Window & Wiper complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2018 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% | 30,000 miles |
| 2014 | 6 | 3% | 25,000 miles |
| 2013 | 7 | 1% | 70,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% | 8,000 miles |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% | 84,000 miles |
| 2010 | 5 | 2% | 46,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% | 23,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% | 52,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% | 42,000 miles |
| 2006 | 9 | 3% | 96,000 miles |
| 2005 | 8 | 1% | 75,000 miles |
| 2004 | 10 | 3% | 54,000 miles |
| 2003 | 84 | 7% | 60,000 miles |
| 2002 | 64 | 4% | 63,000 miles |
| 2001 | 25 | 2% | 81,000 miles |
| 2000 | 39 | 3% | 89,000 miles |
| 1999 | 46 | 5% | 44,000 miles |
| 1998 | 9 | 2% | 104,000 miles |
| 1997 | 43 | 6% | 44,000 miles |
| 1996 | 33 | 4% | 156,000 miles |
| 1995 | 27 | 2% | 106,000 miles |
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 2015 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that water entered through the sunroof, causing damage to the overhead light switches. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a warped sunroof window. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Windshield washer fluid pump failure after 30K miles on the vehicle. Began being intermittent after 20K miles. Replaced pump and removed protective cover to find corroded motor windings. Failire appears to be caused by an internal leak with in the pump allowing the washer fluid to enter the electric motor portion of the pump. This is a particular hazard during the winter months if you cannot clean salt, dirt and other debris off your windshield ,. Particularly during sunny days.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while entering the vehicle, she noticed that the front passenger's side window was cracked. The glass was replaced at the residence by Delhi Glass Repair mobile technician. Additionally, the contact stated while reversing, she noticed that the rear windshield was cracked at the center. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
About half the time, when windshield wipers are turned on, they will not shut off. I haven't experienced them turning on suddenly as I drive. They stay on when I turn them on. The headlights stay on as well. Even when turning lights off, the wipers remain. This causes them to be on while it's dry resulting in a dragging wipe and noise. It can also cause a minor smudge. I've had the car since June 2016 and this has always been an issue. To turn them on causes hesitation as they May not turn off any time soon. I've restarted the car a few times and my experience is to wait it out after a couple days. A brief look online shows various Ford cars and trucks have this issue.
The backup camera has failed. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. I have seen other reports on NHTSA here specifying the same problem. Visibility in this car is poor and is augmented by the backup camera. Car serviced by ford dealerships only. If left unrepaired, other drivers of this make and model 2013-2019 Taurus have an increased susceptibility to collisions.
The reverse camera is integrated into the rear view mirror of my '13 POLICE INTERCEPTOR SEDAN and the camera has lighted up blue and then disappears leaving a dark tint to my rear view mirror when I'm in reverse making it ineligible to use either features to ensure backing up.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. Every time it rained, water accumulated on the carpet and center console. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the sun roof drain tube hole was bent and clogged. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
I was driving at about 40 MPH on a cool, sunny day when my moonroof on my 2011 fordtaurus exploded. It made a very loud noise at first (similar to a gunshot) which was followed by the glass crackling for about 45 minutes. It was not struck by any object (rock, etc). The Ford dealership I took it to immediately afterwards was dumbfounded as to what would have caused it to shatter. Very small glass fragments did fall into the car. Because my warranty had expired, I had to pay for a replacement out of pocket.
Related recalls (3)
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.
Visibility › Windshield
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, "windshield mounting." the windshields May potentially exhibit increased wind noise, water leakage, and squeaks and rattles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these windshields. Owner notification began on March 31, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Vehicle description: passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, or…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. Motors built with the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced. Owner notification began August 20, 2001.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Taurus years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (84), 2002 (64), 1999 (46), 1997 (43) and 2000 (39) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Ford Taurus window & wiper problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 05V-520 (motor, Nov 9, 2005); 03V-087 (windshield, Mar 10, 2003); 01V-258 (motor, Aug 8, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Taurus window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles; 38% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the windshield (125 mentions), followed by the windshield wiper/washer (68).
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.