Cracked windshield - Warranty?

[BlackedOutFox]

This crack (seen in the photo) appeared out of nowhere this morning while parked at a gas station. It appears that the crack is “inside” the windshield glass - it’s not on the surface on the inside or outside of the vehicle. It also appears there is something loose inside this housing behind the mirror (I’m assuming this is where the Cruise Control Sensor is located).

Has anyone else experienced this? Should I expect this to be covered under warranty? The Expy only has 7,000 miles. I’ll be calling Ford tomorrow, but wanted to be prepared for whatever they may say.

 

[Rob6805]

Yea, that definitely looks like a failure of the glass itself and not damaged by an outside source (rock).

 

[Emilner]

I have a similar funky crack at the base of the windshield that starts under the cowl and comes up 3 inches, across 8 inches and back down- dead center. It's totally hidden by the wipers. Seems like a defect.

 

[BlackedOutFox]

I was able to take a closer look today. There’s a small nick in the glass where the crack spiders outward from; probably from road debris and then just cracked later. Safelite will be replacing tomorrow through my insurance. I just hope they do a decent job.

 

[Rob6805]

I was able to take a closer look today. There’s a small nick in the glass where the crack spiders outward from; probably from road debris and then just cracked later. Safelite will be replacing tomorrow through my insurance. I just hope they do a decent job.

If at all possible I would not use Safelite. Call your dealer and ask who they used for glass replacement. Bet it isn't Safelite.

 

[BlackedOutFox]

If at all possible I would not use Safelite. Call your dealer and ask who they used for glass replacement. Bet it isn't Safelite.

They aren’t my first choice and I tried using another company. I live in an area where the options are Safelite or another local outfit. The local outfit can’t get me in until at least 2 weeks. Safelite said tomorrow. Due to the safety reasons I need it fixed asap.

 

[Trainmaster]

You may ask Safelite to use the OEM Ford noise-cancelling glass instead of their own branded import garbage.

 

[BlackedOutFox]

You may ask Safelite to use the OEM Ford noise-cancelling glass instead of their own branded import garbage.

I didn’t even consider that. Thanks for the info.

EDIT: I just checked their work order on my appointment. They have OEM parts listed. I’ll make a note to verify before they install.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I didn’t even consider that. Thanks for the info.

EDIT: I just checked their work order on my appointment. They have OEM parts listed. I’ll make a note to verify before they install.

Earlier this year I used Safelite to replaced my cracked windshield at the recommendation of my insurance company. Original windshield with the sound screen glass. I purchased the vehicle new.

Safelite did a terrible job and used an aftermarket windshield, despite my asking for OEM glass. They damaged the plastic air inlet grille (under windshield wipers) and applied excessive black sealer on the right side, which oozed out from behind the A-pillar trim.

Their follow-up customer service was very poor.

Ensure they are using OEM glass PRIOR to the installation, and inspect everything before you leave (under the hood too, as that is where the air inlet grille fasteners are removed).

I will never use Safelite for any repair.

 

[Rob6805]

Oh God!! Do not use Safelite at all costs. Everything you hear about them is true.

 

[Deadman]

I had some glass replaced on a Flex and man it was never the same, the glass wind whistled all the time at speed. I'm guessing the glass was inferior. The claimed it was a Ford part, but it had all different numbers and labels on the glass, liars.

 

[scottdm]

I learned the Safelite lesson on a prior vehicle when they put a nice slice/gouge in the paint on my fender from one of their knife blades.

 

[BlackedOutFox]

Despite my hesitation to use Safelite, I’m happy to report that the windshield has been replaced with an OEM windshield (all the correct stamps and markings). I did verify the windshield before the installation. The Safelite tech was knowledgeable and took pride in his work. Im sure “pride” is the keyword in this instance considering the bad experiences between other members and Safelite.

 

[techdude99]

Safelite replaced windshields in my TSX and MDX when I was in Tampa, Florida. I had to cover the cost difference between aftermarket and OEM due to my insurance. No issues with the installation.

 

[lbv150]

Whoever does the glass....be sure it is OEM only.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Whoever does the glass....be sure it is OEM only.

I agree - but OEM glass is often not available now due to the supply-chain issues.