Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was stopped at a red light on the way to work this morning. It was 55 deg out, and I had the rear defroster on because there was condensation on the back window. I heard a loud pop like a rock had hit the car and looked back to see smoke and my passenger side rear window panel shattered. When I looked closer, the plastic trim on the corner of the window was melted, and I could see burn marks on the corner of the glass. It turns out it's a very common problem for the 2010 model year f-150. I searched "Ford f-150 rear window defroster burning" in google, and the top result was this: http://www.glassbytes.com/2013/12/several-Ford-f-150-owners-report-shattering-back-lites-to-NHTSA/ the description of what happened is nearly identical to mine, over and over again. There are 51 instances of this occurring referenced in the comments section of this article alone! …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ford f-150. While attempting to start the vehicle, the rear defroster was activated and the rear window shattered. The passenger side fixed section shattered because of the failure of the defroster. The contact had also noticed that the defroster wires were burned and were heated, which caused the glass to shatter. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic; however, the window was replaced multiple times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure multiple times. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000.
Started the truck with auto start to let it warm up (out temp approx. 38* plus wind chill), turned on defroster in both front and rear. With in 60 seconds there was a loud bang like a gun shot and smoke coming from rear right passenger side back window. When I got out of truck to check it out there was a small flame at base of passenger side back glass and plastic was melting. The inside back seat was warm to touch, I was unable to get seat forward to see if there is any inside damage. There is melted plastic down outside cab of truck. I went on line to (http://www.carproblemzoo.com/Ford/f-150/rear-window-defogger-problems.php) and found that this site had others that experienced this same thing. Even after the truck was off, the back glass remained hot for about 15 minutes. The glass is shattered and is held in place by the after market window tinting.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the rear window defroster was activated when a small spark ignited from the rear passenger's side defroster. A popping and crackling noise was also heard at the time of failure. The vehicle was maneuvered to the shoulder and the flame was no longer visible. In addition, smoke emitted inside of the vehicle. The contact detached the defective fuse for the defroster. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
It was cool outside so there was frost on the rear window we turned on the rear defrost. After only a few minutes we heard a loud noise as if something hit the truck, my husband and I got out looked all around the truck when we noticed the window was shatter. I called Ford and they said at this time there is no recall save my receipt if ever goes on recall I May get my money back. In the mean I have to pay for it I think this window problem need to be looked because there are a lot of Ford owners saying the something!
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ford f-150. The contact stated that the rear defrost system was defective. The rear defrost system overheated, causing the rear windshield to fracture. The vehicle was previously taken to the dealer for the failure; however, the dealer replaced the rear windshield and did not provide a diagnostic to locate the cause of the defrost system overheating. The windshield was not replaced. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000. ...updated 04/12/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ford f-150. Upon starting the vehicle, the contact activated the rear window defroster and the rear passenger window shattered. The outside temperature was 31 degrees fahrenheit and there was ice on the window. Approximately five minutes later, the contact heard a loud abnormal pop sound near the vehicle. The contact discovered the shattered window along with a substance that melted from the explosion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.
Turned rear window defroster on, 5 minutes later heard a loud pop looked in rear view mirror and the passenger side rear window was shattered. When I first turned the defroster on I noticed that it didn't appear to be working. No visible lines across the center window. I turned it off and back on and it appeared to be working as I could see faint lines across the glass where the condensation was disappearing.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ford f-150. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise. The contact pulled into a parking space and the rear window was shattered and burn marks were at the center glass. The rear defroster had been activated for approximately twenty minutes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ford f-150. While the vehicle was parked, the rear window defroster was activated and the rear window shattered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the defrost connector plug needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure recurred one other time. The approximate failure mileage was 18,681.
AC & Heater complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are ac & heater problems on the 2010 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the a/c & heater of the 2010 Ford F-150, 4% of the model year's 843 complaints. The component named most often is defroster/defogger/hvac system › rear window (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Ford F-150 ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for the 2010 Ford F-150, though it has 1 recall 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 2010 Ford F-150 ac & heater problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 44,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 6 fires and 0 injuries to a/c & heater 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.