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2025 Ford Explorer visibility problems

moderate Owners of the 2025 Ford Explorer have filed 9 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 →

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Complaints
9
Recalls
1
Avg fix
$350
visibility complaints on the Ford Explorer, by model year
Model yearvisibility complaints
2021 Explorer 28
2022 Explorer 19
2023 Explorer 9
2024 Explorer 3
2025 Explorer (this page) 9

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 25V730000 October 24, 2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles

Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C60. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 27, 2025.

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.

Service Bulletin SSM 55069 Aug 2026

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 ↗
Service Bulletin SSM 55060 Aug 2026

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 ↗
Service Bulletin SSM 54829 May 2026

Some 2024-2026 Nautilus and 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with power autofold exterior mirrors may exhibit concerns with the passenger mirror not automatically folding in or out at times, while the driver side mirror automatically folds properly. This may be due to the software in the driver door module (DDM) and passenger door module (PDM). To correct the condition, reprogram the DDM and PDM using the latest software level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 14B291 and labor operation MT14B291SSM up to 0.4 hours.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Over The Air DDM-26.21.5 Explorer May 2026

Quality improvements include: -Prevents window bounce backs after using the one touch up feature

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Over The Air HCM-25.5.0 Explorer Feb 2026

"Quality improvements include: -Enhanced dynamic bending lights performance "

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

What owners are reporting 0 most recent

Had visibility trouble with your 2025 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 2025 Ford Explorer?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 9 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 9 complaints filed, visibility issues most often appear around 15,000 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?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover visibility issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

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/2025/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.
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