There are 50 owner-reported visibility & wipers complaints for the 2017 Ford Explorerin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
No impact shattering of rear window. I entered the car and closed the driver’s side door when I heard the window shatter.
Windshield wipers worked when they wanted to for a while not anymore. It's impossible to see in the rain or clear the windshield when driving
The rear tailgate window has blown out twice. First time 2/10/2026 and again 3/22/2026. Both times happened while parked with the car running.
Issue: Rear liftgate window on my 2017 Ford Explorer Sport spontaneously shattered without any impact. Conditions: Occurred in cold weather (approx. 5 F) within 30 minutes of starting the vehicle. Description: The glass failed suddenly with an explosive sound and scattered fragments inside and outside the vehicle. There were no prior cracks, chips, or external forces. Safety Concern: Sudden loss of rear visibility, risk of injury from flying glass, and potential hazard to pedestrians or nearby vehicles. Pattern: Multiple owners of 2017 Explorers report the same issue—rear window shattering in cold weather or during defroster use—suggesting a possible systemic defect in the rear glazing or defroster system. Request: Please review this incident as part of a potential defect trend and assess whether an investigation is warranted.
This recall has been out for over a year and a half and I still do not have parts. It is LOUD in my car. At what point, can I get it fixed myself and charge it back to ford? thank you
The weather stripping/seals around the windshield are crumbling/cracking and fly off the vehicle while driving and when loose create wind noise/rattle. Both sides and base near hood called a cowl I believe. Dealer indicated the cowl and trim could be replaced but would require significant labor and was not part of the A pillar recall. I asked if windshield was at risk or if it was just cosmetic and was advised no safety concern.
The windshield wipers on my 2017 Ford Explorer will not turn off, when the vehicle is. Of course the wiper switch is in the OFF position and it persists. This issue began without warning and continues consistently. This is distracting, obstructing my vision, and giving me a headache every time I get in my car. This potentially dangerous while driving, especially in dry conditions where the wipers can damage the windshield or reduce visibility by smearing debris. Based on online forums and other owner reports, this appears to be a common issue affecting many 2017 Ford Explorer owners. It also seems to be common in early models of the same generation meaning it has been a known issue and hasn’t been resolved. This should be investigated as a potential manufacturing defect. A malfunctioning wiper system can create a hazardous driving condition and may warrant a recall
Safety Recall Notice 24S02 / NHTSA Recall 24V031 for my 2017 Explorer was done in January 2024 and I received the letter in February 2024. The parts still aren't available after 9 months which is unacceptable. I am now having to use long strips of duct tape on my windshield to hold these loose parts in place which affects my vision to drive and my windshield wipers to work correctly. I wasn't in any accident but concerned about what may happen. This has been going on since July 2024 when I went to the beach and we were going down interstate the piece came loose. We have been using duct tape since that has to be replaced weekly Nothing should take this long and replacements parts need to be made available to repair as soon as possible.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the front driver’s side windshield trim detached from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the contact was informed that the trims and the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the air conditioner system blew out hot air when activated. As a result, the children in the vehicle felt overwhelmed by the impact of the heat while driving in hot weather conditions. The contact mentioned living in a hot climate state. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the A/C condenser needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
My windshield and windows collect condensation inside the vehicle during the winter and cold months. This occurs continuously while vehicle is in use and it causes me to not be able to see out my windows or windshield while driving.
The front windshield gasket on our 2017 Explorer is disintegrating, cracked and brittle. Today a chunk broke off as I was driving.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield molding separated and detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was informed that the parts needed to complete the repair were out of stock. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
I was driving at highway speed today, and the drivers side windshield pillar plastic trim broke free from the vehicle and flew in the air towards following traffic
The windshield trim is detaching and won’t go back into place. I’m afraid it’s going to fly off why driving and cause a wreck behind me. I’ve read this is a known problem. I shouldn’t have to pay for a known design flaw.
Windshields wipers coming on and staying on although the settings are on the off switch. The wipers won’t turn off at all
2017 ford explorer. Driving down the interstate and the window trim around front window starts flying off. It’s completely dry rotted. No warning, have not taken it to the dealership because they charge $150 just for diagnostic.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound and noticed that the sunroof glass panel had shattered without impact. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the sunroof glass panel to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that water was leaking from the sunroof into the overhead light and onto the display console. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
While driving under 80 mph on the highway my passenger side panel flew off and almost hit the vehicle behind me. I was able to locate the panel after having to drive in reverse on the shoulder for a few minutes. This is my second ford explorer and it flew off on my drive side on the first vehicle.
Showing 1–20 of 50 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026