

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Hello. My 2017 Ford F-150 has experienced the faulty windshield wiper issue resulting in the wiper motor to fail. As a result, I've had to replace the wiper motor engine\wiper arms twice in the past couple of years. All services were taken care of through the local Ford Dealership including transaction history. I understand the recent recall for this issue but when I contact Ford Customer Service, they state it does not apply to my specific model. The recall for this was just anounced this week but only for 2021 & 2022 models. Please help. Thanks

NHTSA complaint #11513296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Powder Springs, GA

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW

I started my truck with "remote start" to warm up it up just a little before I got inside. (Truck was in the garage.) After I got my shoes on I got in the car after about 4-5 minutes. Hit the start button and started to pull out and the entire back window exploded. (I thought someone was shooting at me.) I could not figure out what happened but truck is clearly un-drivable now. Glad it happened while I wasn't on the road. This could have easily caused a wreck if I was in traffic. I googled the situation and noticed that there are a lot of complaints of this exact issue. Please see https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/all-about-the-ford-f-150-back-window-recalls . These comments sound just like my issue. I am assuming this has something to do with Remote Start (based on other comments) and the defrost of the back window. It is not just a small crack...it happened suddenly with a very loud bang. (Thought someone was shooting at me.) I called the dealership and they have convienantly never heard of this problem but recommended me to call customer care. I now have a case open with Ford but I don't have much hope based on all the other comments I have seen. (Ford said it would be 2-3 days before they can even get the part in.)

NHTSA complaint #11503960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mt Pleasant, SC

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I started my truck at 7:45 AM; temperature was 25 degrees and the windows were covered in frost. I turned the heater on, got out to load my truck; as I opened the door I heard a loud pop and a slight electrical odor. On examining the cause, I realized that the rear cab window had shattered with no provocation. Glass shards everywhere in the cab and in the truck bed. My dogs in the backseat, or I in the front could have been impaled with any one of these shards.

NHTSA complaint #11498826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Boonville, IN

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Driving 20mph loud noise looked back window shattered stopped looked for cause ,wasn’t anything could see ,googled found out happens a lot these trucks

NHTSA complaint #11498587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Boonville, IN

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW

Driving 20mph loud noise looked back window shattered stopped looked for cause ,wasn’t anything could see ,googled found out happens a lot these trucks

NHTSA complaint #11498587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2017 Ford F-150 problems

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