Component
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD:CRITICAL FASTENERS
72 NHTSA complaints about visibility:windshield:critical fasteners issues across 2 makes and 3 models.
The visibility:windshield:critical fasteners is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 72 filings from 2 manufacturers and 3 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 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the FORD EXPLORER with 70 filings, followed by MERCEDES-BENZ E300 and FORD ESCAPE. 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 | FORD EXPLORER | 70 |
| 2 | MERCEDES-BENZ E300 | 1 |
| 3 | FORD ESCAPE | 1 |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the windshield frame dislodged, and the contact was able to perform a self-repair with sealant. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to in
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the side fasteners on the driver's and passenger's side of the front windshield detached and separ
While driving on the highway, windshield trim flew off (2 different times, passenger and driver side). It scared me at first when it started to come loose because it flapped around and I wasnât real
The front windshield gasket on our 2017 Explorer is disintegrating, cracked and brittle. Today a chunk broke off as I was driving.
I was driving my 2016 Ford Explorer on I-65 October 19, 2023, in the afternoon. I thought something flew off of one of the two semis in front of me and hit my windshield on two separate times, within
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield molding separated and detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to th
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while receiving a routine inspection on the vehicle, he was informed that there was corrosion around the windshield of the vehicle. The con
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the front windshield trim on the passengerâs side detached from the vehicle. The contact stated he heard
the windshield seal and trim are deteriorating and coming off. because of the risk, i have scheduled an appointment (April 2023) to repair at the dealer i purchased the vehicle from. windshield could
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front windshield trim separated and detached from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that
While driving on the freeway the passenger side windshield side panel flew off the car completely. It looks as though the clips that hold it on all failed. This seems to be a known issue with this m
The windshield piece flow off while we were traveling around 45mph. We did not know what happened until the next day when we saw it missing.
The window trim on the passenger side flew off while I was driving on the freeway. Also, my backup camera has been malfunctioning, the camera works off and on. It will work, then black out. At times
While driving on highway the trim on the side of the windshield flew off .
The windshield pillar trim flew off the vehicle traveling 60mph down a highway. It was sudden and loud which was extremely distracting. The windshield pillar trim caused the vehicle behind to swerve.
I know it was a Friday in April 2021 not sure what Friday. I was driving down I95 and noticed weather stripping from right side of windshield flapping and hitting the side of the car. Suddenly a piece
I have had the windshield replaced for the trim coming loose on both sides. I was able to use duct tape to keep them in place until replacement. That was a few years back. Then it happened again. Now
While driving under 80 mph on the highway my passenger side panel flew off and almost hit the vehicle behind me. I was able to locate the panel after having to drive in reverse on the shoulder for a f
While I was driving the passenger side panel started to fly off. I pulled over to the side of the road and secured it. My husband placed black tape on it to hold it down until it gets repaired.
Windshield trim piece covering passgener side windshield pillar flew off while driving at highway speed. Sounded like something hit the vehicle, but once we stopped, I realized a piece of the car had
Related Vehicle Components
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints involve visibility:windshield:critical fasteners issues? ▼
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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.