2014 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Windshield cracks or distorts
- 116owner reports
- 95,000median miles
- $285median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Mar 13, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
310 of the 1,607 complaints on this car are about the structure. 116 of those describe windshield.
Tick what matches of 116 reports
Windshield on other Explorer years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Many windshield complaints are about cracks owners can't explain: a line that starts at the edge of the glass, or a small chip that spreads. Nearly one in five of these complaints mentions it happening again or a second windshield.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the windshield (116 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the structure covers the 2014 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
All 7 recalls on the 2014 Ford Explorer, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the structure on the Explorer
Underbody shields detachment. Closed apr 9, 2026.
Windshield trim molding item detachment. Closed feb 8, 2024, led to recall 24V-031.
Rear liftgate glass hatch failure. Closed oct 24, 2008.
Rear liftgate glass assembly. Closed sep 28, 2004, led to recall 04V-442.
Spare tire winch cable. Closed oct 20, 2000.
Spare tire winch cable. Closed apr 14, 2000.
Liftgate support bracket failure. Open, led to recall 99V-310.
Windshield wiper malfunction. Closed apr 24, 2000, led to recall 00V-072.
Blower assembly fires. Closed apr 18, 2000.
Heater blower assembly fire. Closed sep 11, 1998.
Blower assembly fires. Closed jan 15, 1999.
Heavy lateral vibration. Closed feb 4, 1998.
Sunroof shattering and separation. Closed jan 20, 1998, led to recall 97V-235.
Sunroof (air roof) shatter. Closed may 23, 1997.
What owners paid
7 of the 116 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $200 to $300.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 60,000 and 125,000 miles, from the 71 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 2 service bulletins or notices for the 2014 Ford Explorer that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent.
Some 2011-2015 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit front window glass that jumps/chatters during up/down movement.
What owners wrote
“Both sides of the windshield A pillar trims have flown off into oncoming traffic,have been trying to get it fixed for months now.Have reported before case #11640934”
Filed Sep 2, 2025
“My APillar molding piece flew off the passenger side of my wind shield. Iâm scared the other side will do the same thing and I donât want anyone to get hurt but I have to use my car. I have been waiting 6 months for the parts⦠Also, whenever it rains my floorboards flood from water leaking through my windshield and could possibly get into my electronics as well.”
Filed Dec 28, 2024
“On the freeway, the Windshield rubber trim came loose from its cover started flapping on the window and top of car and then torn off by wind shear. It flew in the air behind the car and could cause the vehicles behind us to swerve or it could actually hit one of the others cars. Our car was recently inspected. This had no warning.”
Filed Oct 25, 2023
“Bought the vehicle used from a dealership. The windshield wobbles at highways speeds. Noticed today that the trim on the left side of the vehicle is detached partially. Dealership will not do anything to resolve the issue. Serious safety concern.”
Filed Jun 21, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 116 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 301 reports
- Trim or a body panel comes off while driving 162 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 102 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 80 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 79 reports
- Steering wheel clicks, clunks or grinds when I turn 64 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 45 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 45 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 39 reports
- Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks 35 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 32 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 31 reports
- Water leaks into the cabin 31 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 27 reports