Ford Explorer windshield crack problems

Filed Apr 22, 2026 · Visibility · 42,508 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in heavy rain, the windshield wiper motor started to operate at an excessively high speed. The contact attempted to change the setting; however, the wipers continued to operate very quickly. The following day, the contact discovered a significant amount of spider cracks on the windshield, specifically where the wiper blades operated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V117000 (VISIBILITY); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 42,508.

Filed Nov 7, 2025 · Body · MD

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side windshield exterior A-pillar trim cracked and flew off the vehicle. The contact stated that months later, the passenger’s side windshield exterior A-pillar trim cracked and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the part was still not available for the recall repair. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Oct 9, 2025 · Visibility · CA

The weather stripping/seals around the windshield are crumbling/cracking and fly off the vehicle while driving and when loose create wind noise/rattle. Both sides and base near hood called a cowl I believe. Dealer indicated the cowl and trim could be replaced but would require significant labor and was not part of the A pillar recall. I asked if windshield was at risk or if it was just cosmetic and was advised no safety concern.

Filed Jul 2, 2025 · Body · 175,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side windshield A-Pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that due to the failure, the front A-Pillar trim struck the windshield and caused several cracks. The contact stated that she was afraid to drive the vehicle, fearing that the fractured windshield might shatter. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The contact was advised to delay replacing the front windshield until the parts for the recall repair became available. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact stated that an inspector arrived at the residence to inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was 175,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jun 18, 2025 · Body · WA

There was no incident however I received a recall for a windshield piece that was back in 2024 and supposedly would be available for repair in the latter half of 2024. However nothing has been sent to me regarding this and when the piece came off it cracked my windshield so I have a crack across that as well.

Filed May 19, 2025 · Body · 60,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while having the windshield replaced, the A-pillars on both sides of the windshield were cracked. The contact paid out of pocket for the A-pillar replacements. The contact stated that after a while one of the A-pillar trim detached and flew off while driving and the other A-pillar trim was cracked. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where both A-pillar trims were replaced again out of pocket. The contact then received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact called another dealer a year later and was informed that parts were available and that the part was being held to have the recall repair performed. The contact arrived for the appointment and was informed that parts were not available and that the recall was being performed on a first come, first serve basis. Once the contact expressed frustrations with the dealer, the contact and the agreed to leave the vehicle with the dealer. The contact received a call from the dealer that only the passenger’s side A-pillar trim could be replaced. The contact was instructed to retrieve the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Apr 24, 2025 · Locks · 45,000 miles · KS

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the hood suddenly opened and struck the windshield, causing the windshield to crack. The contact stated that the month prior to the failure, the hood had been opened for a routine oil change. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle was taken to a body shop. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Filed Mar 11, 2025 · Body · CA

I own a 2016 Ford Explorer with approx. 61,000 miles on it. In August 2023 the B Pilar cover broke off while I was driving down a local freeway at approx. 70 MPH. I replaced this cover out-of-pocket. In October 2023 the A Pilar cover also broke off at freeway speeds and I also replaced it out-of-pocket. Neither pilar cover showed signs of being loose prior to coming off. In December 2023 the B Pilar cover came off again. On 1/19/2024 the federal safety agency issued a recall for the Ford Explorer A/B Pilers coming off. (24V031). I contacted my local Ford Service Center, where I have had all my Ford vehicles serviced for over 35 years, and inquired about getting the A/B Pilers replaced. I was told that they had no parts coming in to do the repairs and that I would need to call then every month the check if they had parts. I did this for a year when I talked with someone who seemed to know more. I was told that the vehicle would need to be brought in, inspected and then it could be placed on their list and I would be notified when the parts were in. I was also told that they have been told by Ford that parts may not be available for months or the end of the year and there was nothing they could do about that. In the meantime the vehicle looks terrible and the gasket that surrounds the windshield is cracking and large pieces are coming off due to the exposure to the sunlight and weather. I received a telephone call today from the local dealership, inquiring if I was interested in trading in or selling my vehicle. I asked if they would fix the A/B Piller issue if they were to buy and then sell it. The person seemed to know where I was going with this and said they had nothing to do with the service department or the recalls, but, yes, the vehicle would have any recalls handled prior to them selling it.

Filed Dec 1, 2024 · TX

I first contacted the dealership on July 29, 2024 to set up an appointment and again on Oct. 8, 2024. I took my vehicle to the dealership on 11/22/24 to have the recalls on my vehicle corrected. On pickup I was informed that the pillars had not been fixed became there were no parts available. The following day while driving on the highway something hit the side of my vehicle. When I arrived at my destination I noticed on the passenger side windshield pillar was missing and the passenger doors were scratched. I’m concerned because the drivers side pillar may fall of and hurt someone. In addition I’m concerned about the windshield falling due to the cracking of the sealant. I need to use my vehicle to go to work.

Filed Nov 27, 2024 · Body · 35,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving the driver’s side A-pillar trim detached and flew off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the A-pillar trim needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the trim pillars on the rear windshield cracked. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.