2011 Prius - Windshield triples light source images

Hey F8L! We're all anxiously waiting to hear whether your replacement windshield has the visual ghosting issues and whether there was any change in cabin noise. I think you said the new windshield was aftermarket, right?

 

I cleaned my windshield thoroughly with Invisible Glass. I cleaned the outside 3 times and the inside 2 times (inside is a B****!). I noticed it's better, not better as in like what my Camry was like but it is better. So I'm not sure if I clean it say 10 more times if that wouldn't fix it. I don't know if I can contort myself long enough to do that though.

Me in any car is kinda like this

 

F8L - Yes, please let us know how your repair went... I wonder if the issue is there or any different for you and if you are noticing a noise difference.

As for cleaning the windshield - This was tried myself and in past repair attempts with no help. I remember a dealer rep actually mentioning at first that they thought it was some kind of "residue" and that a scouring pad/steel wool could remedy it... Sounded like a bad idea to me and thankfully they never did it to mine.

Sadly, regarding the repair I had over a week ago, I noticed some moisture infiltration recently (after some rain)... at this point it seems the windshield I received was in fact installed improperly. That would also explain the noise issues. When using the windshield wipers while moving, you can actually hear the noise change based on how the wind across the windshield is changed by the wiper blade either interfering with airflow or not.

 

I went to the dealer this morning and had them look at this as part of my 5K mile checkup.

Initially the service rep asked if I was wearing polorized glasses as they had seen that being an issue in cars in the past. This wasn't the issue b/c I don't wear sunglasses at night... They questioned my claim, but I went for a ride with the service tech. He definitely noticed what I was seeing and thought it wasn't quite right. He then took another more experience service tech for a ride to check it out.

Right now, the course of action is:
1) They recommended me to try using a new cleaner to see if the optics improve. I'm using Invisible Glass so that shouldn't have an impact. I'll put it through a deep cleaning though. I did notice when cleaning the glass earlier this week that the wipers may be leaving a residue of some sort. We'll want to remove that variable.
2) The techs are going to drive new Prius' off the lot to see if this is an isolated incident or not. I'm hoping they find a mixed sample.
3) The issue will then be raised to the Toyota Service Rep.

They talked about a potential course of action being replacement of the windshield. I'm reluctant to do so until Toyota determines the root cause and proper fix.

 

Regardless of what happens: Please reach out to Toyota and get them to open a case NOW and get a case number for this. Do not wait, they are placing the action items on you, and it should be the other way around... a windshield right now will probably not fix it as Toyota still does not have a valid fix for this issue. If it is replaced, be sure they get a proper installer to handle it. There are too many BS installers out there and if they screw it up, you could be left with a car with even more serious issues.

Also report it to NHTSA and be sure to get detailed service records. This is not a cleaning issue and is not isolated.

The issue, as you probably already know, is present across the Prius and Prius Plug-In. I'm surprised they did not claim it was a characteristic, but then again, it sounds like you only met with local service reps vs the regional office guys.

 

I'm looking for those with this issue in the SF Bay Area - if you're here and have the issue, can you please PM me ASAP? Thank you!

 

I picked up my 2013 v new two days ago and noticed this instantly as I drove it off the lot. Just came here to see if others also see it. I drove it for about 11 hours yesterday and my eyes are so tired. Things are actually blurry today when I'm not in the car. I'm pretty sure it's actually making everything a bit fuzzy and exhausting my eyes. And I know it's not my eyes, I was recently tested at better than perfect vision. I'm in Canada though so I'll have to look into what numbers I need to call. I'm really disappointed that there's been no resolution to this by those that have tried.

 

Can you please add your car information to our spreadsheet? We're trying to compile some of the data from these cars to prove this is not simply a "characteristic" as Toyota claims.

Also: This is the first v that I have heard of having this issue, so this is very concerning... We were not aware of anyone having this issue with a Prius v or c.

Link to doc: Welcome to Google Docs

 

Just added my car's info. Of interest to me is that this is still a major issue and my car was just manufactured last month. The light through my windshield is exactly as bad as the pictures and videos in this thread.

 

My thoughts exactly... when I found the 2013s had it, I too was concerned. Definitely get in touch with Toyota's warranty hotline to report this, they need to know that a v has rolled off the line with the same problems.

 

Right now, I am trying to work through normal channels to hopefully raise visibility and awareness of the issue. I just got off the phone with my service adviser. She said service managers and techs drove all of the 2012-2013 Prii they had in stock and they all exhibited the similar windshield traits. So we now know that this is not an isolated a case. They are now working with Toyota corp to arrange for their field service rep to view and assess the situation.

 

Yesterday I filed a complaint with Toyota at the local dealership. They said they will contact Toyota and obtain a case number. Dealer is expecting to get a case number with in 48 hours.
Dealer brought several 2013 Prius from the lot and we tested the windshield for triple images. They all had the same triple image problem, some more, some had less problem. Mine had the worst triple image. Interestingly, dealer claimed they had never noticed this issues until I brought it up to their attent
I also filed a complaint with Consumer Reports Online. Yesterday I received a reply from them and this issue is going to be investigated by their Auto Test Division and Editorial Staff. Let's see where they will take this issue to.

 

Hope you don't mind. I added a status column to the spreadsheet so that we can track which cars have been reported and if there have been any resolution.

 

Cool, thanks!

 

I need to correct my first post stating I had the tripling effect. What I was seeing was simply a blur. My new aftermarket windshield appear similar to the OEM. Here is a picture taken through the windshield this morning on my cell phone.

 

I noticed this the first night I drove the 2012 Pruis III. Now, after owning it for 2 weeks I notice that white lights are more pronounced than red lights, green seem to have alot less effect.
I live in a rural area and not as many lights as urban areas. So far I have gotten used to it, but have concerns when I do travel to urban areas. Gees, the one area that comes to mind is in Phila, that is 8 lanes and red lights every 2 or 3 blocks.
not sure if that will really be bothersome.
I have noticed that the lack of glare from oncoming traffic is awesome, 2 nights ago had 2 cars on the opposite lane with high beams on, and they did not blind me.
Granted I have astigmatism eyes, so life for me has always been fuzzy, but I don't want to take a chance on the Rt 1 in Phila when I have to go there next month.

 

Do you perceive any difference in noise level from the OEM to the aftermarket windshield?

 

Not really. Wind noise has always been bad. The new windshield supposedly has some soundproofing element to it. I already have two small rock chips though. Either I'm unlucky or it is weaker than the OE.

 

Folks,
ABC7 Bayarea covered this issue. Heres the story.
7 On Your Side: Potential safety hazard in popular vehicle | abc7news.com

 

Do yourself a favor and don't read the comments section. Like every news source comment section, this one is filled with inaccurate statements and hateful drivel. It's sad these people are allowed to vote!