2023 Ford Explorer Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 10%of 112 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,750miles
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the visibility of the 2023 Ford Explorer, 10% of the 112 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,750 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.
“While on interstate at 70mph, the front sunroof exploded. Sounding like a gun going off.. was no vehicles in front of me to cause debris.. after pulling over to see what happened I could tell the glass was pushed up away from vehicle. Not only was this safety concern for me. But also the vehicles behind me that had to suddenly stop and avoid the flying glass..”
NHTSA complaint #11541588, filed 2023-08“I have a 2023 Ford Explorer with a sun room/moon roof and the fabric is sagging causing visibility issues due to not being able to properly see out of my rear view mirror. I have not taken it to the dealership to get it checked out but I’m going to as my vehicle already has an open recall on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11695919, filed 2025-10“The driver side windows control buttons are breaking off for no apparent reason. Ford refused to fix faulty windows controls which could cause harm to a person attempting to roll windows up or down. Two buttons have broke off within a matter of a week and are in the shape of a W which could lead to injury. A 3rd button appears damaged as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11615757, filed 2024-09“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, she heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to park on the side of the road and noticed that the sunroof had shattered independently. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that the sunroof needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,500.”
NHTSA complaint #11518193, filed 2023-04, 2,500 miles“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, road debris was kicked up by the vehicle ahead and cracked the windshield. The contact stated that the windshield was replaced by a glass repair shop. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving on the highway, road debris was again kicked up onto the windshield, and the windshield cracked. The contact asked the glass repair shop if the windshield was replaced with an OEM windshield and was informed that the windshield was an OEM part. …”
NHTSA complaint #11615010, filed 2024-09, 21,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11036103Aug 5, 2026Some 2020-2025 Explorer vehicles equipped with a power roof opening panel may exhibit a sunshield with localized bunching or binding/inoperative. This may be due to a broken or…
- 11034228Jun 11, 2026Customer Satisfaction Program 26N09 Certain 2020 Model Year Escape, 2020-2021 Corsair, 2020-2021 Aviator, and 2020- 2021 and 2023 Explorer Vehicles Front Windshield Wiper Motor…
- 11023200Sep 9, 2025Some 2023-2025 Explorer (rear windows only), Bronco Sport, Escape, and Maverick vehicles equipped with minor feature code B2DAC may exhibit an inoperative passenger front and/or…
- 11021975Aug 14, 2025Various 2021-2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with the rear camera on demand feature may exhibit "Please Check Surroundings For Safety" or "Full View Not Available"…
- 11020705Jul 14, 2025Some 2023-2025 Explorer (rear windows only), Bronco Sport, Escape, and Maverick vehicles equipped with minor feature code B2DAC may exhibit an inoperative passenger front and/or…
- 10252623Mar 13, 2024Certain 2023-2024 Explorer vehicle trim levels built on or after 6-Feb-2023 are no longer equipped with the rear heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control panel on…
- 10228881Dec 20, 2022Some vehicles equipped with power folding mirrors may exhibit power folding mirrors that are inoperative or exhibit a clicking sound. This may be due to the mirrors being…
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 | 70 | 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 2023 Ford Explorer
27 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
7 complaintsLane departure
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2023 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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