2015 Ford Explorer Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 45about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,812 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 45 complaints about the visibility of the 2015 Ford Explorer, 2% of the 1,812 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Headlights are suppose to be sealed units but when I'm driving in the rain the water gets in. Ford denied warranty replacement of them calling it condensation and that is normal. The water stays in for a day or two but when driving at night it obscures my vision from the light being defused. This is a known problem by Ford and they don't seem to want to own up to it. I sent pictures to them but have since deleted them I will take more the next time it rains when I'm traveling.”
NHTSA complaint #11000716, filed 2017-06, 11,000 miles“1st concern: my 2015 Ford Explorer is at 84,000 miles. I have captain (bucket) seats for the 2nd row. About 6 months ago, my son couldn't get out his seat belt. The red button wouldn't release and it was tight around his waist, eventually I was able to make enough room from him to slide under the lap belt. The estimate I received 3 weeks ago was $230 not covered under warranty. I have never had to replace a seat belt. 2nd concern: this past weekend traveling 70 MPH on a highway I heard flapping outside the front drivers window the panel was shaking for about 30 seconds then flew off. …”
NHTSA complaint #11203895, filed 2019-04, 83,000 miles“My car has projection headlights. On a dark road, it appears as though there is a black curtain over the top half of my windshield. Road visibility is limited by this, this would be the cut off line where below the line there is light and above it is total darkness. On back roads where there are no street lights, this is a horrible blind spot that is worsened by going down hills and around curves. Going down a slope causes the projection to be shortened to immediately in front of the vehicle. If there were pedestrians or animals beyond this area, they would be invisible. …”
NHTSA complaint #10936707, filed 2016-12, 500 miles“The intermittent wipers turn on by themselves or unable to turn them off. This causes the driver to focus on trying to turn them off, while taking your eyes of the roadway.”
NHTSA complaint #11048339, filed 2017-11, 42,500 miles“Left side windshield trim molding flew off hitting car behind me. Causing car to then chase me down and run me off the road. Two months later the right side flew off while driving luckily not hitting another car on the road. Something needs done about this. Every Ford Explorer I see on the road is missing one or both of these trim pieces! Do better FORD!”
NHTSA complaint #11541040, filed 2023-08Related service bulletins
- 10207049Jan 7, 2022Some 2011-2022 Explorer and 2020-2022 Aviator vehicles may experience an inoperative roof opening panel motor. If diagnostics lead to a motor replacement, visually inspect the…
- 10164508Aug 9, 2019Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in…
- 10162064Jun 7, 2019Some 2011-2015 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit front window glass that jumps/chatters during up/down movement. This may be due to various conditions in…
- 10058233Jul 8, 2015Ford explorer 2015: bulletin information on some vehicles exhibit, at higher speeds, wind noise coming from the windshield cowl panel grille area.
- 10057834Jul 1, 2015Ford: no service action is recommended for this condition. Please use at your discretion. Various 2010-2015 vehicles may experience a turbulence noise, similar to an helicopter…
- 10058219Mar 1, 2015Ford explorer 2011-2015: bulletin information regarding the front glass window chattering up/down while traveling. The front window regulator motor needs to be replaced.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 14% |
| 2025 | 13 | 12% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 11 | 10% |
| 2022 | 31 | 11% |
| 2021 | 48 | 11% |
| 2020 | 69 | 6% |
| 2019 | 8 | 3% |
| 2018 | 27 | 4% |
| 2017 | 77 | 5% |
| 2016 | 68 | 3% |
| 2015 | 45 | 2% |
| 2014 | 53 | 3% |
| 2013 | 63 | 3% |
| 2012 | 24 | 3% |
| 2011 | 23 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 9 | 4% |
| 2006 | 16 | 3% |
| 2005 | 26 | 5% |
| 2004 | 112 | 9% |
| 2003 | 62 | 5% |
| 2002 | 138 | 4% |
| 2001 | 17 | 5% |
| 2000 | 46 | 5% |
| 1999 | 217 | 16% |
| 1998 | 108 | 6% |
| 1997 | 90 | 5% |
| 1996 | 47 | 3% |
| 1995 | 19 | 2% |
| 1994 | 71 | 6% |
| 1993 | 56 | 6% |
| 1992 | 46 | 7% |
| 1991 | 32 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2015 Ford Explorer
411 complaintsOther or unknown
407 complaintsSteering
347 complaintsEngine
227 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
147 complaintsFuel system
94 complaintsElectrical system
93 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
86 complaintsAir bags
84 complaintsSuspension
83 complaintsEngine cooling
66 complaintsSeat belts
38 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2015 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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