New 2024 factory windshield blurry tinting

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Ashingler, Jan 11, 2025 at 6:20 PM.

  1. Ashingler

    Ashingler New Member

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    Just bought the 2024 SE. The front windshield and rear window are slightly (but noticeably) blurry from what looks like the factory tinting. It's like looking through very thin plastic, instead of a new car window. Is anyone else experiencing this? Is it normal? Do I need to go back to the dealer?
     
  2. CooCooCaChoo

    CooCooCaChoo Senior Member

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    There shouldn't be any tints on the front windshield. You sure it's not something on the inside if the windshield?
     
  3. Ashingler

    Ashingler New Member

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    Thanks, CooCooCaChoo (great name!) - I hadn't thought of that. I'll take a look and report back.
     
  4. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    The windshield at least is laminate glass with a layer of plastic film between the glass. If it is blurry, that's a defect.
     
  5. Ashingler

    Ashingler New Member

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    That's very helpful, Trollbait. Thank you.
     
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    Never heard of a car coming from the factory with a plastic film tint, afaik that’s strictly aftermarket. FWIW in BC (Canada) any aftermarket tint forward of the rear side doors is illegal.
     
  7. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Here in Virginia. you can get what they call a visor tint across the top of the windshield.

    Tint darkness for sedans:
    • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line (or top 5 inches).
    • Front Side windows: Must allow more than 50% of light in.
    • Back Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
    • Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
     
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  8. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    I'd take it back to the dealership to get it rectified. The issue is only going to get worse while driving in the dark, raining, or foggy conditions or any combination of the previous mentioned.
    Very few cars roll out of the factory with OEM tint, it's usually a very profitable dealer add-on by a local shop, contracted to do so. In any case, it's the dealers responsibility to make sure the car is road worthy and free of defects. They put it on, it's their responsibility to fix it.

    PS; make them give you a loaner car if they need to keep it overnight.
     
    #8 BiomedO1, Jan 12, 2025 at 3:30 PM
    Last edited: Jan 12, 2025 at 3:35 PM
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  9. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    It is likely a safety hazard so they may need to provide a loaner under warranty until it is repaired.
     
  10. Ashingler

    Ashingler New Member

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  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    It should be easy to determine if the windshield has a plastic film tint applied: it’ll feel slightly softer, and all around the edges it’ll stop, maybe 1/8” from the moulding. Again, if it’s present it’s aftermarket.
     
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  12. Ashingler

    Ashingler New Member

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    I'm making an appointment with the dealer. I literally bought it new and there was no mention of tinting on the paperwork. The defective laminate glass assembly suggestion seems most likely but I will soon find out at dealer. And I'll report back to finish this thread.