RoadVitals

2017 Ford F-150 Visibility Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the visibility system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Visibility reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
53
Latest May 25, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
4%
of 1,401 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2017 Ford F-150 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 53 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming visibility

The 25 most recent of 53, in the owner's own words

Visibility
Filed May 25, 2026

A week ago, the top interior strip that holds the sliding glass window in place randomly fell off. We taped the hole until we could find someone who could fix the track. Then, a week later the non-sliding portion of the back rear window exploded while parked. There was no sort of impact, the window just shattered sending pieces of glass into my kids car seats.

NHTSA ID
11739962
Incident
May 25, 2026
Visibility
Filed Feb 11, 2026

I recently discovered a recall notification in my app regarding wiper corrosion, which has resulted in my wipers functioning very slowly regardless of the speed setting. This poses a significant safety concern, especially during rainy or snowy conditions in Michigan, as it substantially impairs visibility. After contacting Ford Motor Company and spending three hours on the phone, I was informed that this recall is applicable only in Canada. However, I am currently residing in the U.S. and experiencing related issues. Given the serious nature of this safety matter, I felt it necessary to bring this to your attention. Thank you for your consideration.

NHTSA ID
11717354
Incident
Feb 11, 2026
Visibility
Filed Jul 23, 2025

When I turn my windshield wipers on during rain, I can't turn them back off. They WILL NOT TURN BACK OFF. I have to pull off the road and turn the truck off and then restart the truck.. Sometimes this works and sometimes this doesn't work either. THIS IS A VERY ANNOYING PROBLEM. This can be a safety issue if I am trying to deal with this and get off the road to turn the truck off. I also own a 2019 F150 and now it has started doing the EXACT same issue. I don't feel this is a problem for the owner. I feel there is a defect in these two trucks. I feel there should be a recall on this issue. I have talked to the Ford dealership about this issue. There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The date this first started is around April 2025 but I don't know the exact date. THANK YOU VERY MUCH:

NHTSA ID
11675571
Incident
Apr 1, 2025
Visibility
Filed Jul 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the windshield wipers started moving extremely slow until ceasing to operate. The contact stated that the windshield wipers then regained functionality but operated at a slower speed. The contact stated that the failure progressed over time and the windshield wipers became inoperable. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

NHTSA ID
11670847
Incident
May 16, 2025
Mileage
166,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Mar 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 5 MPH out of the driveway, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's husband then heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the rear window cracked. The contact called an independent mechanic and was informed that the defroster had heated up and cracked the rear window. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID
11649518
Incident
Mar 18, 2025
Mileage
120,000 mi
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Feb 14, 2025

Was driving down the highway and there was a strong smell like something electrical was burning. I thought it was someone's brakes or clutch burning. About 3 minutes later I stopped and went into a store and when I came out my whole back window was shattered. In doing research online, I see this appears to have been a common problem with Ford F150's since 2010.

NHTSA ID
11642713
Incident
Feb 13, 2025
Visibility
Filed Jan 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear driver's side door glass fractured without impact. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the glass fracture was not due to a manufacturing defect. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that later, the rear driver's side door latch failed to latch as intended. The contact's son inspected the vehicle and noticed water in the door frame. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID
11636553
Incident
Jan 17, 2022
Mileage
90,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Jan 15, 2025

The windshield was not sealed properly. The primer and glue were applied incorrectly and now has disintegrated over time causing a leak in the area where the pin holds the windshield at the drivers side of the vehicle. From what I understand this could cause the windshield to dislodge in an accident.

NHTSA ID
11636079
Incident
Jan 2, 2025
Visibility
Filed Sep 8, 2024

The air conditioner/heater has intermittently. Sometimes that air will blow cold but then becomes warm and sometimes the defroster takes more time than usual to warm up. The AC fans will come on high and continuously run if the AC is on. This hasn't worked properly since I purchased this used truck with a warranty from a Ford dealership. I have had it to the dealership on 2 occasions and no codes existed and they could not replicate the issue. This issue affects the ability to defrost and/or defog the windshield. During driving when the windshield gets clogged up because of the weather conditions it becomes hazardous to my passengers and myself. Ford because there were no errors codes or lights and they could not reproduce the issue returned the vehicle unfixed. I have had the vehicle to 2 repair shops and both indicated this is a known issue by Ford and they have issued a Technical Service Bulletin #22-2089 on 9 March 2022 acknowledging this issue but has failed to correct this issue.

NHTSA ID
11613346
Incident
Aug 26, 2024
Visibility
Filed Jul 17, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the sunroof failed to close as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof motor and framework on the sunroof needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was referred to the manufacturer by the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed about Technical Service Bulletin: 18-2374, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID
11602904
Incident
Jul 3, 2024
Mileage
140,000 mi
Visibility
Filed May 20, 2024

Rear window shattered this morning during start up. I auto started the vehicle this morning at approximately 3:35. When I went out to get on about 7 minutes later, smoke bellowed out the door. I quickly shut off the vehicle and opened the hood, nothing indicated an issue.m but when I walked around the vehicle I noticed the rear window buldging out and shattered, the window was hot to the touch.

NHTSA ID
11589752
Incident
May 20, 2024
Visibility
Filed Mar 18, 2024

hello i am a mechanic and have noticed on many of the f150s wiper transmission failure on the passenger side the due to water build up on the cowl the drivers side where the cowl meets the arm has two lower drain holes and 6 drain holes on the right side and a rubber seal around the wiper arm the passenger side only has two drain holes leading to water sitting and rotting the rubber seal allowing water to corrode the wiper pivot point causing total failure

NHTSA ID
11577955
Incident
Mar 15, 2024
Visibility
Filed Mar 18, 2024

hello i am a mechanic and have noticed on many of the f150s wiper transmission failure on the passenger side the due to water build up on the cowl the drivers side where the cowl meets the arm has two lower drain holes and 6 drain holes on the right side and a rubber seal around the wiper arm the passenger side only has two drain holes leading to water sitting and rotting the rubber seal allowing water to corrode the wiper pivot point causing total failure

NHTSA ID
11577951
Incident
Mar 18, 2024
Visibility
Filed Jan 7, 2024

On12.26.23 I entered my 2017 F150, closed the door, and the rear window shattered, causing glass to enter the back seat- falling on my child who was seated in the rear. I called the local Ford dealership because my truck is under warranty to 100,000 miles. The dealership said they refer people with that problem to a local glass shop. I took it there to be repaired, total cost with tax was $1067.00 There were no warnings, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to this happening. ***this submittal has an area to attached the service invoice- this function will not work for me, but I do have the invoice if needed.

NHTSA ID
11564022
Incident
Dec 26, 2023
Visibility
Filed Jan 3, 2024

Rear back sliding windows falls out of track and window falls out.

NHTSA ID
11563399
Incident
Dec 1, 2023
EngineVisibility
Filed Nov 2, 2023

It is a known defect in the 2.7 ecoboost engine that the driver side turbo oil supply line fails, causing engine oil to pool during a start up after a cold soak. The smoke produced causes several safety risks. 1. The smoke obstructs the rear camera. 2. The carcinogenic smoke causes a health and environmental hazard 3. The burning of oil can also lead to excessive parts wear and possible engine failure, which, given at the right time, could lead to injury. There are countless cases all over. When I notified the dealership they informed me it is a repair left at the responsibility of the consumer.

NHTSA ID
11553195
Incident
Nov 2, 2023
Visibility
Filed Oct 30, 2023
Fire reported

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and upon activating the rear window defroster, she observed smoke filling the interior of the vehicle. After a visual inspection of the rear window, the contact observed the rear window lower wire cover on fire. After turning the vehicle off, the fire extinguished on its own, after which the rear window shattered. Emergency services were not called. A fire report was not filed, and no injuries were reported. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the rear defroster wiring had shorted, causing the wiring to catch fire. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 106,000.

NHTSA ID
11552662
Incident
Oct 18, 2023
Mileage
106,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Oct 3, 2023

The contact's husband owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while her husband was driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving, and the rear power sliding window fell forward on the unoccupied rear seats. The contact's husband drove to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact's husband that the rear power sliding window needed to be replaced and that he would be charged a fee for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would partially cover the repair. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 46,500.

NHTSA ID
11547971
Incident
Oct 1, 2023
Mileage
46,500 mi
Visibility
Filed Jul 26, 2023

Entire rear window appears to have bulged outward and shattered....Outside temperature in 90s (not unusual for this time of year) ...parked in driveway...no contact with anything else...no one in vehicle

NHTSA ID
11534571
Incident
Jul 25, 2023
Visibility
Filed Jun 22, 2023

Rear window exploded sitting in my closed garage. Did a lot of research on it and apparently this has been happening to numerous people dating back to 2010 on all the f series picks. FORD refuses to issue a recall. CHILDREN CAN BE HURT BY THIS. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE.

NHTSA ID
11528346
Incident
Jun 22, 2023
Visibility
Filed Jun 7, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear window detached from the track. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ID
11525799
Incident
May 26, 2023
Mileage
52,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Apr 17, 2023

No warning back seat driver window exploded while we were driving 65mph. Middle lane hwy83 April 14 at 9 20 am. We had just turned Ac on when we heard what sounded like a gunshot. There were no bridges or trucks near .We noticed a softball hole in middle of window all the rest of window was still there. No glass inside the cab. Pulling over to side of highway we noticed glass in bed of truck. We contacted the dealer immediately who said no recall! Contact your insurance.

NHTSA ID
11517387
Incident
Apr 14, 2023
Visibility
Filed Mar 22, 2023

Hello. My 2017 Ford F-150 has experienced the faulty windshield wiper issue resulting in the wiper motor to fail. As a result, I've had to replace the wiper motor engine\wiper arms twice in the past couple of years. All services were taken care of through the local Ford Dealership including transaction history. I understand the recent recall for this issue but when I contact Ford Customer Service, they state it does not apply to my specific model. The recall for this was just anounced this week but only for 2021 & 2022 models. Please help. Thanks

NHTSA ID
11513296
Incident
Feb 5, 2021
Visibility
Filed Jan 27, 2023

I started my truck with "remote start" to warm up it up just a little before I got inside. (Truck was in the garage.) After I got my shoes on I got in the car after about 4-5 minutes. Hit the start button and started to pull out and the entire back window exploded. (I thought someone was shooting at me.) I could not figure out what happened but truck is clearly un-drivable now. Glad it happened while I wasn't on the road. This could have easily caused a wreck if I was in traffic. I googled the situation and noticed that there are a lot of complaints of this exact issue. Please see https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/all-about-the-ford-f-150-back-window-recalls . These comments sound just like my issue. I am assuming this has something to do with Remote Start (based on other comments) and the defrost of the back window. It is not just a small crack...it happened suddenly with a very loud bang. (Thought someone was shooting at me.) I called the dealership and they have convienantly never heard of this problem but recommended me to call customer care. I now have a case open with Ford but I don't have much hope based on all the other comments I have seen. (Ford said it would be 2-3 days before they can even get the part in.)

NHTSA ID
11503960
Incident
Jan 27, 2023
Visibility
Filed Dec 26, 2022

I started my truck at 7:45 AM; temperature was 25 degrees and the windows were covered in frost. I turned the heater on, got out to load my truck; as I opened the door I heard a loud pop and a slight electrical odor. On examining the cause, I realized that the rear cab window had shattered with no provocation. Glass shards everywhere in the cab and in the truck bed. My dogs in the backseat, or I in the front could have been impaled with any one of these shards.

NHTSA ID
11498826
Incident
Dec 26, 2022

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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