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 1999 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH the windshield wipers began to operate involuntarily two or three times. During the failures, smoke would begin to rise from the top of the steering column. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the dealer would only diagnose the failure at the owner's expense. The failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. When the contact opened the rear hatch, the glass suddenly exploded everywhere. There were pieces of glass that were eight inches in diameter. The glass shattered with such great force that some of the pieces struck and cracked the front windshield. The contact sustained powder burns to the face and shoulders, as well as small cuts. She has not taken the vehicle to a dealer or a mechanic, but the insurance company stated that they were familiar with this type of failure. The contact believes that a recall should be issued. The current and failure mileages were 143,077.
Consumer stated there have been numerous problems with the drive train, consumer began hearing an odd n oise in August 2000, and in April 2001, at that time dealer could not duplicate the problem, the dealership however did replace the driveshaft assembly, and the joint assembly spindle-arm, several months later the outer tie-rod ends were replaced, lower steering shaft which was leaking power steering fluid, the power steering pump and the rack and pinion, also parking brake does not release, and the cruise control cable was replaced, the check engine light illuminated.
Tl contact owns 1999 Ford Explorer. His rear windshield wiper stopped working and his front windshield wipers work intermittently. A local mechanic stated that there was a problem with the gem module and they could not repair it. The contact noticed that there was a recall on the windshield wipers; however, it has not been diagnosed by a Ford dealer. The contact does not know when he will have the vehicle repaired. The failure mileage was 86,000 and the current mileage was not available.
Normal, light usage (11,000mi/y); scheduled maintenances performed. 1. Rear axle seal(s) leaking. 2. Front pinion gear seal leaking. 3. Parking brake flooded with fluid from 1 or 2, not sure. 4. Evaporative unit for ac defective, needs replacement. 5. Lcd for clock/audio system defective. 6. Rear window wiper motor failed twice. ------- manufacturer admits not usual wear/tear, but won't cover any portion of approx. $2000.00+ repair cost, nor even provide "loaner".
Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. While driving at speeds of 60 MPH in intense rainy weather conditions, the windshield wipers failed. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, the interior lights, power locks and 4-wheel drive system failed intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where the windshield motor was replaced. The failure mileage was 7,000 and the current mileage was 11,000.
The rear window wiper on my 1999 Ford Explorer fails to work. I've replaced the motor, and there is power to the motor itself. If I turn the wiper on and get out and force the wiper up, it will begin to work. Unfortunately, this is not an option when driving down the highway and it begins to rain. With the wiper not working, it is very difficult to see out the back.
Rear windshield wiper motor failed. Caused loss of visibility through back window. Rear power window motor failed. Accelerator pedal vibrates on acceleration. (usually while merging on to highways) parking brake indicator light does not always light when parking brake is active. Rattle and vibration from catalytic converter cover.
The rear windshield wiper does not clear the entire window, the left turn signal did not wait until the turn was made before going off. The consumer believes something May have come loose which caused a gas leak while driving. The dealer refused to repair the wiper and turn signal under warranty.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. While the vehicle was parked, the rear glass suddenly shattered into pieces. There were no injuries. The dealer has not been notified. The failure mileage was 111,726. Updated 06/02/08 updated 06/02/08 updated 06/03/08
NHTSA investigations
Windshield wiper malfunction
There is no summary currently available
Window & Wiper complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1999 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 211 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1999 Ford Explorer, 16% of the model year's 1,348 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (106 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Explorer window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1999 Ford Explorer, though it has 9 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 1999 Ford Explorer window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries 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.