Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Front windshield wipers fail to operate during wet/raining weather. The condition is intermittent, ie most wet conditions cause this 'lock-up' condition. Turning ignition off-and-on again in attempt to reset function does not work. In addition the interior lights, rear wiper, all power windows, and 4-wheel drive functions fail. The dealership ended up replacing the, you guessed it, gem module - the same one cited in the recall for other year vehicles. There is a recall (number 00V072000) for a similar problem on the same vehicle make and model but for years 1999 and 2000. This is a 1996 Ford Explorer 4x4 and has exhibited this problem for several years now, only recently was the dealership able to determine that the gem module was the apparent culprit.
Approximately one day after truck was purchased from dealer, it was noted that, with the exception of the driver's window, none of the windows in the truck would open. This is a safety hazard as in the event of an accident, passengers in the back seat would not be able to open windows if needed for escape (doors in passenger section of truck did not work either. See previous complaint).
I was driving along and heard a big thump, like someone threw something and hit the side of the truck. I took it into Ford and they couldn't find anything wrong. In the meantime my engine check light came on (second time within 16000 miles) and my window washer was broke so they had to order the part. I went in a week later and they put it up on the rack and that's when the bolt fell out holding my front end together. I was told I was lucky to be there for them to fix it. If it went out on me when I was driving I would have be killed. I was also told that seeing how they couldn't find the problem the first time I would have to wait until it did it constantly . If I would have waited , I wouldn' t have been around for them to find the problem. No one could explain to me why this happened. I was told by Ford motor company that this isn't a recall item. …
Ford Explorer rear window: on 4/19/2006, temp. Never reached over 80 degrees and the rear window exploded. Summer of 2005, I have 5 co-workers stated their rear window exploded as well. The company who replaced the rear window, stated they (Ford exp.) are notorious for this. Why is there no recall for this or Ford be made to put a higher quality window in?
Design of console causes rearview mirror placement to be too low. This creates a blind spot for driver when trying to merge right. Vehicle was taken to dealership. Dealership seems to recognize that this is a design flaw. Ford has agreed to look into this matter. Please provide any furhter information.
Rear window exploded/shattered while in upright position, no apparent reason, vehicle parked approximately 20 minutes, glass shattered onto head of owner, no injuries, vehicle with dealership for window replacement, reason unkown, vehicle parked in shade.
96' Ford Explorer eddie bauer edition climate control stopped working. It only blows cool air. Shop wants $900 to replace the blend door. I can't drive during winter if the windows frost or freezing rain. Impaired visibility.
Sudden tread separation on left rear tire of Ford Explorer caused loss of control and on-road rollover. Tire was a cooper eldorado radial zr1, size p23575r15, dot# 3dhlekn2900.
Wipers fail regularly. 5/01 motor replaced. 10/02 stem replaced. 1/03 relay replaced. 9/03 motor replaced again.
Intermittently the windshield wipers become inoperable, causing poor visibility. Dealer has been notified.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1996 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1996 Ford Explorer, 2% of the model year's 1,450 complaints. The component named most often is windshield (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford Explorer window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1996 Ford Explorer, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Ford Explorer window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 148,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 5 injuries and 2 deaths to windows, wipers & sunroof problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.