10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 2
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 35,938 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
Back window shattered as a result of a rear defrost malfunction. Outside temperatures were around 20 degrees F so I used my remote start to warm up my vehicle before leaving. Upon entering the vehicle approximately 5-7 minutes later I noticed an odd smell that I can only describe as electronics overheating or burning. Then about 5 minutes into my drive on a smooth road and without any other incident I experienced a very loud popping noise and immediately pulled over to investigate. What I noticed right away was that the entire back window (with the exception of the small power window) was shattered and was starting to fall into my vehicle. When calling for a quote to replace my window, two of the shops both indicated that this is a know problem with Ford F150's due to the rear defroster malfunctioning. I have a crew cab F150 and regularly use it to transport my 3 young children, and luckily they were not with me on this trip, but I am very worried that this could have resulted in shards of glass right by their heads where they are sitting. Other than the odd smell I noticed that day, there were no messages or symptoms of this problem. I live in a cold climate and often use the remote start without any similar issues.
- Sheboygan, WI, USA
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F150. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the rear defroster was activated and the rear window shattered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic found no cause for the failure. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not subjected to a recall regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.
- Shawnee, KS, USA
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. When the contact activated the rear defroster, the rear window exploded and began to produce smoke. The contact and other passengers exited the vehicle unharmed. The contact disconnected the rear defroster the following day. The vehicle was driven to bonnell Ford (353 cambridge St, winchester, MA 01890, (781) 729-9700) and a diagnostic appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 38,000. The VIN was unknown.
- Burlington, MA, USA
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The without warning, there was a loud boom sound and the rear glass shattered. The heater was activated at the time of the failure. The insurance company was notified. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was not available.
- Clayton, NY, USA
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. While driving approximately 65 mph, the rear windshield exploded without warning. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to tallahassee Ford Lincoln (850)878-4855, located at 243 N magnolia dr, tallahassee, fl 32301) where it was diagnosed that the rear defogger overheated and caused the rear windshield to explode. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. There was no recall for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,500. The VIN was not provided.
- Tifton, GA, USA
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. After activating the rear window defroster, the rear defroster wiring began to smoke. Moments later, the rear window shattered. The vehicle was taken to five star Ford (6618 ne loop 820, North richland, tx) where it was diagnosed that the defroster wiring was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000.
- Fort Worth, TX, USA
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact smelled an unusual burning odor. While the vehicle was stopped, the rear window shattered. The contact stated that the rear defroster was activated at the time the window fractured. The vehicle was taken to henderson glass and the glass was replaced. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.
- Taylor, MI, USA
- Des Peres, MO, USA