TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE HINGES ON THE REAR HATCHBACK WINDOW DISINTEGRATED AND CAUSED THE WINDOW TO DETACH ITSELF COMPLETELY FROM THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
2009 Ford Explorer visibility problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $350
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$350
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I HAVE A 2008 FORD EXPLORER AND THE REAR DEFROSTER WIRE THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE REAR GLASS DOOR FELL OFF. IT IS ONLY HELD ON THE WINDOW BY A SMALL WELD THE SIZE OF AN ERASER HEAD. I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP WEISLEDER FORD IN POINT PLEASANT NJ, SAID THEY COULD NOT REPLACE IT BECAUSE THEY SAID WE PULLED IT OFF AND ITS NOT UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT ANYONE IN THIS COUNTRY HAS NOT …
Common questions
How serious is the visibility problem on the 2009 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $350 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $350 for visibility repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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