2023 Ford Explorer Visibility Problems

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

NHTSA ID

11732998

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11695919

Incident

Sep 12, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11615757

Incident

Sep 10, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11615010

Incident

Jul 31, 2024

Mileage

21,000 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 NHTSA Hotline. The contact has not experienced a failure as of yet.

NHTSA ID

11552623

Incident

Oct 30, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11547154

Incident

Aug 25, 2023

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..

NHTSA ID

11541588

Incident

Aug 29, 2023

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)

NHTSA ID

11538390

Incident

Apr 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, she heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to park on the side of the road and noticed that the sunroof had shattered independently. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that the sunroof needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,500.

NHTSA ID

11518193

Incident

Apr 18, 2023

Mileage

2,500 mi