Window & Wiper complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2024 | 4 | 4% | 1,000 miles |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% | 10,000 miles |
| 2022 | 3 | 8% | 27,000 miles |
| 2020 | 6 | 5% | 86,000 miles |
| 2019 | 13 | 5% | 25,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% | 110,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% | 13,000 miles |
| 2005 | 1 | 0% | 19,000 miles |
| 2004 | 9 | 2% | 25,000 miles |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2002 | 6 | 2% | 14,000 miles |
| 2001 | 3 | 1% | 30,000 miles |
| 2000 | 4 | 1% | 58,000 miles |
| 1999 | 71 | 9% | 60,000 miles |
| 1998 | 14 | 2% | 40,000 miles |
| 1997 | 31 | 8% | 101,000 miles |
| 1996 | 47 | 11% | 100,000 miles |
| 1995 | 62 | 19% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact had trouble seeing out of the windshield and became aware that the front windshield was distorted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where a warranty claim was submitted, and it was determined that the windshield needed to be replaced. The windshield was replaced but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Gosch Ford Temecula-Service Dept (26895 Ynez Rd, Temecula, CA 92591); where it was determined that a windshield replacement was needed. The windshield was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer checked other years, makes, and models, and became aware that the vehicles had the same distorted windshields. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
When using the rear camera while towing a trailer, the image is partially blocked by a persistent message stating "full view not available". This creates a safety issue as it obscures the driver's view of the trailer and/or the trailer load. It is critical to be able to monitor the trailer and the load during towing to ensure a hazardous condition is not developing. I believe the rear view camera is working as designed, that is I do not believe there is a defect or failure in the hardware. However the design of the message is the problem. If the driver needs to know that "full view not available" then the message should be moved to a different part of the screen to not obscure the view of the trailer.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving 2 MPH and exiting the driveway, the contact heard a loud bang coming from the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle and noticed that the rear windshield had fractured without impact. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the rear windshield was not defective. The contact was informed that the replacement of the windshield was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the heating system became inoperable. The contact stated that the heater would not function properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the HVAC blower motor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was referred to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
I own a 2020 Ford Ranger equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, with approximately 50,000 miles. The HVAC system has developed a failure that prevents the driver's side from producing adequate heat. When both temperature controls are set to maximum heat and MAX defrost is selected, the driver's side produces cold air with significantly reduced airflow compared with the passenger side, which produces hot air with strong airflow. I have tested the dashboard vents, floor vents and windshield defroster. The driver's side consistently produces colder air and reduced airflow in all three modes. Previously, I heard repeated clicking or knocking noises from behind the dashboard. The temperature controls no longer appear to operate correctly on the driver's side. …
Climate control temperature system failed and would not adjust. A clicking/snapping noise was present under the dash when attempting to control climate and defrost. Ford verified the failure of the climate control system and stated that I the original owner, [redacted], must personally pay for labor and parts to replace the climate control housing assembly to resolve the failed climate control system and achieve functional defrost. The vehicle went in for inspection at Jim Click Ford (6244 E 22nd St; Tucson AZ 85711; [phone]) on the March 29th, 2023 and the repair was completed on April 4th, 2023 (Ford Part Number 18478). The vehicle had 29,634 miles on it at the time of repair. The issue is identical to that described in "SSM 49264: 2019-2020 - Climate Control Temperature Will Not Adjust With Clicking/Snapping Noise From The Dash - Built On Or Before 30-Jul-2020".
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that upon activation of the blower motor, an abnormal odor would emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact stated that he and his wife both were asthmatic and that the vehicle had become difficult to drive due to the failure. The contact called several dealers and the manufacturer, and each informed him that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V726000 (Visibility). The contact left the vehicle with the dealer and the mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. Other dealers in the area informed him that they were unable to inspect the vehicle for another month. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the driver side window failed to manually open or close. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the crank and timing gear needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V322000 (air bags) and 16V036000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Related recalls (5)
Visibility › Windshield
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C52.
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger and 2024 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-597. When closing the windows with the global closing feature, the windows may not automatically reverse after detecting an object.
Remedy: Dealers will update the driver door module (DDM) and the passenger door module (PDM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2025.
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger and 2024 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. When closing the windows with the global closing feature, the windows may not automatically reverse after detecting an object.
Remedy: Dealers will update the driver door module (DDM) and the passenger door module (PDM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 13, 2024.
Visibility › Windshield
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, which could allow it to detach during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Remedy: Dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C12.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
On certain trucks, passenger cars and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper motor May have been produced without grease being applied to the output shaft gear.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiper motor for the presence of grease and grease the wiper motor gears if necessary. The recall began on November 22, 2005.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Ranger years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (71), 1995 (62), 1996 (47), 1997 (31) and 1998 (14) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Ford Ranger window & wiper problems?
Yes — 5 recalls, including 25V-683 (windshield, Oct 10, 2025); 25V-237 (power window devices and controls, Apr 11, 2025); 24V-597 (power window devices and controls, Aug 9, 2024). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Ranger window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles; 58% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the windshield wiper/washer (151 mentions), followed by the windshield wiper/washer › switch/wiring (29).
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.