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 ↗2017 Ford Explorer visibility problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Ford Explorer have filed 56 NHTSA complaints about the visibility, typically surfacing around 60,000 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
56
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
| Model year | visibility complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Explorer | 42 |
| 2014 Explorer | 32 |
| 2015 Explorer | 27 |
| 2016 Explorer | 47 |
| 2017 Explorer (this page) | 56 |
| 2018 Explorer | 18 |
| 2019 Explorer | 5 |
| 2020 Explorer | 43 |
| 2021 Explorer | 26 |
What stands out
Of the 20 model years of Ford Explorer we track for visibility problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 56.
Owners have filed 56 visibility complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
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 2016-2017 Explorer 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 endplay. To resolve the condition, replace the door glass top run, door glass, window regulator, window motor and wiring harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 2016-2017 Explorer 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 endplay. To resolve the concern, replace the door glass top run, door glass, window regulator, window motor and wiring harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2016-2017 Explorer 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 endplay. To resolve the concern, replace the door glass top run, door glass, window regulator, window motor and wiring harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Windshield trim molding separation dominates the complaints. The plastic trim around the driver-side and passenger-side windshield edges comes loose, becomes dry-rotted, and detaches—often while driving at highway speeds. Owners report that trim clips become brittle and snap. Once loose, the trim flaps against the glass or flies off entirely, potentially striking following vehicles. Ford issued recall 24V031 for this problem, but replacement parts have been unavailable for months after notification went out. Dealerships charge $600–$1,200 per side to fix it, and the trim is glued in; replacing it means breaking off the old piece. One dealership told an owner this is a regularly seen issue.
Rear and sunroof glass spontaneously shatters without impact. The rear liftgate window explodes in cold weather (5°F to 40°F) or with no extreme conditions at all, sometimes while the car is parked. Sunroofs have done the same at highway speed and during remote engine start in freezing temperatures. Owners describe explosive sounds, glass bowing outward or inward, and shatter patterns around the entire edge—consistent with internal stress fracture. One vehicle had the rear window fail twice while parked.
Windshield gasket and weatherstripping deteriorate, becoming crumbled, cracked, and brittle. Loose material flaps against windows while driving, creating noise and distraction. Some gasket pieces break off and fall out. Water leaks have been reported from sunroof seals into the headliner.
Wipers malfunction: one owner reports wipers that won't turn off even when switched to OFF, and another reports a wiper blade that flew off and scratched the rear window under 11,000 miles. A passenger window shattered when the door closed without any impact. Interior condensation builds up heavily during winter, reducing visibility while driving.
Same Ford Explorer visibility reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Windshield/Window Trim Detachment
Windshield trim molding (driver-side, passenger-side, or both) separates and detaches from the vehicle while driving or parked. Trim becomes dry-rotted, brittle, or loses adhesion. When detached, trim pieces fly off the vehicle and create hazards to following traffic.
When: Primarily 40,000–100,000 miles; one case at 15,000 miles; timing varies from days after purchase to years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Trim molding visibly loose or peeling; Trim flapping against windshield and windows while driving; Trim detaches without warning; Dry rot visible on trim material; Clips and fasteners becoming brittle or broken; Piece flies off vehicle while driving at highway speed
Repairs/costs cited: Ford dealerships quoted $600–$1,200 per side for replacement; some owners report $700–$800 labor quotes. Replacement requires breaking off old trim and installing new trim/gasket assembly. Parts availability issues noted; recall 24V031 parts unavailable months after recall notification. Some owners used duct tape or medical tape as temporary fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V031000 (Structure) recall issued; however, replacement parts not available for months after recall notification was sent. Some dealerships informed customers the trim is a 'one-time use item' and must be broken off. Manufacturer refused to cover under warranty in some cases, citing normal wear and tear. One dealership told owner this is a 'regularly seen' issue.
Rear Window Spontaneous Shattering
Rear liftgate window spontaneously shatters or explodes without impact, with or without defroster use. Shatter occurs while vehicle is parked or during low-speed driving. Glass bows outward or inward; shatter pattern is consistent with internal stress fracture. One instance of rear window shattering twice in same vehicle (February and March 2026, both while parked).
When: Mileage range 7,500–78,000; timing varies from cold weather (5°F to 40°F) to mild conditions (54°F and 78°F); some with defroster use, some without.
Symptoms owners cite: Window shatter sound described as 'explosion,' 'loud pop,' or 'gun shot' sound; Glass fails without any prior cracks or chips; Sudden loss of rear visibility; Glass bows outward or inward before failure; Shatter pattern around entire edge of window; Flying glass fragments inside and outside vehicle; No impact or external force present
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had window replaced at independent installer (SAFELIGHT) at own expense. Manufacturer and dealers stated no recall or warranty coverage for rear window. One dealer and police investigation concluded it was a manufacturing defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated unable to assist because no recall or warranty exists for rear window. One dealership informed owner they could not determine cause (diagnosis undetermined). One case shows manufacturer started an investigation after recurrence.
Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering
Sunroof glass panel spontaneously shatters or explodes without warning, impact, or external force. Shatters while driving or immediately after remote engine start. Owner reports sound like gunshot.
When: Mileage 19,000–71,000. Timing: one while driving at 70 MPH; one while parking with car running; one while activating remote engine start in 15°F temperature.
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof glass shatters with explosive sound ('gunshot' reported); No prior cracks or damage observed; No impact or external force; Loud 'POP' noise heard while driving; Broken glass slides off roof onto roadway
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer mechanics stated they did not know how to repair failure (one case). Sunroof glass panel replacement needed. One owner stated vehicle still at dealer unrepaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but did not assist in one case. Insurance adjuster in one case declared internal stress fracture/part failure/manufacturer defect; not covered by insurance.
Windshield Defroster Malfunction
Defroster fails to clear windshield fog when activated. Driver engages defroster, blower motor blows air but windshield remains foggy. Failure persists after disengaging and reengaging defroster. Creates hazardous driving condition.
When: Mileage approximately 69,000.
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield becomes foggy while driving; Defroster engaged but fails to clear fog; Blower motor blows air but no defrost action; Failure persists when defroster is reengaged; Almost caused accident due to reduced visibility
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired; dealer and manufacturer not notified.
Windshield Wiper Malfunction (Won't Turn Off)
Windshield wipers remain on continuously even when wiper switch is in OFF position. Wipers run without operator input and continue running when vehicle is parked or ignition off.
When: Mileage not specified; one case at 10,000 miles. Issue began without warning and continues consistently.
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers remain on when switch is in OFF position; Continuous wiper operation despite OFF setting; Distracting and obstructing vision; Can damage windshield in dry conditions by smearing debris; Causes headache from continuous noise and distraction
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented in narratives provided.
Windshield Wiper Blade Detachment
Rear wiper blade flies off the vehicle while in use, causing permanent damage to rear window by scratching the glass.
When: Mileage under 11,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Rear wiper blade flies off vehicle while activated; Blade permanently scratches rear window glass; Failure occurred immediately after wiper blade replacement at dealership
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated not their responsibility; attributed to wiper blade itself.
Passenger Window Glass Shattering (Door Closure)
Front passenger-side window shatters when passenger door is closed, with no external impact or prior damage. Window intact when door opens; window completely shattered when door closes.
When: Mileage 7,500 miles and another case with timing not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Window shatters when passenger door is closed; No warning before failure; Window intact before closure, shattered after; No external impact or apparent cause; Passenger-side window completely cracked
Repairs/costs cited: One case repaired by dealer (diagnosis undetermined). Another case owner reports window completely cracked after son shut door.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified in one case.
Passenger Window Independent Activation
Front passenger-side power window activates on its own without operator input, moving up or down independently.
When: Mileage approximately 60,000.
Symptoms owners cite: Window rolls up or down independently; No operator input; Risk of injury if passenger's arm or finger is outside window during activation
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware.
Windshield Gasket/Weatherstripping Deterioration
Rubber seal, gasket, or weatherstripping around windshield cracks, crumbles, or disintegrates. Material becomes brittle and falls off in chunks. Loose gasket flaps against windshield while driving, creating noise and distraction. Material falling off creates wind noise and rattle.
When: Mileage range 15,000–80,000 miles; one case within first 60,000 miles of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Gasket/weatherstripping cracked or crumbling; Material loose and flapping against windshield; Chunks breaking off while driving; Wind noise and rattle; Brittle material that becomes fragile over time
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement requires dealer service; costs quoted over $1,000 to replace trim. Dealer indicated cowl and trim replacement would require significant labor. One owner replaced at own expense; failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered to cover only a portion of repair in one case. Manufacturer refused to cover under warranty in one case, citing wear and tear. Dealership indicated no safety concern (cosmetic only).
Sunroof Water Leak
Water leaks into vehicle interior from sunroof, affecting overhead light and display console area.
When: Mileage approximately 78,000.
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaking from sunroof into overhead light; Water dripping onto display console
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware.
Roof Corrosion (Windshield Connection)
Front side of roof connected to upper center of windshield shows severe corrosion. As corrosion develops into perforation, structural integrity compromised.
When: Mileage approximately 67,000.
Symptoms owners cite: Severe corrosion visible on roof near windshield connection; Corrosion develops into perforation over time
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed that roof and windshield needed to be replaced. Dealer sent diagnostic report with pictures to manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised they would cover repair of vehicle. Vehicle not repaired at time of complaint.
Interior Condensation (Winter/Cold Months)
Windows and windshield collect excessive condensation inside vehicle during winter and cold months, significantly reducing visibility while driving.
When: Occurs during winter and cold months; no specific mileage given.
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive interior condensation on windshield and windows; Condensation occurs continuously while vehicle is in use; Unable to see out windows or windshield while driving; Occurs specifically in winter and cold months
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Synthesized from 56 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 2017 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 2017 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 56 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 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most visibility failures cluster between 19,668 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 19,668; a quarter make it past 75,000. 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/2017/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.