1996 Ford Bronco Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 16%of 81 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 Ford Bronco, 16% of the 81 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Back electric window implodes throwing glass into the Bronco. This is the second time it has happened. The first time it imploded we were sitting in the Bronco (it was not running) the sencond time it happened we were driving. The sound is so loud we almost ran off the road from fear. Neither time we were using the back window. I am afraid that either the glass blowing in will hurt someone or cause the driver to get into an accident. There has to be something wrong with the unit if this continues to be a problem. I want to find out if other Bronco owners are having the same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #720013, filed 2000-03“After turning on rear defogger, rear windshield shattered. This was the third time that this incident had occurred. Dealer notified. Consumer states there is a TSB that states the current weatherstrip caused a chemical reaction with the silver in the heating element and replacing the glass only may not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #8005110, filed 2002-03“Consumer was traveling about 15mph on a country road and heard a bang sound like a gun being fired . There was an explosion of glass shattering coming from the rear window, everywhere. Be advised that this incident happened twice.”
NHTSA complaint #862107, filed 2000-05“While driving approximately 55-60 MPH, on two different occasions in raining weather, rear defogger on, the rear window exploded and glass fell into inside of vehicle. Similar incidents occurred 11/97 and 04/98, dealer notified, vehicle has no warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #823134, filed 1998-06“While driving on highway at 65 MPH, turned on defroster, heard noise, rear tailgate glass window shattered into rear of vehicle; three occurrences; according to dealer, could be a reaction to gaskets or sealing around window, replaced glass.”
NHTSA complaint #810399, filed 1997-03Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 9% |
| 2025 | 4 | 7% |
| 2024 | 5 | 6% |
| 2023 | 95 | 41% |
| 2022 | 75 | 19% |
| 2021 | 17 | 7% |
| 1996 | 13 | 16% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 3 | 8% |
| 1989 | 2 | 2% |
| 1988 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 2 | 6% |
| 1986 | 1 | 4% |
| 1985 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Bronco
22 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford Bronco
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology