2016 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Windshield cracks or distorts
- 248owner reports
- 78,000median miles
- $500median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jul 27, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
643 of the 2,455 complaints on this car are about the structure. 248 of those describe windshield.
Tick what matches of 248 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 (248 reports).
Recalls and investigations
4 recalls on the structure cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
All 15 recalls on the 2016 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
17 of the 248 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $335 to $851.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, from the 126 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 3 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 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 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles may exhibit front window glass that jumps/chatters during up/down movement. This may be due to various conditions in the window motor including excessive drive gear backlash, bushing wear, and/or excessive endplay.
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 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles may exhibit front window glass that jumps/chatters during up/down movement. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
What owners wrote
“The mold that holds the windshield came off of the side of the windshield in both sides of the window and since then there is a loud noise coming from the windshield as we drive and gets louder the faster you go.”
Filed May 11, 2026
“Opened driver door to exit vehicle and heard a loud POP! Noticed rear window had exploded. Glass flew outside behind vehicle and continued to fall in rear of vehicle. Defrost was not in use. It was single digit temp out.”
Filed Feb 1, 2026
“While driving 60mph on the highway my windshield molding on the passenger side flew off.”
Filed Feb 1, 2023
“Our trim around our windshield came off while driving on a highway. Tried to fix it ourselves but trim replacement would not fit on it properly.”
Filed Feb 1, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 248 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. 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 375 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 249 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 160 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 142 reports
- Steering wheel clicks, clunks or grinds when I turn 140 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 110 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 99 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 81 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 73 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 72 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 65 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 54 reports
- Water leaks into the cabin 53 reports
- Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks 50 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 48 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 45 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 36 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 27 reports