2017 Ford Explorer Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 77about this part
- Share
- 5%of 1,704 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 77 complaints about the visibility of the 2017 Ford Explorer, 5% of the 1,704 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Took my 2017 Ford Explorer in to auto dealer for service (under 11,000 miles) and had oil change and windshield wiper changed for a trip I was taking. I turned the rear windshield wiper on due to the rain and the blade flew off , permanelty scratching my rear window. Dealer stated it was not thier fault so must be an issue with the wiper blade.”
NHTSA complaint #11185637, filed 2019-03, 11,000 miles“Used auto start feature to start the car.when I got in the car the rear glass exploded. Temperature was around 15 degrees fahrenheit. I believe the window heater caused the failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11386644, filed 2021-01, 98,000 miles“On january 11, 2020, I turned on the ignition of my 2017 Explorer sitting in my driveway and immediately had 4 warning lights and multiple error messages appear. It was the ABS, stability control on and off lights and a wrench. Then there were multiple messages about my four wheel drive not working. I turned the car on and off several times trying to get all of the messages and to see if it would clear. After the third restart the entire dash panel went out completely except for the radio which stayed on continuously for 3 days until it got to the dealership on monday. …”
NHTSA complaint #11299435, filed 2020-01, 27,000 miles“Rear window glass spontaneously shattered while sitting at stop light. Defroster was off, outside temp was 38 degrees fahrenheit. No known reason. Google shows this happening to other 2017 Ford explorers, but when I called Ford, they denied any knowledge of this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11403764, filed 2021-03, 48,000 miles“Driving on interstate, temperature around 54 degrees, light rain, no traffic, heard a loud pop noise. Broken glass from the sunroof slid off the roof on to the road. Found a large hole in the center of the sunroof window. Insurance adjuster found no point of impact and declared it an internal stress fracture/part failure/manufacturer defect. It was not covered by insurance. Mileage was at 19,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11207447, filed 2019-05, 19,000 milesRelated 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…
- 10169886Dec 18, 2019Some 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles may exhibit front window glass that jumps/chatters during up/down movement. This may be due to various conditions in the window motor including…
- 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…
- 10156868Feb 26, 2019Some 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles may exhibit front window glass that jumps/chatters during up/down movement. This may be due to various conditions in the window motor including…
- 10155556Feb 26, 2019Some 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles may exhibit front window glass that jumps/chatters during up/down movement. This may be due to various conditions in the window motor including…
- 10137072Mar 20, 2018Some 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles may exhibit front window glass that jumps/chatters during up/down movement. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
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 2017 Ford Explorer
659 complaintsOther or unknown
374 complaintsEngine
241 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
125 complaintsElectrical system
94 complaintsEngine cooling
77 complaintsSteering
76 complaintsWheels
60 complaintsSuspension
58 complaintsFuel system
49 complaintsAir bags
34 complaintsSeat belts
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 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