2015 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Windshield cracks or distorts
- 146owner reports
- 95,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 21, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
446 of the 1,791 complaints on this car are about the structure. 146 of those describe windshield.
Tick what matches of 146 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 (144 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the structure covers the 2015 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 9 recalls on the 2015 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.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 62,000 and 133,035 miles, from the 86 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 3 service bulletins or notices for the 2015 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.
FORD EXPLORER 2015: BULLETIN INFORMATION ON SOME VEHICLES EXHIBIT, AT HIGHER SPEEDS, WIND NOISE COMING FROM THE WINDSHIELD COWL PANEL GRILLE AREA. *LJ
What owners wrote
“The side trim pieces on the windshield have flown off my car and the gasket around the windshield has torn off. I've had to replace them three times on each side. I have a 2015 Ford Explorer.”
Filed May 14, 2024
“Outer Windshield Panel on Drivers Side completely detached and blew off into oncoming and following traffic without warning. It did not make contact with any vehicle or pedestrian, however the risk was still there.”
Filed Jan 2, 2024
“I was driving on the interstate at 65mph and the driverside windshield panel flew off. As far as I know, it did not hit any vehicles that were traveling behind me.”
Filed Feb 11, 2023
“The vertical black plastic trim piece along the side of the windshield on the drivers side of the car detached and flew away while driving on the highway.”
Filed Feb 10, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 146 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
- Trim or a body panel comes off while driving 210 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 204 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 196 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 109 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 84 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 83 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 59 reports
- Steering wheel clicks, clunks or grinds when I turn 54 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 53 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 49 reports
- Water leaks into the cabin 35 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 30 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 26 reports