Component
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
533 NHTSA complaints about visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:windshield:electrical heating element issues across 35 makes and 184 models.
The visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:windshield:electrical heating element is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 533 filings from 35 manufacturers and 184 distinct vehicle models, a footprint large enough that defect engineers can isolate part-family patterns across different platforms that share the same supplier or the same federal motor vehicle safety standard.
Among filings citing this component, owners have reported 7 crashes, 31 fires, 7 injuries, and 0 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE with 59 filings, followed by FORD CONTOUR and FORD EXPLORER. These severity counters are what separates a nuisance complaint trend from a pattern NHTSA is likely to escalate into a Preliminary Evaluation.
Component-level analysis is how the Office of Defects Investigation spots cross-manufacturer supplier issues — the same airbag inflator, the same takata-style ignition switch, the same brake hose material — before they become industry-wide recalls. When you see a single component accumulating large complaint volume across several unrelated nameplates, that is usually a signature of a shared supplier or a shared federal standard being stressed by real-world conditions. Use the affected-vehicles table below to see whether the pattern is concentrated on a handful of models or distributed evenly, and cross-reference each model's full recall and investigation history before drawing conclusions about any one nameplate.
Most Affected Vehicles
| # | Vehicle | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE | 59 |
| 2 | FORD CONTOUR | 34 |
| 3 | FORD EXPLORER | 27 |
| 4 | MITSUBISHI LANCER | 21 |
| 5 | MERCURY MYSTIQUE | 12 |
| 6 | CHEVROLET CAVALIER | 10 |
| 7 | FORD WINDSTAR | 9 |
| 8 | DODGE CARAVAN | 9 |
| 9 | VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT | 8 |
| 10 | FORD TAURUS | 8 |
| 11 | TOYOTA HIGHLANDER | 7 |
| 12 | MITSUBISHI GALANT | 7 |
| 13 | JEEP WRANGLER | 7 |
| 14 | FORD CROWN VICTORIA | 7 |
| 15 | CHEVROLET ASTRO | 7 |
| 16 | JEEP LAREDO | 6 |
| 17 | FORD ESCORT | 6 |
| 18 | TOYOTA AVALON | 5 |
| 19 | HYUNDAI EXCEL | 5 |
| 20 | HONDA ACCORD | 5 |
| 21 | GMC SAFARI | 5 |
| 22 | DODGE RAM 1500 | 5 |
| 23 | DODGE DAKOTA | 5 |
| 24 | CHEVROLET S10 | 5 |
| 25 | BUICK REGAL | 5 |
| 26 | BUICK CENTURY | 5 |
| 27 | VOLKSWAGEN JETTA | 4 |
| 28 | SUBARU LEGACY | 4 |
| 29 | MERCURY TOPAZ | 4 |
| 30 | FORD THUNDERBIRD | 4 |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that after remote starting the vehicle in cold weather, after two to three minutes, the contact drove the vehicle with the defroster activated
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated upon activating the defroster, the defroster only engaged while the switch was turned to maximum, and there was an abnormal grinding sound
The contact's son owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the windows started to get foggy with the defroster activated. The occupants inside
The contact owns a 2005 Mercedes-Benz S430. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, he became aware that the defroster was not working properly, affecting the visibility while dri
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH in the rain with the defroster activated, there was an abnormal popping sound detected, and the front windshield cra
The contact owns a 2009 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the air conditioner, heater, and defogger were inoperable. The climate control warning light was not illuminated. The contact replaced the cli
About 10am in Dec 14th, there was something is broken sound after closing my car door, and when I turn around to check what happened, the rear windshield of car is shartted. It's obviously to see the
â¢What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? When ambient temperature is at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, sufficient heat is not produced fro
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the defroster failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the hea
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated the vehicle was parked in his garage overnight and the next morning he discovered a crack at the base of the windshield. The contact looked a
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BMW M8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN AT 55 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD BECAME FOGGY. THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER HOWEVER, FAILED TO IMMEDIATEL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CONTACT SMELLED BURNING RUBBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRES OF THE REAR DEFROSTER WERE BURNT AND FRACTURED THE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIG
THE HEATING AND AC CONTROLS WERE REPLACED 2 TIMES IN 2007.AND ARE STILL NOT WORKING PROPERLY TODAY I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH THE AC ON BECAUSE IT'S 99 DEGREES IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY AND LIKE IT HAS BEEN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE DEFROSTER SYSTEM WAS NOT PROPERLY DEFROSTING THE REAR WINDOW AND WAS AFFECTING HIS VISIBI
I PURCHASED MY 2014 FORESTER IN JULY 2013. I LOVE THE VEHICLE EXCEPT FOR THE DESIGN OF THE CLIMATE CONTROL DIALS WHICH I CONSIDER TO BE A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IT IS SO DIFFICULT TO ASCERTAIN AT A GL
THE KNOBS TO CONTROL THE HEATING AND DEFOGGING IS BROKEN. IT HAS BEEN UNUSUALLY COLD IN GEORGIA THIS WINTER AND THE DEFOGGERS ONLY EMIT COLD AIR. I HAVE TO DRIVE THE CAR EARLY IN THE MORNING AROUND 6:
PURCHASE NEW OFF THE CHRYSLER DEALER LOT APRIL 2012.THERE ARE THREE KNOBS THAT CONTROL THE HEATING AND COOLING IN THE CAR WHEN THE BLOWER IS TURNED TO A LOW SETTING IT WILL BLOW HOT AIR REGARDLESS OF
THE A/C KNOB IN THE CAR BROKE OFF TOWARD THE END OF THE SUMMER 2013. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN DIFFICULT TO SWITCH FROM AIR CONDITIONER TO HEAT. FOR A WHILE PLIERS DID THE TRICK. WHEN I GOT A QUOTE FROM THE
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY EQUINOX THAT THE HEATER DOES NOT WORK. THE BLOWER FAN AND ALL THE SWITCHES ARE FINE. WHEN I TURN THE TEMP KNOB TO HOT AIR, ONLY GET COLD COME OUT. DOES NOT MATTER WHAT SETTIN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints involve visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:windshield:electrical heating element issues? ▼
How dangerous are visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:windshield:electrical heating element defects? ▼
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Data Sources
Vehicle complaint data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database. Includes consumer-reported safety issues filed with NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Severity counts cross-reference NHTSA FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) for fatal incidents where a corresponding FARS record exists.
Component categories are standardized by NHTSA. Crash-test ratings where shown are drawn from the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Complaint counts, crash reports, fire reports, and fatality data reflect consumer-submitted reports and may not represent all incidents.
Disclaimer: This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for vehicle purchase decisions. NHTSA complaint data is self-reported by consumers and has not been verified or investigated. A high complaint count does not necessarily indicate a defect. Always consult a qualified mechanic and check official NHTSA recall notices before making safety-related decisions.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.