2026 Ford Explorer Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 14%of 42 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 7,300miles
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the visibility of the 2026 Ford Explorer, 14% of the 42 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 7,300 miles. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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.
“The contact owns a 2026 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof glass panel made an abnormally loud sound and shattered without impact. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11734759, filed 2026-04, 10,000 miles“Seal around the panoramic sunroof is failing and has caused loud wind noises and lack of proper weather seal. Vehicle has 7000 miles and this has randomly started. Loud wind whistle noise occurs now 100% of the time when speed reaches 35mph and stays present at higher speeds.”
NHTSA complaint #11762361, filed 2026-09“The contact owns a 2026 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH in the rain, the front windshield wipers suddenly stopped operating. The front power windows failed to operate properly and failed to go up or down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,600.”
NHTSA complaint #11750000, filed 2026-07, 4,600 miles“I have a brand new 2026 Ford Explorer ST. There is a permanent haze on or between the glass windshield that does not come off with any cleaning agent and appears to be between the layer. The service manager at the dealership acknowledges seeing the haze and the reduced clarity but clains Ford will not warranty since it is not on a recall. It is dangerous when the sun glare causes it to glow impairing clear visibilty of the road. It is also evident and impairs during rain. The difference is very evident when looking through the windshield versus the side windows at the same object,”
NHTSA complaint #11745208, filed 2026-06Related recalls
- 26V202000Mar 31, 2026Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may…Covers: Ford Explorer 2026, Lincoln Aviator 2026
- 26V024000Jan 21, 2026Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle…Covers: Ford Explorer 2026
- 25V730000Oct 24, 2025Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air…Covers: Ford Explorer 2025–2026, Lincoln Aviator 2025–2026, Corsair 2025–2026
Related service bulletins
- 11037425Sep 18, 2026Some 2026 Explorer vehicles may exhibit wind noise and/or water intrusion from the panoramic roof panel glass seal. Inspection may find that the seal is rolled or separated from…
- 11035581Aug 4, 2026Some 2024-2026 Explorer vehicles built on or before 27-Feb-2026 and equipped with the panoramic glass roof may exhibit an uneven gap at the front edge of the roof opening panel…
- 11032762May 16, 2026Some 2024-2026 Nautilus and 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with power autofold exterior mirrors may exhibit concerns with the passenger mirror not automatically…
- 11029352Feb 19, 2026"Quality improvements include: -Enhanced dynamic bending lights performance "
- 11028848Feb 16, 2026Some 2024-2026 Nautilus and 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with power folding mirrors may exhibit concerns with the auto folding mirror functionality not matching…
- 11026932Dec 8, 2025Customer Satisfaction Program 25N19 Certain 2024-2026 Model Year Corsair and Certain 2025-2026 Model Year Explorer and Aviator Vehicles Windshield Replacement
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 2026 Ford Explorer
11 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsLane departure
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2026 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