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2017 Ford Explorer: windshield wiper failure

20 of the 1,706 complaints about the 2017 Ford Explorer describe windshield wiper failure.

owner complaints
20
of this car's complaints
1%
typical mileage
27,000
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 5 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Windshield wiper failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Apr 6, 2026 · Visibility · MS

Windshield wipers worked when they wanted to for a while not anymore. It's impossible to see in the rain or clear the windshield when driving

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Electrical, Visibility · LA

I spoke to the service manager at Hub City Ford located at [XXX] about the rubber around windshield was dry rotting and had came completely off. I was told that there was a recall that would fix the issue last year and so I waited for the call. During this time the vehicle started making this very loud whistling noise once the vehicle got to 40 mph. I was contacted n October of 2025 about getting the window fixed. We scheduled an appointment and someone came to fix the issue however once they left I notice that they only fixed to left and right side and did not fix the top and bottom of window so I called the manager back. The manager insisted that this was the only parts they were going to fix and if we wanted the rest fixed we would have to pay out of pocket which would’ve cost around $800. This is very concerning to me because why would they only fix half of the problem with no explanation on why the rest would not be fixed. Since then I have called to complain about the loud whistling that is still there and now water is leaking inside of vehicle. Since the leak started we have has problems with the electrical system and windshield wipers coming on with no rain. I really need help because this is the only vehicle I have to drive to my doctors appointments as an elderly [XXX] ), wheelchair bound female. If the vehicle electrical system were to fail I would be stranded wherever it breaks down because my vehicle carries my wheelchair on a lift. I am also considered fully disabled and so I only receive Social Security as my primary income. I can not afford the $800 cost of fixing a problem that is a clear malfunction of the vehicle versus wear and tear problem. I have not where else to turn and since I live in [XXX] now my means of getting around f consist of my daughter using my vehicle to take me to appointments because I no longer have a driver’s license. I am dependent of my vehicle and the rain in BEH is getting worse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)

Filed Mar 2, 2026 · Body · 98,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure). However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while replacing the windshield wipers, the trim around the front windshield detached. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Filed Jan 20, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · NC

The windshield wipers activate by themselves, even when it is not raining and there is no water.

Filed Jan 1, 2026 · Electrical, Visibility · MI

In January of 2025 the rear windshield suddenly blew a hole in it after starting the vehicle with the remote start. I was advised that due to the cold temperatures and then the heat from the rear defrost caused this to occur. On Wednesday 12/31/25, the same exact thing happened. My vehicle was parked at my home in the garage when I remote started it. A few minutes later, my daughter and I got in, started it, then proceeded to back up when we heard a loud boom. Same thing happened as the first issue in January of 2025. No reason, no damage and it blows a hole it in near the rear wiper. This is causing glass shards to explode into the interior.

Filed Sep 28, 2025 · TX

UNKNOWN. The rubber seal for the windshield wiper cowl is completely deteriorating. This is a known common problem as the ford dealership parts department stated. With this rubber seal deteriorating its possible for wind to get under the cowling and blow it off while driving down the road causing a hazard for surrounding drivers.

Filed Aug 6, 2025 · Body, Visibility · KY · crash

So for starters the visibility wipers should have a auto wiper function as in when it detects rain they will automatically come on. Well they do but they also come on at random intervals even when it’s not raining. Secondly the glove box design is horribly engineered and it falls apart by its self. My glove box flew open while driving down the road and caused me to run off the roadway with my kids in the car. Luckily my kids and I are safe and no one was hurt but something should be done about this. The tension cord that hooks to the glove box just snapped from the looks of it.

Filed Jun 24, 2025 · Body · 74,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the rubber sealing and the plastic tray where the wiper blades rest, blew off in pieces. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a leak coming a roof from the middle of the top of the windshield and the dashboard was peeling. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that that the plastic and rubber around the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

Filed Mar 26, 2025 · Visibility · WA

The windshield wipers on my 2017 Ford Explorer will not turn off, when the vehicle is. Of course the wiper switch is in the OFF position and it persists. This issue began without warning and continues consistently. This is distracting, obstructing my vision, and giving me a headache every time I get in my car. This potentially dangerous while driving, especially in dry conditions where the wipers can damage the windshield or reduce visibility by smearing debris. Based on online forums and other owner reports, this appears to be a common issue affecting many 2017 Ford Explorer owners. It also seems to be common in early models of the same generation meaning it has been a known issue and hasn’t been resolved. This should be investigated as a potential manufacturing defect. A malfunctioning wiper system can create a hazardous driving condition and may warrant a recall

Filed Mar 11, 2025 · Body, Visibility · LA

The top and bottom rubber of the windshield is corroded, falling off, and flapping against the windshield. It is also making a whistling noise and wind is coming into vehicle from the top. I was told that the recall would fix that but once they came to fix it they only did the left and right side of windows and left the rest the way it was. I expressed my concerns on a few occasions but they refused to fix it. I’m an elderly wheelchair bound female whose only transportation method is this vehicle. I have my daughter driving me to doctor’s appointments and the whole time I’m in the vehicle I’m afraid the windshield will fly off. The noise is so loud and hard to hear. The sun roof appears to be leaking as well so air could be seeping though there too. The windshield wipers go off by themselves even when it’s off or not raining. Even when the wipers are on there’s a big delay to wipe windows which makes it hard to see. I’m not sure if any of these issues are related but they have been brought to the attention of the manufacturer with no response.

Filed Oct 9, 2024 · Visibility · VA

Safety Recall Notice 24S02 / the federal safety agency Recall 24V031 for my 2017 Explorer was done in January 2024 and I received the letter in February 2024. The parts still aren't available after 9 months which is unacceptable. I am now having to use long strips of duct tape on my windshield to hold these loose parts in place which affects my vision to drive and my windshield wipers to work correctly. I wasn't in any accident but concerned about what may happen. This has been going on since July 2024 when I went to the beach and we were going down interstate the piece came loose. We have been using duct tape since that has to be replaced weekly Nothing should take this long and replacements parts need to be made available to repair as soon as possible.

Filed Feb 15, 2024 · Body, Electrical · MO

All plastic parts around all doors and windows have become detached. Windshield wipers do not stay on. All lights and gps go haywire and flash on and off gps system goes off and makes loud buzzing noise

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the 2017 Ford Explorer wipers

Is windshield wiper failure a common problem on the 2017 Ford Explorer?

20 of 1,706 owner complaints about the 2017 Ford Explorer (1%) mention windshield wiper failure. The model year with the most reports is 1999.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2017 Ford Explorer?

There are 0 recalls and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2017 Ford Explorer

Fuel smell 87Check engine light 60Overheating 58Engine failure 42Loss of power 28Stalling 27Jerking 24Fire or smoke 23Shudder 20Misfire 19Transmission failure 19Hesitation 18Water leak 18Airbag light 16Power steering loss 16Harsh shifting 15Windshield crack 14Backup camera 13Tire blowout 12Headlights 10Seat belt 10Key fob 9Premature wear 9Slipping 9Won't start 9Ball joint 8Grinding brakes 8Door locks 8Steering lock-up 8Adaptive cruise 7ABS 6Oil consumption 6No deployment 5

All model years of the Ford Explorer

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