Diagsheet

2018 Ford F-150 · symptom sheet

Windshield cracks or distorts

  • 41owner reports
  • 40,000median miles
  • 0involved a crash

Newest report Feb 25, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

274 of the 2,293 complaints on this car are about the windshield and wipers. 41 of those describe windshield.

Tick what matches of 41 reports

6
4
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6

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the windshield (41 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the windshield and wipers covers the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

17V-598Sep 25, 2017
Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor Super Cab pick-up trucks not equipped with a moonroof. The structural roof braces may be missing rivets at the attachment of the roof rail, thereby reducing the structural integrity.

Risk and remedy
Risk: If the structural integrity is reduced, in the event of a rollover crash, there may be an increased risk of injury .
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install the rivets for the roof brace attachments, free of charge. The recall began October 17, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S29.

NHTSA investigations into the windshield and wipers on the F-150

PE23-001opened Jan 27, 2023
Structure · model years 2019

Windshield trim molding item detachment. Closed feb 8, 2024, led to recall 24V-031.

NHTSA summary
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repai
PE99-019opened Mar 4, 1999
Structure · model years 1998

Spare tire wear. Closed jul 27, 1999.

NHTSA summary
DP99-002opened Mar 2, 1999
Structure · model years 1998

Spare tire mounting. Closed mar 17, 1999.

NHTSA summary
THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION WAS PETITIONED TO COMMENCE A DEFECT INVESTIGATION OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BY A LETTER SIGNED BY WILLIAM F. ALLARD AND DATED 15-FEB-98.THE PETITION ALLEGES THAT THE SPARE TIRE MOUNTING PLACES THE TIRE SIDEWALL DIRECTLY IN CONTACT WITH THE METAL UNDERCARRIAGE CAUSING WEAR AND DAMAGE OF THE SIDEWALL.THE PETITION FURTHER ALLEGES THAT WHEN THE DAMAGED TIRE IS USED, BLOWOUT COULD RESULT ON AN INTERSTATE PLACING VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND OTHERS AT RISK.

None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 19,000 and 59,000 miles, from the 20 reports that gave a mileage.

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623
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225
226

What owners wrote

“Rear window exploded after starting the truck. Glass shards and chunks flew into the truck . This is the 3rd F150 truck that I've owned that has had this happen.”

Filed Nov 28, 2023

“Rear Slider Windshield Randomly Shattered glass everywhere while vehicle parked no signs of impact no force entry just glass everywhere. vehicle parked in secure area. the only plossible clause I can think of is Remote start I assume it was the remote start. I verified AC status and no defrost was on.”

Filed Oct 20, 2023

“Windshield wipers will not completely shut off. Wipers come on approximately every 12 seconds after being turned to the off setting. Besides being irritating, it eventually will wear down the wiper blades and scratch the windshield which becomes a safety concern. Searching the internet this seems to have been a chronic problem with the combination wiper/turn singal switch on Ford F-150 dating back several years.”

Filed Feb 18, 2023

“truck rear glass shattered . I went inside the truck and when I closed the door I heard some shattering behind me , I turned back and saw little glass part falling down”

Filed Jan 11, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 41 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.

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