2023 Ford Explorer visibility problems

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Electrical, Visibility · UT

I am filing this complaint because the federal recall remedy performed on my 2023 Ford Explorer failed, and the Ford dealership that performed it refused to correct the failure. About a year after I purchased my 2023 Ford Explorer (used, from an independent dealer), I received Ford's federal recall notice for the rearview camera software defect (recall 23S02, the federal safety agency campaign 23V‑022). My vehicle had no problems at that time, but I took it to the authorized Ford dealership in [XXX], and had the recall software update installed as instructed. About seven months later, my vehicle developed the exact defect the recall was supposed to prevent: the backup camera stopped functioning and the infotainment screens went completely black, disabling multiple vehicle functions. This created a safety hazard because the vehicle no longer provided any rearview image while backing up. I returned the vehicle to the same dealership and asked them to correct the failed recall repair. Instead, the dealership claimed the problem was not recall-related, diagnosed a failed APIM module, and quoted about $1,600 for replacement plus a $300 diagnostic fee. The dealership then refused to release my vehicle until the $300 fee was paid, holding it for approximately two months. I took the vehicle to an independent repair shop, which confirmed the APIM was fine - the software had simply become corrupted - and repaired it by reinstalling the software. I paid $530.29 for that repair plus $313.79 for a replacement battery (the original died while the car sat at the dealership for two months). Ford was sent a formal demand letter on XXX, with a 10-day deadline, and never responded. NOTE: The incident date entered in this form is my best estimate only; the exact date is approximate. I am asking the federal safety agency to investigate this dealership's failure to honor a federal recall remedy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Visibility · CA

The panoramic sunshade on our 2023 Ford Explorer bunches up and dips down into the rear passenger compartment when being retracted, obstructing rear visibility when using the rear view mirror or looking over your shoulder.

Filed Apr 22, 2026 · Visibility · ID

Sunroof Shade does not roll up and blocks rear view window.

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Visibility · MD

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.

Filed Sep 21, 2024 · Visibility · TX

The driver side windows control buttons are breaking off for no apparent reason. Ford refused to fix faulty windows controls which could cause harm to a person attempting to roll windows up or down. Two buttons have broke off within a matter of a week and are in the shape of a W which could lead to injury. A 3rd button appears damaged as well.

Filed Sep 17, 2024 · Visibility · 21,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, road debris was kicked up by the vehicle ahead and cracked the windshield. The contact stated that the windshield was replaced by a glass repair shop. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving on the highway, road debris was again kicked up onto the windshield, and the windshield cracked. The contact asked the glass repair shop if the windshield was replaced with an OEM windshield and was informed that the windshield was an OEM part. The contact stated that while looking at the windshield from the left or right side, and at a right angle of light, there was a wavy imperfection running from the left to the right and in the middle of the windshield. The contact stated that the windshield had been replaced five times. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

Filed Oct 30, 2023 · Visibility · MI

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. The manufacturer was contacted about the issue and referred the contact to call the federal safety agency Hotline. The contact has not experienced a failure as of yet.

Filed Sep 28, 2023 · Visibility · GA

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.

Filed Aug 30, 2023 · Visibility · MS

While on interstate at 70mph, the front sunroof exploded. Sounding like a gun going off.. was no vehicles in front of me to cause debris.. after pulling over to see what happened I could tell the glass was pushed up away from vehicle. Not only was this safety concern for me. But also the vehicles behind me that had to suddenly stop and avoid the flying glass..

Filed Aug 14, 2023 · Visibility · WA

New car has millions of tiny dots everywhere in the windshield placed in irregular pattern. Not visible at normal light they brightly shine when sun is low and shining. I almost can't see anything in front of the car. Here is someone else on internet having exactly same problem. https: [XXX] Windshield is clear, washed multiple times - it doesn't seem that it can be removed from outside. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)