Ford Explorer Wiper Blade Size by Year (Chart)

This guide lists the front wiper blade sizes for every Ford Explorer model year we carry, from 1991 to the newest models. Across those years the blade sizes changed 4 times, and the longest driver blade used is 26″. Find your year in the chart, then pick it on our Ford Explorer wiper blades page to get the matching pair.

Ford Explorer wiper blade size chart

Ford Explorer wiper sizes by generation

• 2020–2026: The newest models in our listings take a 26″ driver blade and a 20″ passenger blade.
• 2011–2019: Different sizes: driver blade the same 26″, passenger blade 22″ (2″ longer).
• 2006–2010: Different sizes: driver blade 20″ (6″ shorter than 2011–2019), passenger blade 20″ (2″ shorter).
• 2002–2005: Different sizes: driver blade 22″ (2″ longer than 2006–2010), passenger blade 22″ (2″ longer).
• 1995–2001: Different sizes: driver blade 18″ (4″ shorter than 2002–2005), passenger blade 18″ (4″ shorter).
• 1991–1994: Same sizes as the 1995–2001 models: 18″ and 18″.

Where the two sides differ, the driver blade is the longer one. Most windshields are swept further on the driver side, so fitting the wrong length can leave an unwiped strip in front of the driver or make the blades touch in the middle.

Ford Explorer wiper size by year

Every model year in our listings, newest first. Sizes are front blades, driver and passenger.

How to measure your wiper blades

If you are not sure of your model year, or the car has been modified, measure the blades already fitted:

1. Lift each wiper arm away from the glass so the blade stands up.
2. Measure the rubber blade from end to end. Measure the blade, not the metal arm.
3. Round to the nearest inch. Front blades are sold in whole-inch lengths.
4. Do the same on the other side. Many cars use a different length on each side.

If the old blades are not the original ones, a previous owner may have fitted the wrong size, so compare your measurements with the table above.

Blade types and how they attach

There are three common styles of wiper blade:

• Conventional (frame) blades use a metal frame with several pressure points that hold the rubber against the glass.
• Beam blades have no frame. A curved spring-steel band inside the blade presses the rubber evenly along its length, and the low profile gives ice and snow less to cling to.
• Hybrid blades combine a frame with an aerodynamic cover, so they look like a beam blade.

Blades also have to match the end of your wiper arm. A J-hook (a U-shaped hook at the tip of the arm) is the most common, but some cars use a pin, side-lock, push-button or bayonet arm. Before you take the old blade off, look at how it attaches and take a photo so you can fit the new one the same way.

How to fit new wiper blades

1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield. Lay a folded towel on the glass in case the arm springs back.
2. Press the release tab or button on the old blade and slide it down and off the arm.
3. Slide the new blade onto the arm in the same position until it clicks into place.
4. Lower the arm gently onto the glass. Never let a bare arm snap back onto the windshield.
5. Repeat on the other side, making sure the longer blade goes on the driver side if the sizes differ.
6. Run the washers and wipers a few times to check both blades sit flat and wipe clean.

For a full walkthrough with tips for each connector type, read how to change windshield wipers.

When to replace your wiper blades

• Streaks, smears or a hazy film left after each wipe
• The blade skips or chatters across the glass
• Cracked, split or hardened rubber
• Squeaking on a wet windshield
• Unwiped patches in the driver’s line of sight

Rubber breaks down with sun, heat, ice and road grime, so many drivers replace their blades every six to twelve months, or before winter. Replace both front blades together so they wear evenly.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Buying by model name only. The same model often changed blade sizes between generations, so match the model year.
• Fitting the same length on both sides. The driver and passenger blades are different sizes on most years, and the longer one goes on the driver side.
• Measuring the wiper arm instead of the rubber blade.
• Letting a bare wiper arm snap onto the glass. It can chip or crack the windshield.
• Lifting frozen blades off the glass. Run the defroster first so the rubber is not torn.

Where these sizes come from

Every size in this guide comes from the part numbers of the wiper blades we list for each model year range. The two numbers in each part number are the driver and passenger blade lengths in inches. We only list front blades here; rear wiper sizes are not included. If your car has a trim or body style that differs from the table, or you are not sure, send us your year, make and model and we will check before you order.

Related parts and guides

• All Ford wiper blades
• Wiper size finder: every make and model we list
• Colored windshield wipers: colors and how they fit
• Ford parts by model and year

Questions

What size wipers does a Ford Explorer take?

It depends on the model year. The 2020–2026 Ford Explorer takes a 26" driver blade and a 20" passenger blade. Older years are in the chart above, or use our wiper size finder.

Are the driver and passenger blades the same size?

Not on every year. On the 2020–2026 models they are 26" and 20". The longer blade goes on the driver side.

Can I fit a longer blade than listed?

It is best to fit the listed sizes. A longer blade can hit the windshield frame or the other blade, and a shorter one leaves part of the glass unwiped.

How often should I replace Ford Explorer wiper blades?

Many drivers replace them every six to twelve months, or sooner if they streak, skip or squeak. Sun, heat and ice all shorten blade life.

Does this guide cover the Ford Explorer rear wiper?

No. These are front blade sizes only. If your vehicle has a rear wiper, measure the rear blade or contact us with your year and model.