Some 2023-2025 Explorer (rear windows only), Bronco Sport, Escape, and Maverick vehicles equipped with minor feature code B2DAC may exhibit an inoperative passenger front and/or rear window switch. To confirm a vehicle is built with a certain minor feature code, review the build information by clicking "Additional Information" under Vehicle Information or double-clicking the vehicle identification number (VIN) in the upper left corner of Professional Technician System (PTS). This may be due to an open diode in one of the passenger window switches. To correct the condition, replace the passenger window switch of the affected window. If the condition persists continue with normal diagnostics.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Ford Explorer visibility problems
moderate Owners of the 2023 Ford Explorer have filed 8 NHTSA complaints about the visibility at roughly $350 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See visibility across all vehicles →
Complaints
8
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
| Model year | visibility complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Explorer | 5 |
| 2020 Explorer | 43 |
| 2021 Explorer | 26 |
| 2022 Explorer | 18 |
| 2023 Explorer (this page) | 8 |
| 2024 Explorer | 3 |
| 2025 Explorer | 9 |
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.
Various 2021-2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with the rear camera on demand feature may exhibit "Please Check Surroundings For Safety" or "Full View Not Available" messages when the rear camera button is pressed and the vehicle is not in reverse. Inform customers this condition is considered normal operation and does not affect vehicle durability because the full rear view camera image can only be shown when the vehicle is in reverse. No additional diagnosis or service is required for this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2023-2025 Explorer (rear windows only), Bronco Sport, Escape, and Maverick vehicles equipped with minor feature code B2DAC may exhibit an inoperative passenger front and/or rear window. To confirm a vehicle is built with a certain minor feature code, review the build information by clicking "Additional Information" under Vehicle Information or double-clicking the vehicle identification number (VIN) in the upper left corner of Professional Technician System (PTS). This may be due to an open diode in the window switch. To correct the condition, replace the window switch of the affected window. If the condition persists continue with normal diagnostics. Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 50
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2023-2024 Explorer vehicle trim levels built on or after 6-Feb-2023 are no longer equipped with the rear heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control panel on the rear of the center console. The following Explorer trim levels no longer include the rear HVAC control panel: Base, XLT 200A, XLT 202A without the Sport Appearance Package (sales code: 68M). Customers can adjust the rear climate control system via the front HVAC control panel. Installation of a rear HVAC control panel is not warrantable.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The contact was purchasing a 2023 ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reviewing the purchase agreement, it was discovered that the vehicle was not equipped with fog lights. The contact was concerned that without fog lights his visibility to the roadway would be impaired while driving at night. The vehicle was not yet in the contacts possession therefore it was not diagnosed or repaired.…
I have a 2023 Ford Explorer with a sun room/moon roof and the fabric is sagging causing visibility issues due to not being able to properly see out of my rear view mirror. I have not taken it to the dealership to get it checked out but I’m going to as my vehicle already has an open recall on it.
The rear side window just disintegrated. Was at the beach on Aug. 25, 2023 the car was parked in hot sun when I went out in the morning noticed the glass had just cracked around the corners. There was no evidence of a break-in attempt.
Had visibility trouble with your 2023 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 2023 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 8 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?
Based on the 8 complaints filed, visibility issues most often appear around 11,750 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2023/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.