2011 Prius - Windshield triples light source images

Does Safelite AutoGlass or PPG sell a Prius windshield?

Mike

 

Last time I checked they did not have them for the 2012s/2013s... strange because they're the same as the 2010/2011s. Probably do now, their site will have the details and I'm too lazy to look now.

 

Safelite listed a replacement for a 2012 when I looked tonight. $308.00 in Burbank, CA.

 

I had my windshield replaced yesterday. It's a drag that I had to do it (explanation below if interested) but the silver lining in the ordeal is that the Triple Light Enhancement Technology(tm) is now a thing of the past. Vision is back to normal.

<how it happened>
I was transporting a couple of pieces of PVC that stretched from the windshield to the hatchback. I pushed down slowly to see if the pipes would flex enough to close and that's all it took. Front windshield cracked in a hand-sized fashion.

After pricing Safelite ($308 + $25 for molding + $25 for mobile service to the office) I shopped around for other local places and got the whole job done for $280 including tax. Just listing this stuff so you have a ballpark when you pull this same, stupid human trick yourself.

 

I assume you wen with a Safelite made windshield (and is marked as so)?

 

I know these windshields can be made without the TLE Tech (lol) - I'd love to see a ban on the import of cars with AGC Automotive TLE Tech windshields. It's only a matter of time until there are so many of these cars on the road that the Feds will do something.

 

Hi Everyone. I purchased a new 2012 Toyota Prius Five without advanced package in Mid March and after about 5 days of driving the car I noticed the Tripling issue. I freaked out and went to eye doctor because I got headaches and some weird optical illusion feeling. Obviously, it isnt my eye problem and with 1,000 miles on the clock, I took it to Prestige Toyota where I bought it. The Service manager said he "didnt" see the problem. I called up Toyota Corporate and dealt with some of the absolute worst customer service I have ever experience. I am not one of those a-holes who are complainers either. I had to argue back and forth with Toyota Experience and finally they dispatched a Regional Rep who made me drive 60 miles to see the car. In the end, he tried to get psychological with me and said I am focusing too much on the problem and that it is Normal. I cannot believe the sheer audacity of these people who said that this is normal. This is not normal for a Yugo nevertheless a $32,000 Prius. I know have to waste my time and take this a step further and get Lemon Lawyer invovled because this is totally unacceptable. I hate driving the car just because of the windshield. Otherwise, I love the car.

 

Go with aftermarket glass after you get nailed by a rock or some unknown baseball flies thru the neighborhood landing on your factory windshield

Mike

 

I was going to wait for that to happen but why should Toyota get away with it and me have to go through my insurance. They have the $ billions while i barely make the monthly payments. Just doesnt make sense.

 

I understand there are other brands of vehicles with same or similar windshields. It sounds like it is a glass manufacturer issue, but yes the auto manufacturers should be stepping up and sourcing good glass all the time.

Mike

 

Class action anyone? I spoke to a lawyer who wants to take the case on (obviously a big potential payday for him) . But I would rather Toyota take care of my problem so I wouldn't have the hassle of participating in a lawsuit.

 

At this point I wholly endorse a class-action. This issue needs to be addressed with the company responsible: AGC Automotive. Owners of the Leaf and Accord Plug-In are going to start bitching more and more about this and it seems like the only way something will get done. NHTSA and DOT apparently couldn't care less right now, and the only way something will get done is if it costs someone a lot of $$$$$. I'm surprised my lemon settlement didn't at least get something started. ABC7 interviewed some "glass expert" who claimed he'd pressure for some changes in DOT standards, but that could be years away. Right now, we have more and more cars being sold DAILY with the defect. What's worse is the fact that people have NO CLUE what they're getting into until after the contract is signed - the dealer gets their money and the consumer is screwed - it gets dark and suddenly the unlucky owner thinks their eyes have suddenly gone bad... When the consumer tries to report it, Toyota claims no fault and no knowledge of the issue (which is complete BS) and then gives them the endless run around.

I encourage anyone who has the problem to keep reporting it to the proper targets: NHTSA and Toyota's corporate hotline. Get a case number and get receipts/invoices/work orders/etc for ANYTHING done or ANY VISIT. All you need is 2 (TWO) events to get a lemon lawsuit going. I kinda regret not going class action because I am still without a car to this day. Each of the potential cars I have considered have the same screwed up glass, courtesy of AGC Automotive, and I refuse to buy another car with the issue.

Hopefully the more we use AGC Automotive's name along with DEFECTIVE glass, the more it will get it bumped up the Google/SE charts (LOL).

If anyone else goes lemon law, see if your lawyer is willing to list AGC Automotive as a defendant in the suit. That might shoot a fire up their butts to get something done...

 

Just spoke with Toyota after opening a case about our windshield problem. They now say that the windshield manufacturer has acknowledged a "bad batch" of glass. Toyota has an alternate part for replacement. I am waiting for my dealer to get it in and schedule the repair. I'll let you know if the issue is resolved. They will be keeping the vehicle overnight for "measurements."

 

Good news! Can't wait to hear the outcome.

 

A "bad batch" of glass that spanned 2+ years and three confirmed manufacturers (Toyota, Honda, Nissan)?

I surely hope the excuse is just hogwash to cover up something else. If they do have a true fix, that would be a good thing to hear, but I wouldn't hold my breath just yet.

 

OK, got the new glass in and it does correct the problem. Their "bad batch" comment may be blowing smoke (or BS) but after leaving the car with them overnight they do seem to have a solution. My case manager in Torrance did say this is an "alternate part number" and the paperwork from the dealer says "counter measure windshield." The new glass is still made in Japan by AGC but we no longer see the triple image in light sources. My wife also swears it has cleared up the weirdness with oncoming signage in the daylight. I do see a slight halo to overhead lights but don't think it is any more than any other car. My only problem with the repair was the auto glass place the dealer sent the car to left lots of debris all over the interior. I've only driven the car for about 10 minutes after it got dark after the repair but the difference was night and day.

 

Yeah - let us know how it goes over the next few days. When they swapped the glass into my car, they left shards of glass all over the interior and I was pretty ticked about it - realized it when I cut myself on a piece.

I am curious to know if this fixed it 100%, or if there are still signs of the light issue in various parts. That was the issue I had with mine... it looked good in some parts, other parts was even worse than before. I would inspect it from different view points... I have a feeling they are still not completely resolving the refraction.

 

Where did the glass shards come from?

Laminated glass - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mike

 

I'll take another look but looking at different angles from the driver's seat I was unable to see any refraction. I'll update should I find any further issues.

 

Is anyone else successful in getting their dealer's to replace their windshields? I am still having no luck with my dealer.

Also, please PM me if you are interesting in participating in a class action lawsuit. I am putting one together and we may need someone to serve as lead plaintiff.