re: Cracked Windshields on CX-5's and Poll
- Thread starter meteorgrey
- Start date
I hear what seems to be flexing of the front screen just in front of me in the driver seat while on fast motorway routes. Doesn't happen at low speed or on twisty country roads. Its almost as if the screen is moving where it meets the bulkhead. Rather disconcerting.
mentalcase
Member
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- Meteor Gray 2014 Touring CX-5
Go to your dealer first. Examine the windshield and see if you can find an impact point. If not it's likely you have a stress crack.
3950 miles and a rock or other piece of debris smacked the windshield today. This caused a small starburst crack approximately 0.5 inches in diameter. While driving a few hours later the crack opened up horizontally (POP!) to be a grand total of 15 inches in length, directly in front of the driver.
Never had a car do that before, even with regular driving on gravel roads. Dealership said 'nothing we can do about that.'
Never had a car do that before, even with regular driving on gravel roads. Dealership said 'nothing we can do about that.'
Chris_Top_Her
Contributor
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- San Antonio, Texas
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- '15 CX-5 Miata AWD
if you get a replacement insist on a OEM glass. the aftermarket glasses are simply not the same quality, poorly fitted gaskets, less insulation/clips.
Given the relatively high failure rate and cost of the OEM I think it makes more sense to go with aftermarket, especially in a state where windshield insurance coverage isn't mandatory (WA).
In talking with an auto replacement specialist he asked for make and model. After I told him the cx-5 he said 'oh we've done a lot of those recently.' Anecdotal? Sure. Confirming my suspicions? Yup.
UPDATE: Called three more places, 2 of which stated they were having high volume of CX-5 replacements. Curious.
All offer Pilkington glass as a replacement, which comes OEM on many European sedans. I'm considering that an upgrade to the Mazda OEM glass (DOT23 glass, Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd - Osaka Japan).
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Wasn't aware 3d party glass was out now. How much does it cost?
Wonder if Safelite has CX-5 glass yet. They are the worst quality though.
I like Pittsburgh (PGW) glass the best. Its what most US OEM use.
What company is making 3d party glass for the CX-5 now?
But no evidence of a design problem has been posted.
The fact of the matter is that car windshields are made of glass and glass is damaged relatively easily by high speed impact with hard objects like gravel. This problem is not new, it happened on Henry Ford's Model A and it is still happening today. Airplanes have the same problem with cracked windshields.
Here are some links where you can educate yourself on the relatively fragile nature of glass:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/colorado/1579622-whats-all-cracked-windshields-here.html
http://www.smartusainsider.com/forum/topics/2029424:Topic:292843
http://www.interest.co.nz/news/40553/insurance-fixing-windscreen-crack-really-free
http://www.khou.com/news/investigat...nished-for-this-highway-hazard-189283881.html
http://www.texastribune.org/2013/12/23/oil-booms-unexpected-byproduct-broken-windshields/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/bobmcteer/2013/12/22/the-broken-windshield-fallacy/
http://car.tips.net/T004768_Dealing_with_a_Broken_Windshield.html
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=375777
If you read these links it will become clear as glass just how common broken windshields are and they are not unique to the CX-5 (none of the above links even mention the CX-5).
My bad.
I didn't read every post.
Windshields of all brands are subject to rock chips and cracks more today than in the past.Thinner and lighter windshields..
I normally run high deductibles but am going to run a $50 deductible on comprehensive for the next year. I'll raise it after then if no issues crop up.
meteorgrey
Member
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- 2015 Mazda CX-5 Touring FWD
Yeah I agree that debris impacts and such are a no-brainer for a cracked windshield. When I originally made this thread, I was mainly concerned about the "spontaneous" cracks that some users seemed to report, and felt I needed to feed my curiosity. I came to the conclusion that most of these are probably still caused by debris impacts, but instead of cracking instantly, the small chip eventually spread from stress. Panic, lack of observational/situational awareness and obliviousness on the part of the drivers are probably what led to those posts, but I'll still give benefit of the doubt. Regardless, the CX-5 is still an amazing CUV. I still smile when I see another on the road. Thankfully I haven't seen one with cracked glass yet, lol.
I wonder if dings in the laser sensor area for SCBS can be repaired or if this would require a windshield replacement?
Pg 205 in OM.
"If cracks or damage caused by flying gravel or debris is visible near the laser
sensor, stop using the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system immediately and have your vehicle inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer. If the vehicle continues to be driven with cracks or scratch marks left on the windshield near the laser sensor, the system may operate unnecessarily and cause an unexpected accident."
Pg 205 in OM.
"If cracks or damage caused by flying gravel or debris is visible near the laser
sensor, stop using the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system immediately and have your vehicle inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer. If the vehicle continues to be driven with cracks or scratch marks left on the windshield near the laser sensor, the system may operate unnecessarily and cause an unexpected accident."
The reports of spontaneous cracks in the middle and what sounded like a higher price for windshields gave me caution as well. I wonder if the windshields for vehicles with tech are more?
I've gotten so many window dings over the years I've lost count. I am crossing a mountain pass at least every other weekend.
Totally OT....I really like the way this vehicle handles and drives.
I've gotten so many window dings over the years I've lost count. I am crossing a mountain pass at least every other weekend.
Totally OT....I really like the way this vehicle handles and drives.
Third party glass (Pilkington, DOT 177) was installed same day for $320 USD. Can't really complain, no abnormalities or defects in the glass. Highest quote I received was Safelite, but I was skeptical of their glass quality. The dealership didn't even quote me and referred to an external supplier/installer.
Prices did also vary dependent on equipment on the vehicle (increased cost for windshields on cars with rain sensors and/or parking assist).
And I beg to differ that there is *not* a problem with these windshields. I was just treating another car in our garage for annual RainX treatment and found at least 10 small divots (or pits) where some glass was removed, but the glass didn't crack or chip. 95k+ on that car as well.
My suspicions are that the curvature with the glass (induced shear) and potentially thinner glass may increase the risk of premature failures.
mentalcase
Member
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- Meteor Gray 2014 Touring CX-5
Well I was driving on the wonderful NJ Turnpike yesterday and one of the other 2 cars kicked up a rock which put a pretty sizeable dent in my windshield. It's already started to spider out, so I'm positive it will need replacement eventually. 7500 miles and this will be my third windshield.
I actually wondering if aftermarket glass might be a better idea this time around. My OEM shields didn't do very well.
I actually wondering if aftermarket glass might be a better idea this time around. My OEM shields didn't do very well.
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Your insurance company replacing with oem windshields without a fight?
What insurance company do you have?
