Some 2011-2022 Explorer and 2020-2022 Aviator vehicles may experience an inoperative roof opening panel motor. If diagnostics lead to a motor replacement, visually inspect the original motor for signs of water intrusion. If found, determine source of water leak prior to replacing the motor. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-17, Pinpoint Test A for 2011-2016 and Pinpoint Test B for 2017-2022 for identifying the source of the water leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Ford Explorer visibility problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Ford Explorer have filed 16 NHTSA complaints about the visibility, typically surfacing around 53,250 miles at roughly $350 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See visibility across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
| Model year | visibility complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Explorer | 6 |
| 2008 Explorer | 4 |
| 2009 Explorer | 3 |
| 2011 Explorer (this page) | 16 |
| 2012 Explorer | 19 |
| 2013 Explorer | 42 |
| 2014 Explorer | 32 |
| 2015 Explorer | 27 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering visibility on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the glass and cause visual distortion and/or discoloration on the outer surface which cannot be removed by further cleaning. If this type of distortion is found, inspect the area of the glass that is covered by the cowl and/or molding. The portion of glass that is covered by the cowl or molding will not be affected by the acid. Hydrofluoric acid damage is not a defect in material or workmanship and is not a warrantable condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2011-2015 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit front window glass that jumps/chatters during up/down movement. This may be due to various conditions in the window motor including excessive drive gear backlash, bushing wear, and/or excessive end play. To resolve the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the window motor, window motor connector, window regulator, upper glass run, and door glass.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: NO SERVICE ACTION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS CONDITION. PLEASE USE AT YOUR DISCRETION. VARIOUS 2010-2015 VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A TURBULENCE NOISE, SIMILAR TO AN HELICOPTER NOISE, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE REAR DOOR WINDOW(S) OR SUNROOF ARE OPEN.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD EXPLORER 2011-2015: BULLETIN INFORMATION REGARDING THE FRONT GLASS WINDOW CHATTERING UP/DOWN WHILE TRAVELING. THE FRONT WINDOW REGULATOR MOTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 Explorer has a pattern of glass and trim failures unrelated to impact. The most serious: rear liftgate windows shattering inward without collision or external cause, spraying glass into the cabin and sometimes injuring occupants. One occurred at 11,000 miles; another at 120,000. Sunroofs also explode without impact, with glass falling into the cabin. Windshield failures include top molding and side trim panels detaching during highway driving at 60 mph or above, sometimes flying into traffic. Owners report these occur on original windshields never previously worked on.
Water intrusion from closed sunroofs happens during rain, and in one case, water from the sunroof froze the windshield. A-pillar hissing and spontaneous wiper activation also appear in the complaints. Sun visors on some units cannot hold small adjustments to block sun when fully open—requiring the visor to be pulled halfway down, which blocks the driver's view; one owner suspects backward installation.
Dealers often deny warranty claims on glass and trim, attributing failures to impact despite owner testimony that no collision occurred. Insurance investigators in at least one case concluded the failures were manufacturing defects. Costs reported for trim replacement exceed $800.
Same Ford Explorer visibility reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Rear window spontaneous shattering
Rear liftgate glass shatters inward without impact, impact, collision, or external cause. Glass breaks at edges and center, sometimes with large gaps, scattering debris into cabin.
When: Various mileages: 11,000 miles to unknown; occurs during normal driving, sometimes after remote start and defroster use
Symptoms owners cite: Loud inward explosion of rear window; Glass shatters spontaneously; Large gaps in window with shards falling into cabin; Rear wiper blade drawn through break into cabin
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced rear window; dealers denied warranty coverage citing no impact
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; insurance company concluded manufacturing defect in one case
Front windshield trim detachment
Top molding and side trim panels of front windshield separate from vehicle, detaching or flying off during highway driving at speed.
When: Various mileages from unknown to 150,000 miles; occurs at 60 mph or above
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield top molding and side trim blow out; Trim panels come loose and slap windows; Pieces fly off during highway driving; Trim detaches on driver and passenger sides
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement cost cited as over $800; some vehicles not repaired due to warranty denial
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted in at least one case and filed case; no recall mentioned
Sunroof spontaneous shattering
Sunroof glass shatters or explodes without impact or collision. Frame reported as separated and defective.
When: 120,000 miles in one case; occurs during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof explodes unexpectedly; Glass shatters without impact; Shards fall into cabin onto occupants; Sunroof frame separation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed sunroof frame defect; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; insurance company concluded manufacturing defect
Sunroof water leak
Water leaks from closed sunroof into cabin during rain. In one case, water from sunroof froze the windshield.
When: 47,800 miles and 55,000 miles documented
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaks from sunroof when closed; Water drips into cabin during rain; Windshield freezes from sunroof water
Repairs/costs cited: One case not repaired due to cost; other case not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not contacted in at least one case; no response documented
Windshield exterior panel detachment
Driver side windshield panel detaches and separates from vehicle during driving at highway speeds.
When: Mileage unavailable; occurs at approximately 60 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Exterior windshield panel detaches; Panel separates during driving
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
A-pillar hissing noise
Hissing sound emanates from front passenger side A-pillar area, diagnosed as requiring A-pillar replacement.
When: 18,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hissing noise from front passenger A-pillar at 65 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Technician diagnosed A-pillar replacement needed; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified
Front windshield wipers spontaneous activation
Front windshield wipers activate independently after starting vehicle, creating a visibility hazard.
When: 170,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers activate independently after engine start; Creates visibility hazard
Repairs/costs cited: Cause not determined
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Local dealer and manufacturer both notified
Sun visor inadequate adjustment
Sun visors cannot make fine adjustments (1/4 to 1/2 inch) to block sun when fully opened. Requires bringing visor halfway down to hold position, which blocks traffic view. Suspected backward installation or manufacturing defect.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Visor cannot make small adjustments when fully open; Must bring visor halfway down before it holds position; Blocks driver's view of traffic; Works properly when visor is facing driver (suggesting installation issue)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer did not know how to remedy; no repair made
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had visibility trouble with your 2011 Ford Explorer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the visibility problem on the 2011 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 16 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?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most visibility failures cluster between 29,416 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 53,250. A quarter of owners report trouble before 29,416; a quarter make it past 120,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Ford/Explorer.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.