2018 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Windshield cracks or distorts
- 99owner reports
- 60,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jul 23, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
306 of the 731 complaints on this car are about the structure. 99 of those describe windshield. Only trim coming off is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 99 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 (99 reports).
Recalls and investigations
3 recalls on the structure cover the 2018 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 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 7 recalls on the 2018 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 40,000 and 83,276 miles, from the 49 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 1 service bulletin or notice for the 2018 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.
What owners wrote
“The windshield wiper motor failed, causing the windshield wipers to stop operating properly. At the same time, the windshield washer system is unable to spray washer fluid onto the windshield. This significantly reduces visibility during rain and when the windshield becomes dirty, creating a safety hazard. No warning lights were displayed”
Filed Jul 13, 2026
“Cowl is rotting and pieces are coming off. Car has less than 50k miles. Also causing windshield to rattle.”
Filed Aug 12, 2024 · 50,000 miles
“Driving on interstate and driver's side panel trim of windshield come off over the weekend. There were no known symptoms or problems prior to the failure. The passenger side looks like it's loose. Have been by the dealer but they have no recall information.”
Filed Apr 3, 2023
“Driving on the highway and drivers side windshield trim blew off at highway speeds almost hitting vehicles behind me. I'm not sure if it hit anyone. I pulled over as soon as I could and no one else pulled over. It could have caused serious accidents.”
Filed Mar 21, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 99 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 139 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 51 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 51 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 32 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 29 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 27 reports