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Why do Ford windshields, glass panels and wipers keep getting recalled?
Ford's visibility recalls cluster into four repeating problems. Glass that was never bonded properly: windshields on the 2021 F-150 and 2020-2021 Super Duty, the 2022 Bronco and Ranger, and 2016 and 2020 Transit Connect, all FMVSS 212 noncompliances. Glass and panels that detach: the 2021 Bronco Sport moonroof, the 2017-2019 Transit Connect panoramic roof, 2023-2024 Bronco rear quarter glass, and moonroof wind deflectors on 2021-2022 Expedition, Navigator and F-150. Wipers that stop working: broken wiper arms on 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition and Navigator, and dead wiper motors on 2023-2024 Maverick, Bronco Sport and Mach-E. And two 2019 Ranger recalls for an HVAC blower motor that can short and start a fire.
Warning signs to watch for
- A burning smell or smoke from the vents in a 2019 Ranger — treat that as a reason to stop and call for help
- Windshield wipers that quit or fail, which you may only discover in rain or snow
- Washer fluid that smears the glass instead of clearing it, on the 2020 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility and Lincoln Aviator
- Visible air bubbles in the windshield obscuring your view, on 2025-2026 Explorer, Aviator and Corsair
- A second-row window that pinches instead of reversing; for the detaching glass and roof panels, the notices say the glass can let go without warning
Is it safe to keep driving?
None of these Ford visibility recalls carries a stop-driving or park-outside order, so you can keep driving while you wait for a dealer. The windshield-bonding recalls only matter in a crash, so normal driving is fine. The two 2019 Ranger blower motor recalls are fire risks — get those inspected right away, and stop and call for help if you smell burning or see smoke. Until the fix, avoid the washers on the contaminated-fluid Explorer and Aviator, and keep children off the rear windows in the 2018 Expedition and Navigator.
What the free repair involves
Dealers remove and reinstall poorly bonded windshields, or replace ones with air bubbles. They inspect, reinstall or replace moonroof glass, panoramic roof panels, rear quarter glass and wind deflectors — the Transit Connect roof is removed, cleaned and reinstalled. They also replace wiper arms and wiper motors, swap 2019 Ranger blower motors, replace rear window control modules, and flush the contaminated washer system. Everything is free of charge.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 2 |
| high | 3 |
| medium | 12 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
Common questions
My Ford was recalled for the windshield. Is it unsafe to drive?
The bonding recalls on F-150, Super Duty, Bronco, Ranger and Transit Connect only matter in a crash, when the windshield could detach instead of staying in place. Ford does not tell owners to stop driving, but book the free repair soon.
Why was my 2019 Ranger recalled twice for the blower motor?
The first recall, 19V-726, replaced blower motors that could electrically short. The second covers Rangers already repaired, because the service replacement motor had improper clearance between an electrical terminal and the conductive base, creating the same fire risk again.
The letter said remedy parts were not available yet. What now?
For the wiper arm recall, Ford mailed interim letters informing owners of the safety risk before parts arrived. Wait for the follow-up letter saying parts are ready, then book the free replacement, and be careful driving in bad weather meanwhile.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.