2020 Ford Explorer Visibility Problems

The edges of the fabric sunroof cover have come off the tracks, causing the sunroof cover to not roll up properly and block the rear window when open.

NHTSA ID

11752661

Incident

Jul 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V685000 (Equipment), 26V117000 (Visibility), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact was concerned that the incomplete recalls presented significant safety risks, specifically because the contact resided in Alaska, where it rained constantly with low temperatures. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11752205

Incident

Jul 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V675000 (Power Train), 26V117000 (Visibility), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle with the foot on the brake pedal, the gear shifter was shifted to park(P), and the vehicle unexpectedly reversed and crashed into a nearby brick mailbox and came to a stop. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. A Police report was not filed. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled while parking the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 87,159.

NHTSA ID

11751786

Incident

May 21, 2026

Mileage

87,159 mi

The front windshield wiper motor on my 2020 Ford Explorer is experiencing severe intermittent failure and physical binding/clunking while in operation, resulting in a total loss of front visibility while driving in rain. This failure matches the exact root cause and symptoms described in Ford Safety Recall 26S14 / NHTSA Campaign 26V117 (intermittent wiper function progressing to complete electrical continuity failure due to internal terminal misalignment). However, Ford claims my specific VIN falls just outside their designated production date window, leaving my vehicle uncovered under the safety recall despite suffering from the identical defect. Although Ford confirmed there is an active Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) listed for my vehicle's wiper motor, severe supply chain restrictions and dealership backlogs have prevented repairs. Ford has placed a restricted distribution hold on replacement motors, preventing independent shops and local dealers from securing parts, while requiring a multi-day diagnostic wait during which I am expected to drive a vehicle with non-functioning wipers. Driving a vehicle with active, unpredictable wiper failure poses an immediate safety hazard and severe crash risk. Ford's refusal to expand recall coverage or immediately supply unrestricted safety components leaves vehicle owners exposed to hazardous driving conditions. Furthermore, customers face a mandatory four-day intake period solely for vehicle diagnostics. To qualify for a wiper motor replacement under warranty guidelines, Ford requires the motor to experience total failure while under dealership care. If technicians are unable to duplicate the fault condition during testing, the vehicle is returned to the owner without repair, leaving an ongoing safety hazard completely unresolved. I have also contacted Ford Corporate and filed a formal complaint and that was of no assistance.

NHTSA ID

11751765

Incident

Jul 13, 2026

Explorers moon roof shad came of track and I was unaware and could not see behind my in my rear view camera. Also was covering my infant child's face when it drooped down instead of rolling back.

NHTSA ID

11748902

Incident

Jun 3, 2026

The sunroof shade malfunctioned and feel while driving obstructing view and could possibly have caused an accident. Took to dealer and they said it was a common thing that happens with the moonroof shade coming off the tracks. They said it was not covered under warranty and was going to be a 2k repair. Or pin it up and don’t use the shade. The the car is only 5 years old and shade possibly used 4 times a year. For such a new car and unused component should not fail that abruptly or severely. There is no warning light and no prior sagging to the incident. Kids were in the car and were terrified by the car roof coming down at highway speeds and completely obstructed rear visibility.

NHTSA ID

11747855

Incident

Mar 9, 2025

The front windshield wiper on my vehicle,may become inoperative. The Ford Motors says that they don't have the part to replace,and when they have it I have to pay for the repair.

NHTSA ID

11745393

Incident

Jun 20, 2026

Both my passenger and driver headlights have failed. I have paid to have them replaced. The drivers side has failed twice. The passenger side has failed 3 times. I have taken it to the dealership and they “fixed” the issue but it keeps coming back months or weeks later. The low beams are what is failing. The message on the dash says “check headlight assembly see manual” This is a safety risk to me and other people on the road. They have failed while driving. If I am driving early in the morning or late at night I can not see if there are no street lights. People also can’t see me coming. This is a major safety risk. I bought the car in August 2024. Headlights have failed 5 times since then. The dealership helped me with my first four failures. On this last failure, they said it is not covered under warranty and that I need to pay $3000 for the headlight. Five failures of headlights seems like a manufacturer issue and not something. I am doing on my end.

NHTSA ID

11739255

Incident

Aug 26, 2024

I had a really disappointing experience at Delta Sonic Car Wash in [XXX] and feel like other customers should be aware. During my visit, an employee used a pressure washer on my windshield before I entered the wash. This caused small debris to stick to the glass, and instead of being removed, it stayed on my windshield as my car went through the wash. The equipment then dragged that debris across the glass, leaving a deep scratch about 8 inches long. My windshield was only 2 months old and in perfect condition before this. I reported the damage immediately on-site, but my claim was denied. There was no real accountability, no effort to make it right—just a flat refusal. What makes this even more frustrating is that my fiancé and I have been loyal customers for years. We’ve spent hundreds here and have had memberships every winter since 2018. Because of how this was handled, we have now canceled our membership and have urged others to do the same. Also worth noting—many of the reviews here focus heavily on the food and not the car wash itself, which I now find misleading based on my experience. I understand that accidents can happen, but how a business handles those situations matters. In this case, the damage was caused by their process, and they still chose not to take responsibility. I would recommend taking photos of your vehicle before entering or reconsidering using this location altogether. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11728456

Incident

Mar 29, 2026

Sunroof liner is sagging, blocking rear vision. Currently unable to use sunroof unless I pay 4k for repairs.

NHTSA ID

11728163

Incident

Mar 26, 2026

My Right windshield wiper dose not working properly . When I turn on the wipers the right one don't move . Sometimes it will come up but the only one that's works right is the left one . This is a safety hazard for driving

NHTSA ID

11723401

Incident

Feb 11, 2026

We have a 2020 Ford Explorer Limited and the sunshade for the sunroof has come off the tracks or something has broken that keeps the sunshade from operating correctly. When the sunshade is open, it hangs down blocking my view of the back window. This seems to be a problem for many people with this model car. The dealership has looked at this and quoted me $1500 for repair.

NHTSA ID

11720295

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

Sunroof shade failed during normal operation. It is hanging down and obstructing the back window.

NHTSA ID

11713908

Incident

Jan 28, 2026

Vehicle: 2020 Ford Explorer XLT Date of Incident: October 24 2025 Approx. Mileage: 82000 Affected Component: Visibility / Defroster / Rear Window Glass Description of Problem: While the rear defroster was on, the rear window of my 2020 Ford Explorer XLT suddenly made a popping noise and began to spider-crack from a point near the defroster grid. There was no external impact to the glass. The cracking continued slowly across the entire rear window after the noise. The event occurred on October 24 2025. The vehicle was parked outdoors in normal fall weather conditions in Pennsylvania, and the rear defroster had been turned on to clear condensation. This appears to be a rear defroster thermal event, similar to issues described in Ford’s Customer Satisfaction Program N192265660, which addressed defroster overheating and rear-window damage in certain Ford vehicles. The defect presents a safety concern, as the rear glass integrity is compromised and visibility is reduced. I have photographs of the crack pattern and plan to have the the window replaced by safelite. It is not safe to drive to a dealership. Please investigate this potential manufacturing or electrical defect affecting 2020 Ford Explorer models.

NHTSA ID

11695423

Incident

Oct 24, 2025

Panoramic sun shade flap sags greatly, causing visibility issues to the rear viewing window as well as causing blind spots on both passenger sides

NHTSA ID

11687949

Incident

Sep 12, 2025

The moon roof shade came down, completely blocking the rear view

NHTSA ID

11684613

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

The panoramic sunroof Rolo shade has malfunctioned and is currently sagging. This condition is expected to worsen over time, potentially obstructing driver visibility or posing a safety risk due to the possibility of entrapment or flammability. The vehicle has been brought to a certified Ford dealer for inspection; however, no additional inspections have been performed by other authorities at this time. There are no warning lights or alerts displayed in the vehicle related to this issue.

NHTSA ID

11682868

Incident

Aug 15, 2025

Sun roof Sun shade drops down blocking rear view when open.

NHTSA ID

11682629

Incident

Jul 25, 2025

Sunroof shade drooping down causing visibility issues for the rear view mirror.

NHTSA ID

11679548

Incident

Jun 18, 2025

Sunroof shade has failed and blocks view of rear of car including rear view mirror.

NHTSA ID

11679460

Incident

Nov 22, 2024

Sunroof shade sagging Preventing rear visibility and potential injure to rear passenger

NHTSA ID

11678942

Incident

Jul 10, 2025

The screen that covers the moon roof has let go, it flows in the current of the AC within the car. When the roof is open, it is hanging down so that I cannot see out my rear window with my rearview mirror. I can only assume, the next thing is, it will let go on one end of the other and hang down all the time and allowing constant sunlight on myself and passengers.

NHTSA ID

11677309

Incident

Jul 28, 2025

The sunroof shade sags when opened. This creates a hazard for the driver due to lack of visibility to the rear of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11676383

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

Sunroof fabric clip broke when opening causing the fabric to hang down and obstruct view out of the rear view mirror.

NHTSA ID

11676377

Incident

Jul 23, 2025

Water has been leaking on my passenger side front floor, and now the blower motor has completely seized. Ford quoted me over $1,000 for a blower motor! I have requested asking for satisfaction warranty for this to be covered via email, with no response. Blower motors should not go bad this soon. I have no way to defrost or defog my windows. This is a major safety concern

NHTSA ID

11673226

Incident

Jul 1, 2025