Mysterious Windshield Crack

[DaGrovz]

Hey everyone, I was driving to work this morning, and when I parked there I noticed about a 6" crack on the passenger side of the windshield. This is on my 2023 Challenger HCJB I bought 6 months ago and drive part time. I have been driving for several decades now, and have been through a few windshields. In every previous case there was an obvious rock hit, or at least an impact point that could be identified even if I didn't hear it initially. In this case it appears perfectly clean, and after coming home from work now extends half way across the windshield. Oh, and I live in Houston, where the temperature has been in the mid 90's since I have owned the car. no possibility of thermal shock here lately. A quick search didn't reveal any Challenger windshield issues like this. Has anyone ever dealt with a new windshield warranty claim like this?

I did notice at least one thread on the topic of whether or not to claim a windshield on insurance. I have been driving about 35 years without a single automotive insurance claim. I have eaten a couple of windshields, and a couple of other minor things on the theory of keeping my insurance rates low. It doesn't seem like I gain any advantage over similar drivers. The rates keep going up, up, and up. I will read about that and rant later.

 

[72 440 Barracuda]

Was the crack going to (or from) the edge of the windshield?
I have noticed more than once that a crack originated from the edge of the windshield seemingly out of the blue and for no reason, but later found a chip at the windows edge...

 

[BULL]

Hey everyone, I was driving to work this morning, and when I parked there I noticed about a 6" crack on the passenger side of the windshield. This is on my 2023 Challenger HCJB I bought 6 months ago and drive part time. I have been driving for several decades now, and have been through a few windshields. In every previous case there was an obvious rock hit, or at least an impact point that could be identified even if I didn't hear it initially. In this case it appears perfectly clean, and after coming home from work now extends half way across the windshield. Oh, and I live in Houston, where the temperature has been in the mid 90's since I have owned the car. no possibility of thermal shock here lately. A quick search didn't reveal any Challenger windshield issues like this. Has anyone ever dealt with a new windshield warranty claim like this?

I did notice at least one thread on the topic of whether or not to claim a windshield on insurance. I have been driving about 35 years without a single automotive insurance claim. I have eaten a couple of windshields, and a couple of other minor things on the theory of keeping my insurance rates low. It doesn't seem like I gain any advantage over similar drivers. The rates keep going up, up, and up. I will read about that and rant later.

Just an FYI, I don't know if you've replaced a modern windshield or not, but the days of a $300 windshield are long gone.

 

[vortecd]

I replaced mine on my Jeep this year and was told it wouldn't go against my insurance by my agent

 

[1971demon]

I replaced mine on my Jeep this year and was told it wouldn't go against my insurance by my agent

What else did he tell you

 

[1971demon]

Hey everyone, I was driving to work this morning, and when I parked there I noticed about a 6" crack on the passenger side of the windshield. This is on my 2023 Challenger HCJB I bought 6 months ago and drive part time. I have been driving for several decades now, and have been through a few windshields. In every previous case there was an obvious rock hit, or at least an impact point that could be identified even if I didn't hear it initially. In this case it appears perfectly clean, and after coming home from work now extends half way across the windshield. Oh, and I live in Houston, where the temperature has been in the mid 90's since I have owned the car. no possibility of thermal shock here lately. A quick search didn't reveal any Challenger windshield issues like this. Has anyone ever dealt with a new windshield warranty claim like this?

I did notice at least one thread on the topic of whether or not to claim a windshield on insurance. I have been driving about 35 years without a single automotive insurance claim. I have eaten a couple of windshields, and a couple of other minor things on the theory of keeping my insurance rates low. It doesn't seem like I gain any advantage over similar drivers. The rates keep going up, up, and up. I will read about that and rant later.

If it started from the bottom and worked it's way up...and yer100% sure there's no impact...stress crack due to less than perfect installation...triggered by something as simple as a minor pothole..or entering a drive way @ a specific angle...it happens

 

[vortecd]

What else did he tell you

Lots of stuff, saved me money many times. Not all agents are bad

 

[1971demon]

Lots of stuff, saved me money many times. Not all agents are bad

My agent...(over 30 yrs....personal/commercial)...is one of my best friends...

 

[SilverBillet]

Hey everyone, I was driving to work this morning, and when I parked there I noticed about a 6" crack on the passenger side of the windshield. This is on my 2023 Challenger HCJB I bought 6 months ago and drive part time. I have been driving for several decades now, and have been through a few windshields. In every previous case there was an obvious rock hit, or at least an impact point that could be identified even if I didn't hear it initially. In this case it appears perfectly clean, and after coming home from work now extends half way across the windshield. Oh, and I live in Houston, where the temperature has been in the mid 90's since I have owned the car. no possibility of thermal shock here lately. A quick search didn't reveal any Challenger windshield issues like this. Has anyone ever dealt with a new windshield warranty claim like this?

I did notice at least one thread on the topic of whether or not to claim a windshield on insurance. I have been driving about 35 years without a single automotive insurance claim. I have eaten a couple of windshields, and a couple of other minor things on the theory of keeping my insurance rates low. It doesn't seem like I gain any advantage over similar drivers. The rates keep going up, up, and up. I will read about that and rant later.

I guess it would not hurt to talk to your dealer but I doubt if it will be covered under warranty. You probably know that the windshield is covered under your Comp coverage. That’s why you have insurance. You will have to pay the deductible unless you have the vanishing deductible some insurances offer. One claim like that definitely should not cause you to have an increase in your rate. It may affect you if you ever try to change insurance companies but if you have never had a claim as you say, you really have nothing to worry about. I can tell you that windshield can be expensive if you pay for it out of pocket.

 

[DGatzby]

Sure there is not even the most tiny of chip on the edge? A small item hit mine in the very, very edge plus mine had windshield protection film on it. Bang-crack. I agree with the insurance stuff above. Same comment, my insurance agent is one of my best long time friends, my OEM replacement windshield did not count against me. Make sure you tell them you want the Dodge OEM windshield with the Challenger emblem in it.

 

[Unholy707]

Pic of crack? They say they’ll replace one a year for free depending on the state but they lie

 

[Unholy707]

Sure there is not even the most tiny of chip on the edge? A small item hit mine in the very, very edge plus mine had windshield protection film on it. Bang-crack. I agree with the insurance stuff above. Same comment, my insurance agent is one of my best long time friends, my OEM replacement windshield did not count against me. Make sure you tell them you want the Dodge OEM windshield with the Challenger emblem in it.

They’ll cover an oem windshield? Good to know

 

[DGatzby]

They’ll cover an oem windshield? Good to know

Even at your own home!

 

[2ndAmend]

Won't hurt to try to get the dealer to replace it and make the case it is a factory defect that should be covered under warranty. Ask them to prove it wasn't a defect. What do you have to lose?

BYW: New guys need to post pics or everyone will think you are full of BS.

 

[DaGrovz]

Thanks for the info everyone. My eyes aren't what they used to be, but even in the closeup picture when I zoom in I don't see any impact. It looks like a clean break to me. Right now I am going through a disaster with a warranty issue on my 23 Ram 1500. There is an electrical problem and they have been working on it for over two weeks. The Ram engineers told them the next step is to replace the 48 V battery for the etorque system. A replacement won't be available until next month. They are very apologetic about it. Maybe they are in the right mood to show them this?

 

[DGatzby]

Great pictures! Agree, sir that crack is interesting.

 

[SilverBillet]

Might be covered under your 3yr/36000 bumper to bumper?

 

[1971demon]

Thanks for the info everyone. My eyes aren't what they used to be, but even in the closeup picture when I zoom in I don't see any impact. It looks like a clean break to me. Right now I am going through a disaster with a warranty issue on my 23 Ram 1500. There is an electrical problem and they have been working on it for over two weeks. The Ram engineers told them the next step is to replace the 48 V battery for the etorque system. A replacement won't be available until next month. They are very apologetic about it. Maybe they are in the right mood to show them this? View attachment 145703 View attachment 145704
View attachment 145703 View attachment 145704

Wow...now that crack is weird..glass defect of some sort I'd say

 

[DaGrovz]

I thought it would be a good idea to read through the packet from when I bought the car before I approach the dealer. I might actually be in luck. One of the things the dealer added to the car while they had it was a windshield treatment. Apparently this comes with a six year warranty covering road damage to the windshield. It does not cover manufacturing defects, thefts, exes chasing you with a baseball bat, etc. I got a close scare when I read the fine print. To maintain this warranty you have to have the coating reapplied every 6 months. I have had the car 5 months and 3 weeks. Obviously I was about to get it reapplied next week if they ask. If it is caused by road damage it seems like I might be OK.

The other case would be a manufacturing defect which should obviously be covered. I wonder who gets to decide what the cause was? I hope I don't get stuck in the middle of a finger pointing battle or something. I say, if the rock doesn't fit, you must acquit.

 

[Under-Pressure]

Many ‘23 Challengers have been cracking the windshields in the same area. A bad batch of windshields from a vendor to insufficient bonding at installation have been the rumors of the failures. Your dealer should be aware of the problem & warranty this. Good luck.