Some 2020-2025 Explorer vehicles equipped with a power roof opening panel may exhibit a sunshield with localized bunching or binding/inoperative. This may be due to a broken or missing sunshield fabric retainer/clip. A revised sunshield clip (LJ6Z-5452118-B) is now available to address this condition. It is not necessary to replace the entire sunshield assembly if the clip(s) are broken or missing. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-17 Roof Opening Panel > General Procedures > Inspection and Replacement of the Roof Opening Panel Shield Clip.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2024 Ford Explorer visibility problems
moderate Owners of the 2024 Ford Explorer have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the visibility at roughly $350 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See visibility across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
| Model year | visibility complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 Explorer | 43 |
| 2021 Explorer | 28 |
| 2022 Explorer | 19 |
| 2023 Explorer | 9 |
| 2024 Explorer (this page) | 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.
Some 2024-2026 Explorer vehicles built on or before 27-Feb-2026 and equipped with the panoramic glass roof may exhibit an uneven gap at the front edge of the roof opening panel shield when fully closed. The gap is an appearance issue only, but may allow outside light to pass through the opening. A new gap hider seal has been released to correct this condition (service part number SB5Z-7851884-A). Adjustment or replacement of the glass, shade or headliner assembly is not necessary. The new seal is installed directly onto the existing vertical flange that is present and visible at the front of the opening when the shade is opened. Once installed, the front edge of the shade will press against
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 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 ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
There is a distortion in the front windshield affecting my ability to see the front right corner of my vehicle. I was leaving a restaurant in the dark and the distortion affected the headlights to the point it didn’t appear there were any on the right side of the vehicle. In daylight, that area of the windshield is so distorted I’ve missed vehicles coming from the right and developed it migraines…
Visual blurry defect in windshield glass in driver side
Rear windshield wiper doesn't work. Earlier model years have been recalled for wiper motor issues.
Had visibility trouble with your 2024 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 2024 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.
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/2024/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.