Hey,
First time poster, but have an interesting problem so figured I'd ask for suggestions.
So the wife and I got a new Lexus Nx200T 4 months ago. We commute together and switch driving the car often. I am 6' and she's 5' 2", so we adjust the rear view mirror all the time. And the last time, the wife drove, while adjusting the mirror, it cracked the windshield where the mirror is attached to the windshield. I don't know how or why, but maybe someone has a better idea than me. Went to the dealer, and they said this is not covered by the warranty cause it's not a defect but some external disturbance that caused the crack. But all we were doing is adjusting the rear view mirror, so I don't know how that force can possibly crack the windshield... We contacted the Lexus Corp and they said since the service dept said it's not covered, they can't do anything (if they just take the service's word for it, what use are they!??!) The service dept quoted the repair for the windshield to be 1.5k, but I am thinking it will def end up being 2k with all the stupid crap they add on, BUT they said the rearview mirror can be re-used since it's not damaged. So my question is if the rearview mirror is perfectly fine, but the windshield where the rearview mirror is attached to is cracked... how can whatever external force they mention crack the windshield (which should be way more durable than the plastic rearview mirror) and not leave any damage on the rear view mirror??

Anyone has any advice on this?
Thanks!

 

only advice I have is go thru your insurance. It shouldn't (!) affect your rates and I assume your deductible is a lot less than $2K.

 

Show us pictures so we can all play detective.

 

See spider web crack smack in the middle of the rear view mirror attachment.

 

I wonder if a tiny hard speck got on the adhesive when the mirror was applied, all the moving would act to grind that speck in and create a weak point.

 

My guess is that it was a rock chip that happened to hit that spot, and adjusting the mirror caused it to flex and crack. Does it feel smooth or rough on the outside of the windshield where the damage is?

 

It's smooth on the outside. The dealer even verified and said it's an inside crack, not outside.

 

sorry about the incident, not an expert but I think it will need more force than just a mirror adjust to crack the windshield, check with your insurance mine covers the windshield

 

I would fight the dealerships decision..that is a defect IMO. The mirror should fall off long before it should damage the windshield.

 

I mentioned this dilemma to my Lexus service advisor today. Her thought was it should be under warranty as "defect in the workmanship."

I've been taking my cars to the Lexus dealer in Portland, Oregon for 11 years, and in all that time they've bent over backwards for repeat business by keeping their customers happy...it's too bad not all Lexus dealers are alike!

 

Sucks. Moving the rearview mirror shouldnt crack the windshield. It should be covered under warranty. Contact corporate, they are likely to help more.

 

Then that is a defect and should be covered under warranty. If they can't give you a good reason (which I don't think they can), go to a different dealer to see what they say. If they cover it under warranty (not good will), then I would file a complaint about the first dealer.

 

It looks like the crack is directly beneath the mirror mount. Is that right?

So, how does it make sense that "some external disturbance that caused the crack" might have occurred on the inside of the windshield where it is completely covered by the mirror mount? How could there have been impact UNDER the mirror mount? I'm with DampDuffer! That's a defect in workmanship and they need to fix it. It actually looks more like it's de-laminating, as opposed to a crack. It should be a no brainer!

Personally, I'd make it an issue. Escalate all the way to the GM if necessary. This is one of the few things I dislike about Lexus. I've had 6 new Lexus'. I have never taken any of them in with a warranty issue, and had them just fix it without first denying it's an issue.

 

Thanks for all the replies everyone. To answer a previous question, yes the crack is directly beneath the mirror mount, smack in the middle.

An update: we actually went to a 2nd dealer, who will have it covered and will fix it, without even the slightest hassle (the wife and I were preparing for an uphill battle); the appointment is already set for next Tuesday. So needless to say, we are going to file complaint for the first dealer once everything is done; it's surprising considering we actually purchased the car from the first dealer... will keep this posted

 

Good for you for persevering!

Once again, "it's too bad not all Lexus dealers are alike!"