I was curious if most of the cars effected were earlier production models. Please post the date of purchase for your E.... We bought our E last month..I am keeping a close eye on our windshield!!!!

Date of purchase 4/03

Unfortunately, yours is probably in the VIN range shown on Technical Service Bulletin 03-028 that pertains to this problem. I own a EX AWD purchased on 4/18/03 and it falls well within the VIN range.

I bought mine at the end of January and have had no problems, other than having a couple of rather large pieces of gravel bounce off of my windshield on the freeway. Loud as hell, but no damage.

I picked up my E Februay 15th and the windsheid cracked within two weeks. My vin is in the 3000 series for an 2WD EX. The dealer kept on saying the crack was caused by a chip but relented when the Sevice Bulletin about windshields came out. They installed the new windshield this week, but now it makes a creaking sound. I just can't seem to win on this one. I do intend to keep this vehicle for along time so I am looking at it like I am just renting this windshield until a new crack develops.

Check the following web site for the VIN numbers covered:
http://www.ecnet.net/users/gallery/element-j/tsbs/windshield.html

Thanks for the link to the actual Service Bulletin! :)

I picked-up my EX 4WD Friday at 6PM and had a small rock leave a crack in the windshield Saturday at noon. Leave it to me to muck it up in less than 24 hours.

Coming from a '98 Jeep Wrangler Sport (which could pretty much bounce pebbles off of the windshield at 70MPH with no cracks), I was bummed to see such a little rock cause a crack in my new baby.

My EX's VIN falls outside of the Service Bulletin, so .. hopefully I won't have to worry about the windshield trying to kill itself. :)

returned from an 800mile trip recently with a cracked winshield. thought it was caused by a pebble kicked-up by a truck. the guy that replaced it says there were no visible signs of an object hitting it. feels strongly it was a "stress" crack. this vehicle has 2500miles logged.

Mine just cracked over the weekend. I have a very small starburst in the center of the windshield. My VIN (19167) is covered by the TSB, but I don't think the starburst qualifies. I have had mine since April 10, and have put on 3000 miles.

I have had my Element for 15 days. It has less than 500 miles on it. Nothing has hit my windshield hard enough to even make me notice it.

And guess what? Driving home from work yesterday I noticed a crack in the lower passenger side corner.

And my VIN is outside the service bulletin. My dealer is supposed to be calling me this morning to tell me if they can help me at all.

I even addressed the windshield issue with the dealer before I purchased that car. "Hey, I've heard people are having some problems with their windshields . . . " To which his reply was that he hadn't heard about it, but that I shouldn't worry.

If they don't help me, I will be FURIOUS!!!

My dealer is VERY ignorant of the fact that the 'E' has a very loyal and active following that post regularly on the Internet. I think they're used to saying "we've never heard of that before" and not being challenged.

When I cancelled my extended warranty that I way (!!!) over-paid for, they asked where I found a cheaper one, so I showed them the forums here. The Sales Manager had a very funny "uneasy" look on his face as he was checking out the different threads. :D

I hope they can help you!

NOT FIXING IT!!! I hope they are ready to deal with the repercussions on not following through on what they promised me before the sale.[/i]

As I posted on another thread, our Element had a small pebble tap the window while driving on the highway. It made a small starburst that needs repair. It really was a light impact. Aside from this problem, our E is great!

Got my EX in March and now have 6350 miles on. Two weeks ago the windshield cracked on the drivers side. It started at the bottom and has now run up approximately ten inches and to the right about 15 inches. No sign of impact. :(

Have an appointment with the Honda District Tech Rep this Friday to discuss replacing it. Going armed with copies of the TSB, internet pics of other elements with cracks and forum discussions.

Will let you know how it went.

I just had mywinsheid repaired with a 10 inch crack.This may be frowned upon by some, but 560 for a new windshield I thought it was worth the gamble. I live in Northern Jersey and had it fixed by Mr.Chips 1-800-293-9794. They did, Joe peck did great work. He clued me in on what to do for a crack. He said to inspect the black parimeter for nicks,that is where mine started. The sooner you had a crack or chip filled the better the chances.
I suggest going for a repair ,then replacement at this moment until aftermarket windshields are more affordable.
You have 4 years until inspection in NJ for new cars, so that buys time.
Joe did a great job and it really isn't noticable.

I don't even have my car licensed yet, but I have a nice crack in the windshield as of yetereday - 600 miles.

When I went to work there was no crack, when I came out of my first stop I got in and there was crack about 4 inches long coming from between the wipers. When I came out of work last night the crack is now probably 12-14 inches long.

I called the service manager at Honda - "they aren't aware of a problem" with the windshield, but I am to bring it in for inspection. I suggested that they come to this web site and get filled in on their "little problem".

Apparently the run a ball point pen over the crack, if there are no "stops" in it then it is from stress and they would consider replacing the windshield.

When I bought my extended warranty from 1Source I got the option that they will replace up to three windshields over the life of the contract.

4/16/03 - I just got a crack on the way back from Myrtle Beach last weekend! I am taking it to Honda Friday so they can "inspect" it to make sure a rock didn't hit the windshield. I think I would be able to tell! DUH!

Got a crack on my windshield...(I'll post pics later) Originates from the lower driver's side corner...and it's creeped about twelve inches since I discovered the crack about 10 days ago. I don't do any off-road driving, and I am fairly certain that nothing hit the windshield.

This is the second windshield. The car picked up a crack prior to delivery back in March (purchased 3/17/03) when it was shipped from Lubbock, TX. Had to wait two weeks for the replacement.

Just got word that the dealer (and they checked with their District Service manager) will not fix it under warranty. And yes, my car's VIN is on TSB 03-028. The service techs kept insisting that something struck the car, and I did not see any evidence of a strike on the windshield. The fact that this is the car's second windshield, and my report of the occasional rattling or vibration on the windshield frame, was pretty much ignored by the techs here. If this was the first time, I would've written it off to luck. Second time...no freakin' way.

I'd like advice as to where do I go from here.

Arghhhh. 483 miles on my element and CRACK! Passenger side, halfway up from the bottom. I checked and my VIN is not covered in the service bulletin, so I've been instructed by the dealer to bring it in so they can determine if its covered under warranty. I was for sure hit by a little rock, but I can hardly believe that it should have caused a big crack (its about 7 inches so far).

I hope Honda realizes that there seems to be a large number of Element's that are experiencing windshield cracks. I'm going to be pretty upset if I have to replace the windshield on my own dime. Especially since I've only had the car 3 weeks.

That's my story....

Arghhhh. 483 miles on my element and CRACK! Passenger side, halfway up from the bottom. I checked and my VIN is not covered in the service bulletin, so I've been instructed by the dealer to bring it in so they can determine if its covered under warranty. I was for sure hit by a little rock, but I can hardly believe that it should have caused a big crack (its about 7 inches so far).

I hope Honda realizes that there seems to be a large number of Element's that are experiencing windshield cracks. I'm going to be pretty upset if I have to replace the windshield on my own dime. Especially since I've only had the car 3 weeks.

That's my story....

my windshield cracked today. My VIN falls in the range of the service notice.

I have to call my dealer and see if they will cover it. I'm really disapointed. this is my fiirst Honda since 1975.

Ive had the car for 3 months and 5000 miles.

Jennstr, The crack in my windshield happened in the same place and is about the same length. Strange.

I bought mine in May, Indy 500 race weekend here in Indy. Drove it to Orlando, FL and on the way back a rock so small I didn't see it hit the hood about 4" from the rear of the hood near the wipers on the drivers side and came back and hit the glass. Nice star about he size of a quarter just above the VIN tag. I had Advantage Glass fix it and you can't tell it ever happened. Cost? $35.00 and 30 minutes of time done in the parking lot of my Barber/Stylist school. The tech told me I was his first Element and probably wouldn't be his last since it has almost a verticle windshield. He said its not the glass but the lack of a rake on the windshield. He said he gets alot of Jeeps too. Guess what? Zero Corvettes and cars like that.

If you have your windshield replaced look out for these:
1.Certified National Glass Association tech (demand to SEE the card in person)
2.In shop install(do not install in rain, high humidity)
3.Ask that Essex sealants be used (the best OEM sealant around...they should provide holographic certified decals showing this!)
4.Must use pinchweld primer or guess what? Thats right! rust around the glass.
5.Must use gloves, and NEVER touch area where adhesive goes on.
6.Watch the install... don't feel stupid! you're putting the integrity of your E on the line.

Remember Honda WILL not be the ones putting the replacement in, whatever shop they call will!

good to know if/when my windshield succumbs fyrekracker, thanks.

Okay here's the story had my "e" for 3 weeks now. I have been hearing about all the windshield problems. Last week before the bear mountain meet in NY was when the crack happened. Lower right hand side. I brought it to the dealer and he said it was a impact hit which I kind of believe. He showed me 2 other elements that he was replacing the glass on . The cracks were on the outer most part of the windshield. About 1 inch from the side on the bottom of each side. My crack was about 2 and a half inches away. He explained to me about a weld that holds against the windshield that wasn't fitted correctly and causes a stress crack. My vin number is not in the recall but my insurance covers my glass. My dealer said that if my car is recalled for the glass they will reimburse me for the windshield.

Basically what I think is that this really sucks. Not just for me but everyone else too. This is my 3rd honda and my second from this dealer. My CRV is great and my dealer is too but I hope I have only stupid problems with the "E". Not a cracked windshield.

My husband and I both have Es and we've both had cracks. His was purchased mid-March. His car was at the dealer for a 7500 mile check, and they found the fracture and replaced the windshield. He never even saw it.

Mine was purchased Apr 1. Mine cracked at the bottom passenger side. When I first saw it, it was about 4 inches and grew rapidly. I took mine to another dealership, and they replaced it.

Ironically enough when my car was less than 24 hours in my possession, I was cut off by an idiot with a trailer who bounced rocks from the trailer all over my car and dinged my windshield. That had been fixed, and I got the hood deflector to try and alleviate damage in the future.

Can't blame mine on Honda...

I bought mine in January and was fine until ~June until I picked up a pretty big rock just above the passenger wiper.

HOWEVER... the crack pattern was unlike any I'd seen (not that I've seen that many...). The outer layer of glass was cracked vertically and the inner layer cracked horizontally. :?

New glass, new rocks and still holding up (as of this morning :) )

frederick

The outer layer of glass was cracked vertically and the inner layer cracked horizontally.
That's incredible. I am visualizing the forces that would be involved to cause this end result. Sadly, it further underscores my out-loud thinking that the E has too much body flex, especially torsional movement centered on the Z axis.

I called my glass guy. He said that it was his 10th element this week. He said I should have fought harder with the dealer and will back me if the crack originated where the weld is. He's coming next week sometime to do it at my house. I want to be here so I can take pics so I will post them as he does the glass.

I recently had a crack start on the drivers side of the windshield, started at the bottom of the glass under the plastic cover and terminated about 6 inches later propagating vertically up the windshield. No marks were visible that would indicate that a rock hit the windshield and caused the crack.

I took it to the dealer, after he told me that he had never heard of a new vehicle getting "stress cracks", I mentioned that I had heard that other Elements had had the same problem, and that a service bulletin had been issued in the US. He spoke with his manager and presto, new windshield going to be installed under warranty in 2 weeks.

I do not have my vehicle SIN close by but I think that my vehicle was not covered under the original bulletin that I had seen a while back, which indicates to me that Honda has not yet totally fixed the problem. Further, the original bulletin was for cracks at the bottom corners, this was directly in front of the driver.

I would suggest that if anyone gets cracks that are not obviously started by rocks to get the replacement done under warranty and post the results here so that we can follow this.

love the "E"rnie anyways.

We found a crack this morning! Vehicle has less than 500 miles and we haven't even made our fist payment yet! Service manager was NOT very helpful and says it's an impact crack. He did the thing with the ball point pen and pointed to a microscopic pit. [I cut glass all the time for windows and it's very easy to get pits when glass cracks, it is NOT necessarily a sign of impact.] I feel really stupid for giving all the sales guys straight 5s when Honda called earlier in week.

Is there any kind of appeal process when dealing with Honda? I'm thinking of trying another dealer and see what that gets me before I contact Honda main office. What have other folks done when the dealer gives you a hard time. BTW, my vehicle was outside of the VIN range.

Earlier this summer, after a month-and-a-half and 3000 miles of new ownership bliss, my E's windshield cracked on its own.

The crack was about in the middle of the drivers windshield wiper, and extended all the way down into the flange one direction, and about two inches over the blade in the other direction.

The first dealer I took it to looked at it outside on a bright, sunny day. She took a ball-point pen, ran it along the crack, and found the tiniest place where the pen would wiggle. She said "Oh, there's your rock chip -- this isn't covered under warranty".

I went back to work upset. Went home that night and showed my neighbors and roommates, all of whom could not believe that any chip caused that.

The next day I called the Honda 1-800 number. They basically told me that the dealers are authorized to repair the windshield if it's a legit claim, and that Honda pays for everything, so there's no reason for a dealer NOT to if it's legit. She said that my only recourse was to keep taking it to different dealers until I find one that would fix it. I asked about escalating my call internally (with the customer support folks), and she said that she'd open up a case, but there was nobody else there I could talk to. When I asked about talking to the zone manager, etc, she said that I could call a dealership and request that they give me a call when the zone manager would be in the dealership. I was REALLY irate by the end of that call.

Close to my work is a windshield repair place, so I took the car there for an opinion. They looked and said that unless there is an "impact point", which has star-like cracks beside it, then there was no rock or anything that hit the window.

Armed with THAT information, I took my car to the only other close dealer. I pulled into their service bay, and as I was turning off the Element, the advisor was walking towards me. He immediately saw the crack and called the service manager over. The service manager said that they had seen Elements and Civic windshields do this on their own. Specifically, he said that the adhesive that Honda used to mount the windshields was not flexible enough, so when the windshield gets super hot or cold, it can't expand on the sides like it should. He said he'd need to take a picture of the windshield for Honda, and that a Honda rep may want to fly down to see this. Either way, he said the windshield would be repaired for free.

It took them four weeks to get the windshield in stock, but they finally did repair it for free.

Honestly, I feel I got very lucky with the 2nd dealer. I wish more Honda dealers would assume the responsibilty like he did.

I hear ya. The more I read about the windshield problems the more I wished I fought it more because I read more and more about people with these problems. If it happens again I will fight it. I was also out of the vin number range when it happened to me. Mine also pitted and he did the thing also with the pen but I argued with him and he told me that he would have to call a honda rep to look at it. I didn't care at the time because I have glass coverage from my insurance and the crack was bothering me because it was getting bigger. You can go to another dealer and you could call hondas 800 number and complain. I hope they fix it for you. Good luck!

Yeah, I think of the 2nd dealer hadn't have fixed mine, after all of the 2nd opinions I had received, I'd have stayed in that service bay until I had spoken with the dealership owner and a Honda rep that could make something happen -- not the 1-800-log-a-call people.

I bought my E June 2003. I'm guessing VINs are assigned sequentially as cars are made (?) -- my auto lies outside the VIN range for the TSB by 2392 numbers.

I had the rattle noise (for about 3 months) - just plugged the gap between the door and dash with a pad until service time. 2 weeks ago I got a window crack right passenger side window about 3 inches above the blade with the start of the crack at the frame and the end going upwards - about 7-8".

Took the car to the dealership today - got the "impact" story with the pen. Had the service guy print off the TSB for the windshield and mentioned they also look for the TSB for the rattle. Wonder if the rattle and windshield issues are related in some cases - the shaking stressing the glass?

I even took the service manager to this website and did the search for these threads about the problems. Had a big discussion about impact issues vs stress. My argument is how the heck should a tiny pebble, even if that were the case, so easily crack a windshield? That's ridiculous in lieu of so many other Es having this problem.

They gave me the 1-800-999-1009 number - filed my case - mentioned these boards... now have to wait and see. Everyone has been very nice, even as angry as I initially got. I like my dealership as it was the best car buying experience I ever had. So I hope they step up to the plate on this one as I will not step down.

Ball's in their court - let's see where it bounces...

[quote:c02fbe658d=" "]2 weeks ago I got a window crack right passenger side window about 3 inches above the blade with the start of the crack at the frame and the end going upwards - about 7-8".[/quote:c02fbe658d]

It sounds to me that Honda hasn't "fixed" the issue yet, and I wouldn't be surprised if they end up having to issue another TSB.

Anyone who has this problem should push back *hard* with the dealer and document their case well. Avoid having a non honda-repair service do the repair.

-brendan

[quote:b2a86ec5b8=" "]I bought my E June 2003. I'm guessing VINs are assigned sequentially as cars are made (?) -- my auto lies outside the VIN range for the TSB by 2392 numbers.[/quote:b2a86ec5b8]
FWIW, my E was out of the TSB VIN range as well, but the dealer had no problem having Honda authorize the windshield replacement. So don't let them make 'outside of the VIN range' become an issue.

My dealer recommended the glass place that fixed mine and said if they come out with another recall with my vin included they would reimburse me for the inconveinience

Please take time to register your cracked windshield complaint here:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/results.cfm

The correct link to the complaint form (sorry about the dupe from the other thread):

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm

Thanks for the correction, Mike.

Just so I know, what is the range of VIN #s they are looking at for the windshield? The website listed in this thread is dead.
Funny that when I was complaining about my paint job, the Honda Corp. service rep admitted there may be a problem with the windshield but it was due to the steep design of the glass and not Honda's responsibility. They did end up paint for half of the repairs to the paint on the hood, although I think they should have picked up the entire tab.
Gregg

Jan 14th. I bought the first element sold in the atlanta area as far as i know...

Windshield cracked about 10 " to 14" long about 4" right center of the steering wheel.

On a side note I hit a bird, about 3 weeks after the windshield cracked, going about 90 mph. This a huge bird about the size of a seagull roughly 25 lbs...

Wind shield actually was able to survive though it had fissured? sp? all the way across

I purchased a new Element 2WD EX on October 10th with 69 miles on it. It has been great until Monday morning, when I noticed a 4 inch crack coming up from the bottom of the windshield on the passenger side. In 3 days the crack has migrated across the windshield and is now about 13" long.

Before I became aware that this was a common problem, I took it to my dealer and he found a tiny pit the size of a pin underneath the windshield wiper, which he said caused the crack. He told me it was not covered under warrenty since I had been hit by something. He DID NOT mention that this had been a problem or that there had been a tech bulletin on the issue.

My car does fall outside of the VIN range for the tech bulletin, but my problem is so similar to everyone else's that I am sure that it is related. Much like everyone else here, I didn't hear anything hit the windshield, I didn't drive the car in any wild or crazy manner and I only noticed the crack after leaving and returning to the car. Don't assume that if you have a later version you won't run into this problem.

Interestingly, my father drove a Honda Civic SI Hatchback for 9 years and went through 4 windshields. I was riding with him once when we took a curve at about 80 (Dads a fast driver) and the windshield cracked from the torque. My Mom finally made him get rid of the car because it was an expensive problem.

My crack just showed up one day.

I went home (flew.) friday and came back monday and a 7" or so crack was there... no sign of where something could have hit it.

we're having terrible weather this weekend. The first time my Element has tasted snow. I get out this morning to warm it up, and I notice a crack in the windshield near the bottom right in front of the steering wheel. My wife just called me and said that it has extended all the way to the right about 3 feet. I"M PISSED!!!

Today I discovered a crack in my windshield, just below the wiperblade in the black , driver side. It spread quickly. I took it my dealer tonite, was told to contact another person tomorrow. I just hope thay don't try to weasel on this. I am already pissed.

AristoBrat:

[Coming from a '98 Jeep Wrangler Sport (which could pretty much bounce pebbles off of the windshield at 70MPH with no cracks), I was bummed to see such a little rock cause a crack in my new baby.

My EX's VIN falls outside of the Service Bulletin, so .. hopefully I won't have to worry about the windshield trying to kill itself. ]


I too took a rock in the windshield on the far passenger side near the pillar. That was four weeks before the "defect" crack showed up. This was a LARGE rock (bigger than a golf ball...I saw it coming!) from a gravel truck and I was moving along at about 75 MPH. All it did was make a star in the windshield about the size of a nickel.

My E also falls outside the VIN range, but I'm not letting Honda off the hook because of that. We'll see how the fight goes.............

Last week Monday, I got out of work only to see a crack on the passenger side. This was located 4 inches from the bottom and started at the outer edge. The next day, I had my wife take the car into the dealership. She reported that the service manager took out his pen and started running it along the crack. He said it would be covered under warrenty. We took it in on Friday, they fix it, and everything is ok. I did find out something interesting. I don't remember where I read this, but on this forum or others, I read that other Hondas are having the same problem. It seems that they started using a harder caulk, or what ever the material is that is used to hold the windshield in place. Because the material is not soft, it does not allow the glass to flex. This was confirmed when my son picked up the E. They told him they used something different to seal the windshield. All in all, we have been treated very well at the dealership. I got a fair price, I think it was $100 below invoice, no extra charges, and they fixed the windshield under warrenty. The dealer is Honday City in Milwaukee WI.

I was on the way up to Killington and while driving on the NY throughway, I noticed a crack about 5 inches long comming out of the left side pillar at about the same height as the tweeter. Immediatly I called the dealer and I was told to bring it in on Monday to have it looked at and to see if it was caused by a pebble. After the call I pulled into a rest stop to look at it and there I noticed a very small chip. I know what the answer is going to be and I will have to tell these people that I have been driving for 15 years and I have never had a windsheild crack from a pebble ever, infact I have had pits and chips on many windshields and never a crack. Now my vehcle falls with in the vin range of the TSB and I have a very positive feeling that the crack was assisted by the stress that should not be there. I also want this done at Honda and not a glass place because I want the TSB to be taken care of.

Has anyone had any luck getting their glass replaced under warranty because of a tiny chip and their E was with in the Vin range?
_________________

Mine was purchased August 8 and is outside the range of VIN's listed in the bulletin. The crack appeared spontaneously on December 18.

:x
We have had our E since the end of April and our windshield now has a total of four stars on it and a horizontal crack the entire length of the windshield.
The full length crack was started by a chip (no kidding) the size of a grain of sand.... therefor not covered under warrenty according to Honda Canada (who I might add have tried to tell me and my dealer that there have not been concerns raised with them or Honda America...?)
We are not going to replace it yet as we are not required to until the drivers vision is hampered.
How about an armor plated windshield... :D

My windshield has developed its second crack since purchasing the vehicle in April. The first chip/crack develped from a stone hit on the passenger side - windshield replaced by insurance. This second crack has developed from the left side pillar also from a tiny, tiny stone hit - I'll wait until after the winter to replace this windshield (it will also be covered by my insurance). It isn't even worth my time talking to the Honda dealer about this issue - you all know their answer.

I don't know what to make of the Element and its windshield, but I would guess that the somewhat vertical angle to the windshield contributes to the problem of stone hits and chips/cracks. Perhaps just another poor design "element" in this Honda.

I'd be interested to find out if when the number of "under insurance" replacements of windshields on a particular car model hit a certain %age, the insurance company contacts Honda and tells them "you've got a problem, and we're going to be pursuing reimbursement from Honda on this"...

-brendan

> I'd be interested to find out if when the number of "under insurance"

I don't know, but after I take mine in to a second dealer tomorrow..and if they don't fix it with all the printed info I have just been printing out, I will make sure that my giant and mega conglomerate major insurance company is aware of this as well.

I have a feeling they already are, but just in case.

BTW, my dealer tried to tell me I had too many miles on mine for it to be a manufacturing defect. I told him 100, 001, not 17,000 is too many, since the 100k number is what my warranty is good for.

Mine was purchesed Dec 17, 2003, Windshield cracked Jan 3, 2004, while sitting overnight in a cold cold parking lot in Pocatello Idaho

Terry

mine just cracked again.....it's a march 2003
the first time i waited too long and the dealer said that there was no way of knowing if it was a defect or a rock
now i have the same problem again

:x :cry:

My windshield cracked week 2 of ownership. driverside due to truck kicking up a rock.... however sice that time I have hit a bird at about 80mph and it did nothing to the windshield! The only other thing that has made the initial crack get larger is cold weather. Now the crack goes about 3/4 across the windshield! ouch, Purchased in April and am unsure if it is within the VIN need to know when replaced so that they can prevent it happening again!!!

The TSB lists the VIN ranges. I'd suspect a pre-April build is likely to be in the VIN range too.

-brendan

Got My 2003 SSM E January 26, 2004. Saturday morning February 21 found cracks in windsheild on starting at the bottom about 4 inches from the right side extending up about 3 inches then to the left about 10 inches the second crack was just above the drivers wiper about the length of the wiper. Before I got to the end of our driveway the 2 cracks had met. The left end of the crack was a couple of inches longer this morning.

I took it in to the local dealer in St. John's (Bought the E in Montreal). The service advisor that looked at it found the smallest of chip in way of the crack and said "that's the cause", but the service manager came out and said get a windshield and have it installed. No ifs ands or buts. They say they know about it, but this is the first they have had, so have ordered in a new windshield it will be in in onf 7-10 days.

Sorry to hear about the crack, but glad to see there's at least one honest service manager out there. :)

-brendan

I've had my element a year. My second windshield just got cracked.

My E had 4700 miles on it, drives perfect.... BUT

two days ago - CRACK, no sign of impact, started in the lower right (about 6 inches from the corner).

My E's outside of the TSB, I am taking it to the dealer thursday.

We'll see if the dealer will be willing to fix it.

:evil: Well, it happened. I can't say when exactly, but I do know when I noticed it. I was returning home Saturday after taking care of some personal business. I knew I shouldn't have skipped the DC meetup.

It appeared to start from the very bottom of the windshield. Halfway between the steering wheel and the middle of the dash. I freaked out, call the other half on the cell and he said, 'yeah, whatcha want me to do about it?' :(

It's now turned left and inching it's way right through my line of vision. But, there is good news. Joey took it in yesterday for an oil change and tire rotation and spoke with our Parts Mgr and Svc Mgr, both said they'd take care of it and I've gotten a new window on order for free. (I'm now well over 27K and will be making a roadtrip from Alexandria, VA to Palm Beach, Fl in March.)

I don't know the whole story, I'd have to let Joey tell it, but needless to say, I LOVE SHEEHEY HONDA!!! I think I have the greatest dealership around. Atleast WAY BETTER than Brown's Honda of Arlington!!!

I guess I can't really complain, since I was just shy of my 1 yr anniversary and well over 27K before I experienced the dreaded windshield crack.

E ON!!!!!

Before we picked up ours (which BTW fell OUTSIDE of the service bulletin VIN) we had a friend check it out for us. There were no signs to the naked eye but upon examination with a jewelers loop, cracks were visible on BOTH corners. Suffice it to say the windshield was replaced....but get this......the dealer properly ground down the high spots on the frame that cause the cracking but they were reinstalling the ORIGINAL weatherstrip (new ones in short supply due to the Original POOR HONDA QUALITY Control) AND they were installing a CHEAPO new windshield that was too thin.....the repair was then performed by an independent Honda Certified installer who got the PROPER parts!
So WATCH THOSE :evil: HONDA DEALERS :evil: LIKE A HAWK...very few know what the heck they're doing!!!

" AND they were installing a CHEAPO new windshield that was too thin "

How'd you know?

:?

My 03 element windshield developed a crack overnite, and I took it in to the dealership only for them to tell me that it was caused by a rock. Even though the crack starts exactly where they tell you to look on the TSB, and my vehicle's vin falls under this TSB. My STEALERSHIP's service manager says that he sees lots of elements with cracked windshields every week and he's only had to replace one since he's been there. I've given up trying to get Honda to pay for it and will just live with crack until I cannot stand in anymore. I'm just glad some of you had good experiences with your dealerships...

hondaone-

You can always try the service department at other local honda/acura dealers: there's no rule about always taking the E back to the dealership you bought it at. Especially when they treat you badly!

-brendan

We bought our EX Element on May 11, 2003 and drove it to Florida in July of the same year. On the return trip coming through Chattanooga, TN we had a rock about the size of a pea come back, land on the hood and fly back to the lower portion of the drivers side corner and put a star in it. Once back I had a guy come out and do a repair on it where they drill a small hole where the crack is, inject it with super glue to fill the cracks and then a pump draws out the excess. It was completely gone. :D I've since picked another one or should I say my wife did, and she was drving the first time as well. I called another service who did the same proceedure and though they it won't spread it's not as good as the service I used before who has since gone out of business. :cry: Now I have the spot which is visible in the lower middle part of the glass and though it's not that bad, I know it's there and it bothers me. I've never seen so many cracked windshields from one particular car model. My neighbors down the way bought twin black E's with every option and they both got cracked windshields with 24hrs of each other. Now something in the milk aint white! :idea: The Hummer has about the same degree of rake on the glass as the E and you don't hear of their glass breaking or getting pits and stars. Having a longer hood has nothing to do with it. I think it's the glass itself. It has to be a combination or glass pressure and material to cause so much trouble with these cars. Over all though I love the E! :P It draws looks and praise from on lookers who would like to have one.

After 17 months it finally happened.........got in in the Elefent to go out and there it was......a cracked windsheild......looks to have started at the base of the windsheild on the driver side and curved up in an S pattern.

I was just cleaning my windshield and noticed 6 nicks, but no cracks. What am I doing different from everyone else? Lowerspeed driving so that the rocks hit with less force? Less use of defrost or high speed AC so nicks don't develop in to cracks? But I forgot. The cracks that people talk about have nothing to do with rock hits. There something else wrong with the Element windshield. Something about body flex, or too stiff adhesive, or inferior glass, etc.

paulj

Our E didnt even have 5000k on it and the window is cracked. I was told from my dealer that Honda will fix it once free of charge, so Iam waiting and going to have a glass package added to my policy insurance.

Make very many glass claims and your ins. will go up!

I have $0 deductible glass and it's been great (with other cars).

Windshield rake is not related to the cracking. It's a ridiculous argument. There are thousands of cars over history that have had steeper windshield rake, and not only that, it's really not related to the problem because generally rock impact is not in that direction anyway. I've had two windshields replaced in my Miata and it's obviously got a lot more windshield rake.

No, the Element windshield problem is clearly (according to the TSB) due to an uneven surface on the sheet metal frame to which the windshield attaches, and it makes stress cracks. An impact, stone chip, etc., may cause a "stress riser" that can exacerbate the tendancy for the windshield to crack, but the real root cause is the windshield frame.

It's funny, seems every car has its quirk. This one's a big one for Honda. Could be worse, but not a whole LOT worse. Constantly breaking windshields is pretty major imho, especially when the mfg. can't fess up to the cause.

brendan--thanks for the input, I went to another honda dealership in town and they went through the whole process all over again, 1.pen test (couldn't find anything) 2.microscope w/light test--points to what appears to be a small pit the size of a grain of salt along the windshield molding 3.He says thats the culprit and leaves it at that.

Both dealers explained to me that Honda element windshields are prone to cracking due to the upright nature of the vehicle, and a object that can cause a pit the size of a grain of salt would result in a crack. And just because my vehicle falls within the TSB, has a crack in it just like the tsb, doesn't mean that Honda will pay for my windshield. I talked with Honda Customer Service and all they do is reiterate what you hear from the dealers. They actually call the dealers you went to, speak to the service mgrs you spoke with, and tell you what they said all over again..When I asked customer service to look at how many element owners have cracked windshields on the forums..I was told not to believe everything you see online.

hondaone:

The next steps are:

1) Schedule a visit when the Honda Rep is at the dealer/service shop (usually at least once a month).
2) Bring all the documentation on this from the boards with you.

-brendan

Hi everybody. :)

I bought my 2004 EX on Feb 18. Within months I had a crack directly in front of me as I sit in the driver's seat. It started from the bottom of the windshield, and came up about 6 inches, then turned right towards the passenger's side. I brought up the issue with Gardena Honda, and the service advisor I spoke with said it was caused by an impact. I didn't really see any "craters," but I had already assumed the dealer would tell me that, so I got it replaced out-of-pocket. I will check my VIN and see if it falls within the range, and ask them to reimburse me for the total cost (approximately $220 US).

will

Bought mine in August 2003, and it cracked in December 2003.

Rob

My baby was born in May 2004. I bought it on June 23rd, 2004. My windshield cracked on June 23rd, 2004.

A BRISK 9 weeks later (!) and I finally got it replaced! Honda picked up the tab on this one because a rock hit during the test drive. Lower half, underneath passenger side windshield wiper in the black area. Not noticed until I drove off the lot.

If anyone would like to see pics of the windshield replacement, here's the link...

http://homepage.mac.com/jasonraynow/PhotoAlbum3.html

EDIT 2.28.05 - the above link no longer works, but feel free to PM me if you want more pics!

http://www.elementownersclub.com/uploads/files/8.30.04.35.jpg

Enjoy!

LEGO

Another cracked windshield - got my element in july - windshield cracked in december - have gotten two more chips since then - didn't know this was a common problem until I found the elementownersclub website today. Love the element otherwise - don't love cracked windshields - love this websight

bought oct 100804
cracked 122404

When reporting a crack, it would help if you used standard descriptions. The implications of getting a stable bullseye in the middle of your winshield are quite different from the implications of having a stress crack radiating from the lower left corner. It would also help if you noted the replacement brand(s) of glass.

Here are some guidelines for windshield replacement:
http://www.netrax.net/~nwra/practices/default.htm

Here is glossary of cracks from that document:

WINDSHIELD REPAIR TERMINOLOGY

Throughout this Recommended Practice, the following terminology is used interchangeably: break, stone break, damage, and impact site.

BULLSEYE: Damage to laminated glass that is primarily a dark colored circle with an impact hole.

COMBINATION BREAK: One break such as a star within a bullseye.

CRACK: A single line of separation in the outer or inner layer of the windshield

Short crack: A crack on the windshield of 6 inches (15.24 cm) or less
Long crack: A crack on the windshield of more than 6 inches (15.24 cm)
Edge crack: Any crack on the windshield that that extends to an edge
Floating crack: Any crack on the windshield that does not extend to an edge
Stress crack: Any crack extending from an edge without an impact point
DING: A term often used by the public to refer to a stone damage.
HALF MOON: A damage also known as a partial bullseye.
IMPACT Site: The actual location on the outside layer of glass, which was
struck by an object (usually a stone). Typically a small piece of glass is missing.
LEGS: Short cracks that emanate from the break.
PIT: The actual impact point from which a small piece of glass is typically missing
REFRACTION: The bending of light rays in passing from one medium to another.
STAR BREAK: A damage that exhibits a series of short radial cracks or legs.
STONE BREAK: A break on the outer layer of a laminated windshield. Typical stone breaks are star breaks, bullseyes, and combination breaks.

Two months old and had two cracks in the windshield of my 2004 AWD EX. :x

I have managed put on 340,000 miles on a Dodge Caravan in 12+ years on the same roads, without a single crack or scratch. The windshield did get a little fuzzy in the morning. That car might still on the road as i saw once months after we donated it away.
Now, with 2004 2WD Element, I got 2 foot-long cracks in 6 months. both near the bottom. Must be the rock, luck or birddrops, right?
Still try to figure out how to deal with it.
1. If the glass is thinner than it should be, and the repalcement from Honda is the same. Am I expecting another 'windshield issue' every 3-6 months?
2. If the frame holds the windshield is faulty, will non-Honda windshield installers address this problem?
3. The cracks looks thinner than the glass thickness, and not go through all the way inside, are they multi-layers? If so, maybe the curvature of the windshield is not compatible with the frame?
4. How long can I tolerate the crack, or the highway patrol issue me a ticket for faulty windshield? ....

---- 2004 2wd, 20-24 mpg.

no impact
2006 Element
stress crack from edge
anyone else have a 2006 broken windsheild glass?

2003, pressure crack,
turned the tsb when I went for repairs.
They fixed it, no charge.

tsb explains how to repair it, so it doesn't happen again.

jurn

2003 windshield cracked at 3 yrs, 50K miles. Drove in, 5 minutes later I had appointment for a new windshield. Honda glass installed by dealer's subcontractor. No problems at all!

anyone else have a 2006 broken windsheild glass?


Yep. We just bought the 2006 in December.

A week ago I got a crack, lower passenger side. Earlier I had been driving with no traffic in sight and heard a "pop"... couldn't figure out what could have hit me. It was very strange. There is a tiny "pit" so I figured they would call it an impact and not replace it under warranty. I've never had a cracked windshield before. Drove a '93 Accord until now! I love the Element and almost cried when the windshield cracked :-(

Now I have read about all these windshield problems, but they seem to have been mostly happening with older models...

However, since I'm not the only one it seems the issue has still not been resolved???? Can I convince the dealer to replace the windshield?

I parked my car in a protected lot at my office, came out at noon to a 12 inch crack. Looked like a small chip at the top of the windshield frame on the drivers side. Nothing hit my windshield though. Now I have a new crack that started on the passenger side, halfway down between the roof and the dash, starting from the frame again. There is no evidence of any impact and this one magically appeared like the last one.

I was talking to another Element owner and the first thing he asked me was if I had any issues with the windshield. He had replaced his twice already. Is there a class action suit for newer models?