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 ↗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 August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See visibility across all vehicles →
| Model year | visibility complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 Explorer | 43 |
| 2021 Explorer | 27 |
| 2022 Explorer | 19 |
| 2023 Explorer | 8 |
| 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.
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
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.
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.