All About The Ford F-150 Back Window Recalls

Dec 7, 2020

Windows help provide a layer of protection between you and debris from the road. Most of the time, you don’t even think about your car or truck’s windows. Unfortunately, every so often a vehicle comes off the assembly line with a faulty window, and that can lead to a recall.

Are there any recalls for the Ford F-150 back windows?

No, the Ford F-150 has not received any recalls for its back windows, but it does have several customer complaints, including:

2016 Ford F-150 rear slider window shattering with remote start
2017 Ford F-150 rear window bulged and shattered
2018 Ford F-150 back window shattering while the vehicle was parked

Blue 2018 Ford F-150 With White Background

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these owner complaints and what can be done about them to keep you safer if you own a Ford F-150.

Rear Window Potentially Shattering with Remote Start Use

Remote start is a convenient feature that makes it fun to drive your truck. With just the push of a button, you can start your engine and let your truck warm up while you load up. The last thing you’d expect when using it is for the rear window to break.

However, that’s one potential problem noted on the 2016 Ford F-150. Owners have reported that the remote start causes the rear window to shatter. This happens because the defrost engages automatically with the remote start, even if it’s not needed.

Owners have petitioned Ford to issue a Ford F-150 back window recall because of this problem, but the manufacturer has not yet done so.

Ford F-150 Rear Window Bulging

Windows should stay in place, but manufacturer errors can put them at risk for warping and bulging. This is what some Ford F-150 owners have reported, specifically with model year 2017.

One owner noted that his rear window was bulging when his truck was sitting outside on a warm day. After opening the truck to investigate, the entire window shattered.

Rear Window Could Spontaneously Shatter

In the 2018 Ford F-150, some owners have reported their truck windows spontaneously shattering without warning. Users report this happening suddenly when the vehicle is in park.

Should this happen while driving the truck, the owner is at high risk for a crash or injury. For that reason, many are pushing for a back-window recall of the Ford F-150.

How Can You Investigate Open Recalls for a Ford F-150 Back Window?

Because of so many reports of back window problems, it’s possible Ford will release a recall for this issue. You can search on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to explore open recalls for your truck’s vehicle identification number (VIN).

If you see a recall, take your truck to the Ford dealership, or call Ford at 866-436-7332 to learn the next steps to take.

Owner Reviews

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Michelle H on January 17, 2024

2019 Ford F150 Lariat 5.0

Well you can add the 2019 to the list of exploding back slider window glass. Jan 14th 2024- backing pilot of the ER parking spot and heard a pop- back window bowed out and the two larger portions of the rear view window shattered sending glass both in and out of truck- Truck was driven 40 mins prior to this so it was already warmed up when I had to pick someone up from the hospital! As we were walking out of the ER door I remote started the truck got into the front seats put the vehicle in reverse and literally out of nowhere it shattered leaving gapping holes- it’s Wisconsin and yes it was cold out but if it had to do with air temperature then I should have seen multiple car/truck windows do the same thing- Ford dealers won’t take my calls to discuss if it would even be covered under my extended warranty so it will be out of pocket to fix- there has to be a flaw in the glass and Ford really needs to cover this- truck has 53000 miles and is babied and well maintained- this should not be acceptable and Ford needs to take ownership- this could have been worse if someone would have been I. The backseat - like one of my grandchildren- there was no damage to the window prior - I have owned Fords all my life and I am really disappointed in Fords lack of responsibility for poor quality that puts your owners at risk for injury or death- and the lack of recalls on this issue-not to mention their coyote motor and trans problems they are “aware of” but refuse to do recalls! Shame on you FMC! I took tons of photos this is not an owner issue it’s cheaper poor grade materials - trucks are not cheap you could at least fix the problem at your cost!!!!!!

Harley on February 24, 2022

Shattered back glass with big bang.

Rt rear back glass of heated window shattered with a huge bang. While driving. Contacted Ford Motor Co and like it was rehearsed said there is no recals and to check with the dealer for TSB's. I did ck with 2 dealers and they said they know of none but one dealer said they don't normally stock any glass but they have stock of back glass for the F150. He said what's that tell you. Ford knows of this problem and wont do anything about fixing it. There must be a simple fix. 99% of the cars out there have heated rear glass without issues. I for one have been driving for 50+ years and many cars with heated back glass and never a problem till now. Now I see hundreds of people with the same problem on the Ford F150. Ford needs to get with the program and fix this problem, FAST B4 someone gets hurt or worse. I love my F150 but this cant continue. Might need to re-consider what I buy next.

David H. on November 22, 2022

2016 Ford F-150 rear window explosion 11-21-2022

Visiting my kid in Charlotte I remote started my truck since it was about 30 degrees outside while we load up. I walked out to the truck about 5 minutes after I remote started the truck and opened the front passenger door and notice a smell like electrical wires burning. No bad but just a little. I then turned the truck completely on leaving the keys in the truck and went back inside the house. My wife passes me at the front door with a load and proceeds to the truck. She opens the back passenger doors and is loading her things when the window explodes and blows glass all over the inside and outside the truck. It sounded like a shotgun going off! I had to duck tape the window so I could drive back to Florida. Now what? I will take it to my dealer and get it fixed after the holiday. Who pays for this? I can’t believe there is no recall. Very dangerous!

Jim B on December 12, 2022

Back window exploded after using remote start.

12 Dec 2022. In southern Maryland I started my truck remotely. About 15 minutes later I went out to the truck, opened up the left passenger/rear door and placed a roll of Christmas paper on the floor. I closed the door and then a loud explosion took place. The Rear window (Not door windows) with a center motorized sling window) had completed shattered, throwing glass all over the covered truck bed and inside on the back seat. No one was in the car when I closed the door. Did an internet search and this is a major problem with these trucks in the USA and Canada. Called 2 Ford dealers. First was no help at all and the other professed to look into it and has not called back. Contacted my insurance Company and it is covered but I have to pay a $1,000 deductible. This is a serious hazard to anyone sitting in the back seat.

Rita Petty, Vancouver Canada on November 14, 2022

Remembrance Day Explosion

This past weekend I went to visit my step daughter and her family on the island. There was the Remembrance day parade and we were driving slow, no more than 40km/h. All of a sudden we heard a loud explosion, like a gunshot, The rear window exploded with a child and a 92 year old mom sitting in the back seat. The glass started falling into the cab of the truck and on to the people in the back seat. I went on the Internet to find out that people have been reporting exactly what I experienced on their 2016, 2017 and 2018 models and speaking with a friend of mine, it happened to him twice. I am lucky that my grandson and mother in law did not get harmed, but I am concerned that this has the potential of doing harm with glass coming into the cab and the loud noise could have caused an accident

Dewey Lawhon on March 6, 2023

My 2017 F-250 Super Duty rear window shattering

I realize that my truck is a different model than theF-150, but what happened to me two (2) times is pretty much the same experience as with the F-150s. In April of 2021, I was back out of an RV space when my rear window shattered for no reason. There was no impact, and nothing touched the window. The defroster wasn't on, so, no heat was involved. The same thing happened again on January 1st of 2023. Same thing happened again as I was back slowly into an RV space on a level concrete surface. Nothing touched the window. I can't help but wonder if the cab is twisting in the back causing the window to shatter. I have never had this issue with my previous trucks, none of which were Fords. I am now going to search for another make of truck so as to not have this happen a 3rd time.(2)

Tina M on February 12, 2024

New 2023 Ford F150 King Ranch back passanger window bulged then exploded.

We purchase a new 2023 Ford F150 King ranch on November 30, 2023. As we were driving the back passenger window started bowing inward then suddenly exploded. My elderly mother was seated next to the window and witnessed the window bulge and bowed then explode all over her. The glass cut her and the seats, a big mess and an hour drive home without a window with glass everywhere. It was a mild evening with no big temperature difference, the defroster was not on. It was cooler on the ride home with no window. We contacted the dealer, Auto Nation Ford in St Petersburg, FL and they were not helpful. Claimed that no glass is covered under the warranty, regardless of circumstances. Contact Ford customer service and they opened a case but were unhelpful. Buyer Beware!!

Tina McCabe on February 12, 2024

Brand new 2023 Ford F150 King Ranch back passenger window exploded.

We purchase a new 2023 Ford F150 King ranch on November 30, 2023. As we were driving the back passenger window started bowing inward then suddenly exploded. My elderly mother was seated next to the window and witnessed the window bulge and bow then explode all over her. The glass cut her and the seats, a big mess and an hour drive home without a window with glass everywhere. It was a mild evening with no big temperature difference, the defroster was not on. It was cooler on the ride home with no window. We contacted the dealer, Auto Nation Ford in St Petersburg, FL and they were not helpful. Claimed that no glass is covered under the warranty, regardless of circumstances. Contact Ford customer service and they opened a case but were unhelpful. Buyer Beware!!

Raymond Strickland (RaymondStrickland9848@gmail.com) on August 3, 2023

2018 FORD F150 King Ranch Rear Window Shattered.

Left my house in my other car to run some errands. Returned home and found my 2018 FORD F150 King Ranch Rear Window Shattered. Glass shards were all over my truck bed cover. No glass in the truck. The weather temp was very high. It's hot down here in Georgia. A simple internet search reveled this is a common occurrence. Evidently, not a safety concern for FORD because there isn't an active recall for replacing the Rear Window Glass! My out of pocket expense is $700.00 USD plus tax, which is a lot for someone on a fixed income and a military veteran with disabilities. FORD, do the right thing and pick up the cost for Rear Window defect caused by heat and/or remote start. Great Truck! Take care of your customers and fix this issue.

Kurt buckler on October 29, 2021

Rather not

It is not just the back window that is faulty , the side windows break if you just breath on them to hard. The front right passenger window broke by just a very light tap. It was almost unbelievable. Since then we have ordered 3 windows and every single one of them arrived broken. They are the original laminated mistake. They are not up to the bare minimum of quality or strength required for even the most conservative type Sunday driver. I cant even imagine taking it off road and I am sincere when I say that. They are the lowest quality glass windows I have ever seen. I dont know if anyone else has experienced the same problem but it is a real problem for the owner of the 2018 ford f150 4x4 I assure you.

Jolan H. on January 19, 2023

2016 F150 Rear Sliding Window Shattered

I was driving and heard something exploded I look back and yup my rear window shattered. Thank God my infant daughter wasn’t with me during the incident. I called Ford and reported what happened and they said there’s NO recall on my truck according to the VIN#. Hey my truck could be the first with that VIN#. On the Ford website states the year of vehicle made but not the model or VIN#. So why are they basing it on VIN#? It’s really disturbing that this could happen at any time, my family or your family could be in danger if you are driving a FORD F150!!! By the way I bought my F150 at CLARK FORD AIRDRIE ALBERTA.

Sandra Reeves on May 28, 2022

Back windshield shattered for no reason

I live in New Jersey and yesterday around 11:00 AM got into my pickup and shut the drivers side door and before I could even put the key in to start it I heard a loud pop and then what sound like falling marbles. The rear window shattered in a million pieces. It’s was about 71 degrees outside and a beautiful day. Nothing had hit it or was there any damage to it before. No one was around and no reason for it to literally explode. My 2 1/2 year old granddaughter is usually with me but thankfully she was not or she could have been hurt. Ford needs to get busy and fix this issue!

Chad on November 17, 2022

2018 f150 back sliding window

Yesterday my back sliding window decided to shatter into a million pieces just parked in my driveway now I will be out 1000$ Canadian for the repair. From looking at the reviews it happened the same way to me as it did to them with my remote start. I live in northern Ontario so it’s cold here in the winters but I’m not about to spend 1000$ potentially on warming up my truck. Oh also I have two 2018 f150 so let’s hope it doesn’t happen to my other one as well. Ford needs to address this very dangerous situation I’m grateful no one was in back seat

Ross McStay on July 31, 2023

2019 xlt back window shattered

I live south of New Orleans, so it is a hot day, middle of summer with highs of 100 degrees and I’m not talking feels like temperature. Anyways I closed my rear passenger door and the back window completely shattered with missing glass on both sides of the sliding door. This also happened last summer when car was sitting parked turned on, this time it was shut off. To note: no glass either time on the inside of the car, both times glass was on outside of car sitting on the bed cover. Other than some infotainment system issues, the truck runs great.

Steve on December 18, 2023

2018 Roush f-150 rear window exploded

I'm so disgusted with Ford I have a 2018 ford Roush F-150 that was burning oil from the start and I had to fight ford a year to get a complete engine replacement. Now my rear window just exploded while I was driving i did start the truck with the remote starter and 5 minutes on the road it just exploded like someone to a shot at me. I learned this has been happening to many other people and Ford won't recall it. My window is getting replaced soon and then I'm trading it in and I will never buy Ford again they don't stand behind anything.

Greg Martin on January 11, 2022

Rear Window Shatters

In less than 1 year, I have had the rear window shatter out of 2 different F-150s. The first was my 2012 which I later traded in for my current 2016. Both times, the truck was in park, utilizing the remote start to warm them up.In both instances, the rear defrost was on. Judging by these and other posts, as well as my personal experience, this is clearly a manufacturer defect and Ford should be obligated to replace these windows and order a recall.

Gilberto J Gonzalez on July 12, 2023

Patience

I brought this to the attention of the Ford Service Center in 2018. My rear driver side window just shattered. I did not experience the bulging from my point of view at the time, but it still shatter. I have not repaired this window because of the cost surfacing online to repair it. I have had to wait, and wait I will until Ford offers the recall and repairs. I have covered the window and parked in locations that allow for relief from the elements.

Chris on April 5, 2022

Jackson

My 2017 f150 rear window shattered yesterday. I was stopped at a stop light and heard a loud pop and looked back and the rear widow was completely shattered. I was in a bad part of town at first I thought I was getting shot at pulled over and no holes in me or truck. Had to push out the glass to make it home 2 1/2 hours with no window. I’m just glad my 1 year old wasn’t back there at the time.

Bridget on February 17, 2023

2014 Ford F150 rear window blew out and 2017 Ford F150 passenger side window blew out while driving

I pulled the truck out of the garage and the rear window shattered. Sounded like a shotgun going off. That was in December of 2022. Today my husband was driving his 2017 F150 when the rear passenger side window blew out. Called the dealership no recalls and then called insurance company. We have full coverage but they don’t cover glass breakage. Grrrr…… recall please!!

Steve on March 15, 2022

2013 Ford F150 Rear Window Shattered

Car was parked in front of house. Remote start was running for about five minutes. Got in truck and drove approximately 10 feet before hearing a loud bang like someone threw a rock at my truck. I looked around and did not see anything. I was still in my driveway. As I got in the truck and looked in the rearview mirror, I realized the passenger side window pane was shattered.

Wayne on June 22, 2022

2013 Ford F150

1 week ago my son and I were driving through town and began to smell something burning. A few seconds later the left rear glass panel shattered for no apparent reason. It was 90 degrees outside so obviously I didn’t have the defrost on at the time. The more I read about this the more I see others have it happen again after replacing the glass. That is my concern now.

Ron on March 27, 2023

2014 f150 lariat

Came outside a week ago to find out my rear driver's side window was shattered and now I'm seeing all these complaints online took truck to safelight he says he gets them in all the time like this. Apparently it has something to do with remote start and rear window defogger coming on when not needed. He did tell me that it happens to Dodge and Chevy also.Smh

Paul B on March 19, 2023

2016 F150 window explodes

2016 F-150. Driving and heard a loud bang. Thought I hit something but there was nothing on the road. When I looked in the rear view mirror I noticed the two side panels of the rear window were shattered. I had the rear slider open so I closed it, which that glass was fine. Pulled the truck in the garage and the window actually is exploded from inside out.

Kyle on September 8, 2022

2016 F150 Rear Window Shattered 2x

In September 2020 my rear window shattered while driving after I smelled something burning. Sounded like a gunshot, but definitely wasn't. Ford refused to do anything. Two days ago with my son in his rear-facing car seat it happened again. Ford still doesn't care. This is beyond frustrating.

Melvin on January 6, 2023

Ford needs to fix ty

Remote started my 2013 f150 1/5/2023 and had no idea that it would shatter my back glass. Call my warranty they said call your insurance then they said call ford. Ford of olive Branch ms said it’s not common for it to break So I’m stuck with a $433 bill. Ford needs to address this ASAP

Wendy M on January 24, 2024

2021 Ford F150 Roush back window shattered!

My Husband usually remote starts the truck every morning and today once he got into the truck the back window shattered!!! It's January 24, 2024!!! Highly disappointed and frustrated to say the least with now reading this is a d**n issue and not being addressed by Ford!

Timothy Choppo on November 19, 2022

2017 f150

Smoking after remote start and back window shattered. There’s obviously and issue with the back window wiring of these vehicles i guess idt would take somone being injured for ford to do anything. Im seeking consultation to make sure this doesnt happen to anyone else

Paul Naumann on December 16, 2023

2015 F-150 Lariat crew cab rear glass shattered

Driving home from church tonight, and just like all the others, I heard a loud bang, looked in the rearview and saw the back window was shattered. Like others, I smelled a faint burning smell. It was about 35 degrees and raining and I had the rear window defrost on.

Chad on November 6, 2021

2014 f150

Well I own a 2014 f150 and pulled out of my driveway with my son wasn’t 300yards away from home and out of nowhere the rear window shattered. I believe Ford should definitely Recall these trucks for this before someone seriously gets injured over it!!

OPE on February 3, 2022

2016 Ford F150 - Rear Window Shattered

The rear window shattered for no apparent reason here in Toronto last week. Sub-zero temperatures but I've had it for the last 5 years in the same environment Ford needs to recall these windows and look seriously at the chemistry and engineering of them

Joe on May 20, 2022

2nd Time Back Window Shattered 2017 Ford F-150

Yup, it happened again to me. This is really unacceptable, and Ford needs to do something about this. I have a claim/case with Ford this time...we will see if they own up or make me pay for their faulty defrost windows again. Unbelievable.

BRENDA SNODGRASS` on November 1, 2023

REAR WINDOW SHATTERING

MY REAR WINDOW SHATTERED. IF PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS HAPPENING WHY IS FORD NOT DOING NOTHING ABOUT THIS. IM RECONSIDERING ABOUT GETTING ANOTHER FORD. I ALWAYS BOUGHT FORDS BUT IF SOMETHING ISNT DONE THEN MAYBE NOT THE NEXT TIME.

Nick S. on April 16, 2023

2019 f150 rear window shattered

Started truck with auto start and when I went to my truck rear window completely shattered. Disappointing that this is a common issue that has gone on for years and Ford hasn’t resolved this issue. It’s an expensive issue

Don Collins on June 30, 2023

The back sliding window track

The back window slider windows track come loose from the back glass in my 2015 Ford F-150 it’s becoming a problem as the heat of the weather in the summer loosened the adhesive from the top track causing it to come loose.

S. Anderson - Canada on January 27, 2024

Lease 2021 Ford F150 Lariet

Add a 2021. The rear window shattered when we closed both doors simultaneously. The rear window heat was on prior when we were driving. We are Ford family and love the F150 but Ford needs to honor their design defect.

Jimmy on January 27, 2023

Exploding Glass

Remote started my 2017 F150 like I have 100 times before. (Truck was in garage but it was 27 degrees this morning.). Put my two golden retrieves in the back seat, started the car and BAM! Entire back window shattered.

Rich on December 14, 2021

2016 Ford F-150 rear window shatter

Rear window shattered about 1/2 mile from house in morning. Big Bang and totally busted. On further investigation a school sticker I had on rear window had a burn in it that was not there prior to the shatter!

203.... on May 4, 2022

2012 Ford 150 issue!!!!!

Put on rear defroster, 10 mins later, so see a red light move acrossthe rear driver window. Then, POP! As I was looking at the red fire that ran across the window. The window shattered!!!!!!!!!

Donald H. Edmonds on January 12, 2022

Pdqbassman1@gmail.com

2020 F150 Roush Edition both right and left panes of the slider suddenly shattered with a loud bang. 60 degrees, no defrost on just taking off from my home 10 or 15 mph at 3 in the afternoon?

Ralita on February 17, 2022

Slid back window detached it self !!!

My slid back window Rod just detached it self. No reason! They put just two sided tape to hold the window! Ford did this! To many problems with my truck!! Holding with duck tape!!!

BRENDA SNODGRASS on November 1, 2023

REAR SHATTERED GLASS

MINE DID THE SAME THING. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT IT. WE PAY GOOD MONEY FOR THE VECHICLES AND THEY HAVE ISSUES LIKE THIS BUT WONT DO NOTHING. MINE IS A 2017 FORD F-150

Garrett Underwood on March 28, 2022

No reason

I have a 2013 F150 low 20° day driving to work defrost not running heat not even on high in the truck and out of nowhere back left glass just popped no reason at all

Leonid Shats on January 21, 2022

2012 Ford F-150 rear window shattered

My wife and I drove this morning to work and the rear window was shattered on the highway! It was a dangerous situation, butI could stop. Never buy a Ford anymore!

Meltinginaz on October 19, 2022

2019 f150 back glass shattered

Driving to work at 5am and hear loud bang and cracking glass. 43,000 miles. No integrity issues. Ford has to do something about this!!! This is dangerous!

John Thomas on September 4, 2022

2021 Ford F350

Driving at 5:00 AM rear window goes BOOM! No rocks, no one around, just shattered for no external reason. Great...now I get to fight with Ford...again...

James T on December 21, 2023

Shattered Rear windwo

2017 Raptor California truck well looked after. Switched on the rear defrost last night and the window popped and shattered. There needs to be a recall.

Curtis on March 26, 2023

F150 Lariat 2016/

Was sitting in my Truck in front of a friend house and we took a trip to the store and back I cut off my truck let him out and my back window shattered

Jake on October 30, 2021

Scattered rear window.

I was driving down the road about a 1/4 mile from my home and the rear widow shattered for no reason. I was not using the defroster at the time.

Bart on February 20, 2024

Shattered Rear window

2011 F-150 shattered last year had it replaced. Exactly 1 day to the tee shattered again.Truck was sitting on the drive way. So that's $2,000 +

DJ on March 9, 2023

Did some one burn my window?

2010 ford lariat with Power slide. Passenger side defrost overheated between the glass causing a small fire on the seal shattering my window.

E Russett on June 21, 2022

2017 Ford F-150 Supercrew

Rear window shattered while vehicle was parked in driveway this weekend. There were no prior issues with the window and no prior cracks, etc.

Glenn on January 4, 2022

2018 F150 back window shattered last night while parked for no obvious reason. 41000 miles. Defective glass? Shards all over the back seat.

Glenn on January 5, 2022

Seakelp

Parked at home and turned on engine to warm up vehicle. Went inside of house, came back. Rear window shattered. Shards everywhere. Really?

Rochelle on August 29, 2022

Scattered rear window

Today parked in driveway 85 degrees outside my rear window buldged and shattered. I have never heard of this until reading reviews.

Harvey Williams on March 12, 2022

F150 owner back window shattered

2016 Ford F150. Rear window shattered sitting in the driveway. No apparent reason. Toronto area 0-1 C all day but snowing.

B Pearson on September 16, 2021

2020 F-150 Rear window shattered

Shut the rear door of my crew cab and the rear window (with heat element) spiderwebs and falls out. Nice going Ford

Michael R Gray on April 30, 2023

Can’t believe this happened on 2014

Back left window shattered it is on a f 150 crewcab has pushbutton sliding window. I noticed pickupnoise.

Glenn on January 4, 2022

Glenn

Rear window on F150 shattered for no reason. 42000 miles, 2018. Shards of glass all over back seat.

Harvey on July 8, 2021

Rear sliding window

Window frame has detached from truck body. Truck doesn’t have 50,000 miles yet. Why?

Glenn on January 5, 2022

Monkey1

2018 F150 back window shattered for no reason while parked. Had turned heater on.it

Mitchell white on January 30, 2022

2018 Ford rear window

2018 Ford F-150 rear glass completely shattered as I was driving down the highway.

Jim Harris on February 25, 2023

2019 ford f150

Just driving and then all of a sudden a big bang and the back window exploded

Sherry on July 22, 2021

Shattered back glass

My back window just shattered on my 2021 f150. I do not see any recalls

Luis Jim on June 2, 2021

F 150 rear window shattered

My F 150 rear window shattered in the highway. No recalls listed yet.

David on September 24, 2021

Engineer

Ford knows of problems take to dealer for replacement

Don on January 5, 2022

Back Window shattered Ford F150

Back window shattered when turned on rear defrost.

Nicole H

Nicole H has been writing professionally for 15 years after stepping away from the education world. Married to an auto/diesel mechanic, cars have always been a part of her life.