Ok, so I braved out on the roads (dealing with 30+ inches of snow) before we got the next round (10-20 inches), car did great including getting hit by a giant icicle falling from a building downtown (had to be rather high). I was sure by the volume and size it destroyed by windshield, but luckily all was safe... I was quite impressed as was the multitude of onlookers... one even shouted," Guess the recall wasn't for the windshield!" ... but seriously, if anyone is in the Baltimore area- don't go out... I saw few roads (even primary type down to pavement!)
Sorry to hear that little accident you have about the damaged windshield. At least you are alive to tell the tale. Keep on cruising with your Prius.
Just got a rock chip in my new 2010 windshield. The rain creating a lot of potholes here in San Diego and while going through pounding rain on the freeway, heard a loud crack. Repair guy said he has been doing a lot of rock chips now. One guy called about a windshield, and it is too new to get one except through dealer order. Over $900. One guy says he does a lot of Prius windshields, because it is so big. Well, I guess I'll wait for a few more rock chilps to replace the windshield.
Lucky for you, after clearing 16 " snow yesterday morning and turned on the defogger, i noticed an edge/stress crack started developing on the passenger side. After few more minutes the crack travelled to the middle until I turned the defogger off. I brought my 2010 Prius to the dealer this afternoon, but the matter was declined as part of the manufacturer warranty. Now, I have a $1,000.00 comprehensive deductible problem. I wonder if anyone can enlighten me what other available options I have on this issue. I will appreciate it very much...
Cool. Maybe in this instance the slant of the windshield diverted the force of the icicle, they can cause damage, even "out your eye out!"
Was there evidence of a rock chip? If not, that is, as you said, a "stress crack" and definitely a manufacturer defect. They must replace it under warranty. We had a stress crack develop shortly after we bought our 2008 Lexus RX400h. It had NOT been hit by anything. There was no evidence of a rock chip. The service manager inspected it and ordered a new windshield which was replaced under warranty. If there was no evidence of a rock chip, you need to fight it. Start with the service manager. If you don't get satisfaction, insist on taking it to the next level which would be a regional service manager. Also contact Toyota North America (or whatever they're called) and complain to them. Don't give up. If it's a stress crack, they HAVE to fix it.
I would think the odds are very high that you are covered. If it doesn't show any evidence of a rock hit, then it is obviously a stress crack and should be covered by your warranty. If there is evidence of a rock hit, then most insurance companies cover windshield repairs and replacements without any deductible. You have to be firm, but polite until you get your way.
Sorry to hear about all the windshield problems. Here in Colorado in winter they use something they call "sand" but is actually small rocks, to provide better traction on the roads. We have lost 1 or 2 windshields each year for the 14 years we have lived here. When we bought our Prius in July the friendly finance guy offered us a lifetime windshield plan for about $500. Most of the extended warranty and insurance things they offer are a total waste, but the windshield plan was a steal, and we grabbed it. I think you can still sign up even after you buy the car, but I'm not sure what it costs.
3120ac, I agree with Jim and Joe about pushing harder on the warranty. If you can't see the rock chip site, and they can't show it to you, then it probably is a manufacturing defect. In that case, it is under warranty. Maybe you should try another dealer in your area, and if they come through for you, you can shift your servicing to them. Unfortunately Joe may not be right about the insurance company waiving the deductible in your case--if it really is a rock chip. They do that a lot when you have a small chip that has not spread very far, and they can have the windshield repaired by Windshield Doctor or a similar outfit rather than replace it. But what you describe has spread way too far for that, and you need a new windshield.
CO is the worst. My buddy who lives up in Vail is constantly replacing windshields. In CO, a lifetime windshield plan for $500 IS a steal. I'd bet even the insurance companies who do offer no-deductible glass replacement elsewhere do NOT offer it in CO. That buddy used to live in Cherry Hills and I believe he's still a member at Castle Pines Golf Club. Got to play there a number of times, great course.
Does he drive a Prius? We've noticed a lot fewer Hummers and more Priuses in CPN recently, so we're always happy to see more!
