The Lemon IndexA window that stops, falls or won’t close is usually a failed regulator, motor or switch.
Get it checked. Fine to drive. If the window is stuck open, cover it until it is fixed.
A broken window regulator (cable or plastic clips). Then: a worn window motor; a bad switch.
Owners describe this in 8,499 complaints to the U.S. government, most often on the Ford F-Series.
Cars owners report it on most
Complaints describing this symptom, by model, all years. Raw counts, not a failure rate: popular models get more complaints.
Model years that report it most
| Model year | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 Ford F-Series | 677 | 26% |
| 2006 Jeep Liberty | 343 | 25% |
| 2005 Ford F-Series | 204 | 12% |
| 2007 Jeep Liberty | 183 | 26% |
| 2020 Ford Escape | 179 | 9% |
| 2016 Hyundai Tucson | 111 | 7% |
| 2005 Jeep Liberty | 74 | 7% |
| 2016 Kia Optima | 64 | 8% |
| 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 53 | 4% |
| 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 52 | 4% |
| 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 49 | 6% |
| 2000 Volkswagen Jetta | 45 | 10% |
Each row is that model year's record in NHTSA complaints, not the history of any one car. Share = complaints describing this symptom out of every complaint we hold for that model year (shown when the year has 50+ complaints).
Where it makes up the biggest share
2004 Ford F-Series · 26% 2007 Jeep Liberty · 26% 2006 Jeep Liberty · 25% 2004 Cadillac DeVille · 12% 2005 Ford F-Series · 12% 2000 Volkswagen Jetta · 10% 2020 Ford Escape · 9% 2016 Kia Optima · 8%
Model years with 150+ complaints in our data and 10+ describing this symptom, ranked by share. A high share means owners of that year who complained often mentioned it.
The details
Common causes of power window not working
- A broken window regulator (cable or plastic clips)
- A worn window motor
- A bad switch
- A broken wire in the door hinge
- A blown fuse
General causes, not a diagnosis. A shop should confirm the cause with tests before replacing parts.
Is it safe to drive with a broken power window?
Get it checked. Fine to drive. If the window is stuck open, cover it until it is fixed.
Of the 8,499 complaints describing it, 1% mention a crash, 2% mention a fire and 1% report an injury.
What the complaints show
The parts owners filed these complaints under: visibility (57%), electrical system (31%), structure (10%), power train (6%). A complaint can list more than one.
Median odometer reading when owners reported it: 60,000 miles.
Most reports by make: Ford (1,743), Jeep (1,211), Chevrolet (633), Volkswagen (601), Dodge (504).
What owners say it cost to fix
Repair bills owners named in complaints that describe this symptom (doors, locks & windows repairs): the middle half ran $350 to $500, typical $400, from 147 bills.
Each figure is one repair bill as an owner wrote it in a complaint, not a quote for your car. Prices vary with the part, the shop and the year.
Related symptoms
Car heater not working Car door won't open Car battery keeps dying Headlights not working All dashboard warning lights on Speedometer not working
Quick answers
What causes power window not working?
A window that stops, falls or won’t close is usually a failed regulator, motor or switch. Common causes: a broken window regulator (cable or plastic clips); a worn window motor; a bad switch; a broken wire in the door hinge; a blown fuse.
Is it safe to drive with a broken power window?
Get it checked. Fine to drive. If the window is stuck open, cover it until it is fixed.
Which cars have this problem most?
In complaints to NHTSA, owners describe it most on the Ford F-Series, Jeep Liberty and Ford Escape. These are raw counts, so popular models rank higher; complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.
How much does it cost to fix?
In 147 repair bills owners named in complaints describing it, the middle half ran $350 to $500. The right repair depends on the cause.
Counts: NHTSA owner complaints whose text describes this symptom (we matched owners' own wording, then read samples to check the matches). A complaint is an owner's report, not a diagnosis or proof of a defect. Causes and advice are general information in our own words, not repair advice for your car. Every symptom · Engine code lookup