7 On Your Side Wants Emails Re: Windshield Problems

[VP23271]

jbnicas previously said:

So you know I own an '86 CJ-7. I have had it for 17 years and have put well over 100k miles on it. When you have a vehicle with the aerodynamics of a cardboard box, you have to expect some issues. However, I have had to replace the windshield on my CJ ONCE! I have a TRD with 6k miles and two good size spiders in the windshield, that have occurred within the past two weeks. So, I can speak from experience. There is a design / manufacturing flaw that should be acknowledged by Toyota. And over a grand for a windshield is taking advantage of the situation!

I only have 3200 miles on my FJ and as of this post, no cracks yet! It sounds like just a matter of time before it happens. I will be calling my ins. agent in the a.m. and seeing what my deductibles are or adding additional coverage for the windshield. My original opinion when I started to read this thread was that the angle of the windshield was to blame. But after reading the post from jbnicas and others, it sounds like the glass or the manufacturing process for the windshield is inferior. Plus $1400 for a front windshield is just nuts! the damn thing is near flat and only 16" tall.

RonDeF previously said:

Been there done that, we met with Ross McLaughlin ( rmclaughlin@wjla.com )last Friday April 20th and discussed all of those things in detail.

RonDeF,
Squeaky wheel gets the grease! Most people would just complain and whine, but you took action! Don't let up until you get what you think is fair! Get momentum with power in numbers!

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On a side note with the Honda Element, I think part of the reason Element owners won their case was they proved the cracks were starting from under a trim/molding piece and their was no way a rock could have started the crack. The link is below. I did not read the whole thing, legal mumbo jumbo makes my sleepy.

See page 3, line 23

http://www.autosafety.org/ElementComplaint.pdf
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[RonDeF]

[beer:30]

sending mine now

[RonDeF]

Please keep sending those emails to Ross McLaughlin at rmclaughlin@wjla.com and also log a complaint with the Office of Defect Investigation at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

IVOQ - File a Complaint

Thanks,
Ron

[RonDeF]

Ross McLaughlin is still looking to film a windshield being replaced, if anyone could help him out I would really appreciate it. The shop that did mine would not let him film the replacement.

Thanks,
Ron

[RonDeF]

[BigBuck]

FLWakeBd previously said:

When I break my windshield I will handle it just like I handle any other repercussion from my decisions; my choice my problem. If I need to pay out of pocket I will.

I completely expect to break (likely more than one) my windshield. It will go wonderfully with the pinstripes and stone chips on my FJ.

This is the statement that is really confusing "an apparent safety issue" since when did a broken windshield become a safety issue? I have heard of no injuries due to a windshield cracking.

Finally, I could really use clarification on your last statement.

I'm a little confused at why someone trying to help all of us with an obvious defect is getting blasted by you. If you have 1500$ to throw away I suggest you send it to Africa 2 or 3 times a year where it will do some good. After all there is no point sending it to Toyota. Send it where there is a crisis needing this.....no offence !!!

[RonDeF]

I am F$$$ing pissed!!!!!!! My new windshield got hit by a tiny pebble and now I need another one after only having this one in place for 8 days. Did you here that TOYOTA!!! Toyota step up to the plate and address this issue, you know you have a problem. I think my days of owning an FJ are coming to an end. I am afraid my policy will not get renewed next month. Ross McLaughlin please hurry up and run our story.

[RonDeF]

I just spoke to Ross, he still needs to hear form more owners about their windshields. Please contact him at rmclaughlin@wjla.com

[WILSON]

Make sure to record and post on youtube so that those of us that don't live in your area can see the story.