2018 Ford Expedition Visibility Problems

Suspected Safety Defect – Windshield Wiper System Effected Vehicle Information Vehicle 1 - 2018 Ford Expedition MAX Vehicle 2 - 2017 Ford F-350 SuperCrew 4x4 Description of Defect Both vehicles experienced the same windshield wiper failure. The wipers gradually slowed, became sluggish, and eventually stopped working during normal use. Available repair information and owner reports indicate the likely cause is corrosion and seizure of the wiper pivot shafts and linkage, which overloads the motor and leads to failure. Safety Hazard Loss of wiper function in rain or poor weather severely reduces visibility and creates a serious crash risk, leaving drivers unable to operate safely. Evidence of a Broader Pattern This issue appears widespread. Many Ford owners report similar symptoms, including slowing wipers, increased resistance, seized pivots, and complete failure requiring linkage replacement. Technicians commonly identify seized pivot shafts as the cause. Ford has issued recalls on other models for wiper-related defects, recognizing the safety risk of sudden failure. Request for Investigation Because two separate vehicles experienced the same failure, I request that NHTSA investigate whether corrosion-related seizure of wiper components in 2017–2018 Ford Expedition and Super Duty vehicles is a broader safety defect. If confirmed, I request an appropriate remedy, such as a recall or extended warranty. I can provide supporting documentation if needed.

NHTSA ID

11748093

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the sunroof made a grinding sound while retracting and failed to close properly. Additionally, the slide cover was unable to close as designed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact believed that the failure was related to the sunroof motor or the gears, or both. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11675830

Incident

Jul 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that he had taken the vehicle to the dealer on four separate occasions due to moisture leaking from the panoramic sunroof. Due to the failure, the roof headliner needed to be replaced a second time. The contact stated that the panoramic sunroof had never been used and had remained covered. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and referred him to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

NHTSA ID

11531774

Incident

Jun 1, 2021

Mileage

20,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to stop the vehicle, water started to enter through the instrument panel. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the tracks on the moon roof had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the moon roof was re-sealed as a temporary fix. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was concerned that the failure would reoccur. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that half the cos would be covered. The failure mileage was approximately 51,271.

NHTSA ID

11516283

Incident

Mar 27, 2023

Mileage

51,271 mi

Panoramic sunroof stuck in open position. Will not close without multiple failed attempts. When closing the sunroof makes a cracking and grinding noise. This issue has been identified by Ford, however my VIN does not currently fall under the open recall. Therefore, Ford will not cover the repair. Details of existing recall are below… Ford TSB 18-2374 Some 2015-2019 F-150, 2017-2019 F-Super Duty, 2018-2019 Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with a vista roof opening panel may exhibit a binding/sticking, glass stuck open or closed, noisy operation including chatter, rattling, or grinding. This may be due to the glass brackets cracking and/or breaking apart. The glass panel brackets are serviceable separately from the frame assembly and require the roof opening panel glass to be moved to the vent position. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.

NHTSA ID

11501305

Incident

Jan 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the retractable running board failed to open or close intermittently. The contact stated that while stepping on the running board to exit the driver's side door, the running board inadvertently started to close. The contact stated that his foot was caught, and he had to struggle to remove his foot. The contact stated that he sustained no injuries. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The contact also stated that there were electrical issues with the side view mirrors automatically adjusting without warning. The manufacturer was notified of the mirror failure and advised the contact to call the local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the running board failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11431051

Incident

Aug 16, 2021

Mileage

50,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO TURN OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE STARTED INTERMITTENTLY AND WORSENED. THE CONTACT CALLED DICK SMITH FORD OF COLUMBIA (7201 GARNERS FERRY RD, COLUMBIA, SC 29209, (803) 254-4000) AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CAS25128240. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,736.

NHTSA ID

11288452

Incident

Oct 16, 2019

Mileage

54,736 mi

THE SIDE-VIEW MIRRORS ON THE 2018 FORD EXPEDITION PLATINUM ARE DEFECTIVE. WHEN ADJUSTING THE MIRROR TO A PRE-PROGRAMMED NUMBER, THE MIRRORS WILL START TO ADJUST THEMSELVES AND UNFORTUNATELY WILL GET STUCK IN AN ENDLESS LOOP OF MOVING, CLICKING, MOVING, CLICKING, ETC... THE MIRROR FAILS TO ADJUST TO THE PROPER LOCATION AND THE MIRROR MOTOR CAN'T BE STOPPED UNTIL THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY SHUT OFF (I.E. OPENING AND CLOSING THE DRIVER-SIDE DOOR. I'M SURE IF THE MOTOR ON THE MIRROR WAS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE TO ADJUST ITSELF IN AN ENDLESS LOOP, IT COULD POSE A FIRE HAZARD (NOT TO MENTION THE FUNCTION ITSELF IS FAULTY). THIS ISSUE APPEARS TO BE SOMETHING MANY OTHERS ON FORUMS ARE STARTING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT. FORD IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND HAS NOT OFFERED TO RESOLVE IT FOR ANY OF ITS CUSTOMERS. THIS ISSUE CAN OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING OR STATIONARY.

NHTSA ID

11277205

Incident

Oct 1, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO O. C. WELCH FORD LINCOLN (LOCATED AT 4920 INDEPENDENCE BLVD, HARDEEVILLE, SC 29927, (843) 288-0100) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR EVAPORATORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,730. *AS

NHTSA ID

11256622

Incident

Aug 10, 2019

Mileage

36,730 mi