1999 Ford Explorer Sport Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 10%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the visibility of the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport, 10% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles.
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.
“Recall 00v072000 concerning electronic functions. Windshield wipers were inoperative. Also, interior lights, and the 4x4 control worked intermittently. Dealer was notified. Dealer informed the consumer that this vehicle was not covered under the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10097775, filed 2004-10, 30,000 miles“Front windshield wiper failure:front windshield wipers fail to work consistently. Wipers come on even though it is set to the off position. Sometimes wipers do not come on when they are turned to the on position. In order for wipers to work consistently they would have to be manually engage with hand and hand has to be kept on the wiper control switch switching it on and off to move the wiper blades. Wipers would come on intermittently while driving. Wipers would act erratically and fail to operate properly 90% of the time. Wipers sometimes would come on after vehicle has warmed up. …”
NHTSA complaint #10442752, filed 2012-01, 75,000 miles“The contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer Sport. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH in rainy weather conditions and the windshield wipers failed to operate during activation. The windshield wipers would operate whenever the windshield washer control device was engaged. Also, the windshield wipers operated when manually turning the control lever. On numerous occasions, the windshield wipers activated while in the off mode. In addition, the hood support arm would not remain in an upward position. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10442551, filed 2012-01, 76,500 miles“After talking to several people, and doing some research on the internet, it seems as though a common problem is with the rear windshield wiper motor. On more than one ocassion, the motors stopped working, work incorrectly, or work one minute and fail to function the next. This leads to the lack of visibility towards the rear of the vehicle, which could cause some safety concerns.”
NHTSA complaint #10030949, filed 2003-08“Problems with windshield wipers, brake lights, seat handles, interior lights and door locks. Rear windshield wipers do not work. Both seat handles broke off. Interior lights remain on, brake lights are replaced twice a week. Door does not unlock properly.”
NHTSA complaint #10040114, filed 2003-09Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
Other parts of the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport
14 complaintsSeats
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsTires
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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