2018 Ford Explorer visibility & wipers problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 13, 2026CAVisibility & Wipers

   The windshield wiper motor failed, causing the windshield wipers to stop operating properly. At the same time, the windshield washer system is unable to spray washer fluid onto the windshield. This significantly reduces visibility during rain and when the windshield becomes dirty, creating a safety hazard. No warning lights were displayed

   NHTSA complaint #11750024 · source
2. Filed Apr 7, 2026CAVisibility & Wipers

   The windshield wipers do not work, the rear wiper do not work and the wiper fluid does not squirt out. It can be inspected. The safety of everyone is at risk because I can't clean my windshield to make the road visible. I have recently seen a recall involving Ford vehicles regarding the windshield wipers not working. And I think it needs to include more years because mine is affected also. It started glitching about a year ago and now doesn't work at all. No lights come on…

   NHTSA complaint #11729720 · source
3. Filed Dec 30, 2025WABody & StructureElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

   I am filing a safety complaint regarding unresolved recalls on my 2018 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX] ). FIRST RECALL: Over two years ago, I was notified to repair the exterior A-pillar trim/window shields. The dealer in Yakima, WA, placed me on a waiting list and said the part was unavailable. I have been waiting over two years with no resolution. Recently, while driving on the highway, this part fell off and struck the windshield of another vehicle behind me, creating a…

   NHTSA complaint #11707887 · source
4. Filed Dec 30, 2025NVBody & StructureElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

   During a storm, our SUV had water leaking in through the top, middle of the windshield. The water soaked the dashboard controls and our heating/air system was stuck on high heat and would not turn off. It was 70° and it was extremely hot in the SUV and the windows kept fogging up making it hard to see. Our temperature controls no longer work properly.

   NHTSA complaint #11707788 · source
5. Filed Oct 6, 2025TXBody & StructureOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers

   The dash on my 2018 Ford Explorer platinum is rolling up from the front of the dash. It is made out of some sort of leather or vinyl. But with it rolling up towards the driver, it causes a glare onto the windshield which causes visibility issues. I know I'm not the only one experiencing these problems with the platinum trim on the 2018 ford explorer. But this really needs to be looked into and recalled. You can also look up the explorer platinum on a vehicle search website…

   NHTSA complaint #11691529 · source
6. Filed Sep 5, 2025MDAirbagsVisibility & Wipers

   The vinyl on the top part of the dash has completely seperated which is causing a major white reflection on my window and rendering the car unsafe to drive. Ford refuses to address the issue. I also suspect if my air bags deployed this could impact how they deploy or cause additional vinyl shrapnel hitting an occupant in the face in the event of a crash.

   NHTSA complaint #11685377 · source
7. Filed Aug 18, 2025WVOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers

   The dash cover came unglued and is rolling up exposing a white cloth that reflects on the windshield makingit hard to see

   NHTSA complaint #11681453 · source
8. Filed Jul 22, 2025TXVisibility & Wipers

   The cover on my dashboard has lifted/rolled up and revealed a white material underneath, and as such, this has caused a glare onto the windshield in my field of vision, making it harder for me to see while driving. I feel that this is a safety concern. I have taken it to a Ford dealership to have it looked at, and they claim that there is nothing that can be done except for the entire dashboard to be replaced which would be thousands of dollars. I have researched this issue…

   NHTSA complaint #11675296 · source
9. Filed Dec 17, 2024FLVisibility & Wipers

   intermittent wipers would not turn off. Took car to dealership and they charged $629.38 to fix a FORD quality issue. Wipers scratch the windshield and cause unnecessary distraction during dry conditions as they would not turn off. This issue (wipers not turning off) occurred after the A-Pillar flew off my vehicle and hit another car. The other driver did not stop. FORD needs to cover the cost of the wiper switch and also compensate owners for lack of part availability to fix…

   NHTSA complaint #11631156 · source
10. Filed Oct 8, 202477,000 miCABody & StructureVisibility & Wipers

    The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); the roof racks started to detach from the vehicle, almost causing the sunroof to fracture. The contact stated that the side view mirrors seized without warning. The contact had to shift to park and turn off and restart the vehicle for the side view mirrors to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the vehicle…

    NHTSA complaint #11618681 · source
11. Filed May 13, 202470,000 miCABody & StructureVisibility & Wipers

    The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver’s side windshield was cracked. The contact also stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware of a crack on the passenger’s side windshield. 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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a…

    NHTSA complaint #11588562 · source
12. Filed Mar 20, 202499,000 miALVisibility & Wipers

    The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when there was heavy rain in the area. The contact stated that after the heavy rain passed when they were placing items in the back seat, they noticed that water was in the cup holder. The contact discovered a crack in the sunroof allowing water to enter the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred multiple times. The contact was concerned that there was no impact on the…

    NHTSA complaint #11578558 · source

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