2016 Ford Explorer visibility & wipers problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
62 owners have reported visibility & wipers problems with the 2016 Ford Explorer, 4% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 82,300 mi.
- Visibility & Wipers complaints
- 62
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Related recalls
- 0
- Median mileage
- 82,300 mi
Specific components reported
Visibility & Wipers covers: Windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors and windows.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 26 |
| Visibility:windshield:critical fasteners | 15 |
| Visibility:windshield | 8 |
| Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly | 6 |
| Visibility | 4 |
| Visibility:power window devices and controls | 1 |
| Visibility:glass, side/rear | 1 |
| Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:fan/motor | 1 |
Visibility & Wipers complaints across Ford Explorer years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
No recalls on file.
What owners say
- Filed Jul 27, 2026IAOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers
25V347 and 24V031 I recieved a notice of the first recall in February 2024. Over the Summer of 2024 and 2025 both the A-pillar and B-pillar trim has melted and become detached from the vehicle during high heat warnings and during my commute to work on the interstate 60 miles each day. Parts from the vehicle flew off at high rates of speed and were at risk to others on the road. For 2.5 years now I have driven a duct taped windshield on both drivers and on the passenger sides…
NHTSA complaint #11753159 · source - Filed Jun 19, 2026ALVisibility & Wipers
one fell of window right side when driving on right side of window i tried to glue it back on don't think it will hold don't drive it much now went to ford dealer several time always told part is not available why it is a 2016 after 10 years should replacement parts not be available
NHTSA complaint #11745266 · source - Filed Jun 2, 2026NCOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers
I have been put off every month for over a year to have this fixed. It is a safety risk. Not only does the recall state the trim can come off and cause a crash, the rubber around both sides also keep coming loose and flapping on my windshield which causes interference with my view of the road. I am not sure why a safety recall was issued in 2024 but has still not been able to be resolved by 2026. They say the parts are not available but they should be making them available…
NHTSA complaint #11741456 · source - Filed Apr 2, 2026200,000 miWIVisibility & Wipers
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rear glass unexpectedly shattered. There was no impact on the windshield to cause it to shatter. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11728897 · source - Filed Feb 1, 2026MIVisibility & Wipers
Opened driver door to exit vehicle and heard a loud POP! Noticed rear window had exploded. Glass flew outside behind vehicle and continued to fall in rear of vehicle. Defrost was not in use. It was single digit temp out.
NHTSA complaint #11714807 · source - Filed Jan 30, 2026FLVisibility & Wipers
There have been EXCESSIVE delays with the repair of the A-Pillar trim. This item flew off of our vehicle while traveling down the highway at 70mph. THANKFULLY this piece did not impact the car behind us. This piece has now been missing for over 14 months. Numerous inquiries placed to dealerships and being told that the piece is still not available is not acceptable. Please encourage Ford to do better and make these pieces available for repair.
NHTSA complaint #11714394 · source - Filed Dec 27, 2025CAVisibility & Wipers
Backup camera is cloudy/foggy. Brought it to ford service department attention in regards to Issue Date 2022-08-26 Campaign 22S51/22V644 Per Fullerton Ford, they would not participate. I feel this is a visability issue when backing up and would like Ford to also consider 2016 ford Explorer in this recall since it is a safety issue
NHTSA complaint #11707303 · source - Filed Sep 5, 2025153,000 miOHElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving in the rain, water leaked inside the vehicle from the dome light. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the moonroof failed to function as intended and was no longer able to be opened. The contact stated that there was mold on the front driver's side and front passenger's side seats, as well as inside the cupholders. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for…
NHTSA complaint #11685256 · source - Filed Aug 14, 202586,800 miNCBody & StructureVisibility & Wipers
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). The contact stated that water was leaking onto the passenger’s side floorboard and passenger’s side door, causing an electrical short with the windows. The contact stated that the window was stuck. The contact left the windows opened to air out the vehicle. The contact used duct tape to secure the structure. There were no…
NHTSA complaint #11680570 · source - Filed Apr 10, 202577,000 miTNTowedBody & StructureEngineVisibility & Wipers
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that water had entered the vehicle, and the inside of the windshield was freezing. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the defrosted was inoperable. Additionally, the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was…
NHTSA complaint #11653932 · source - Filed Mar 28, 2025OHSeats & Seat BeltsVisibility & Wipers
Driver seat moves all the way forward on its own and the side view mirror moves out of range. This has happened while in the seat and car running. It happens intermittently. It scares the heck out of you and pushes you all the way into the steering wheel which makes it impossible to steer. You have to be quick in order to stop it and because it startles you when it happens the reaction time is not immediate. Very scary indeed!
NHTSA complaint #11651232 · source - Filed Jan 8, 2025FLOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers
The moonroof malfunctions and can be stuck in the open position. The drain plug for the moonroof can easily get clogged causing water to back up into the overhead structure. This causes water to fall onto the driver and passengers. The water flows from the overhead area, the side pillars and onto the floorboards. The electrical components are then compromised and the motor that controls the moonroof stops working. In my situation my moonroof was stuck in the open position…
NHTSA complaint #11634915 · source
Other 2016 Ford Explorer problem areas
- Body & Structure (556)
- Steering (355)
- Engine (227)
- Other / Unknown (178)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (128)
- Airbags (77)
- Electrical System (68)
- Suspension (54)
- Seats & Seat Belts (48)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (22)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (22)
- Wheels & Tires (18)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (17)
- Brakes (11)
- Lighting (6)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology