This Jeep is primarily in its original condition and has never been taken off-road. Residing in Florida, where the terrain is completely flat, there are no features such as "articulation," bumps, or rough surfaces—only smooth asphalt roads and highways. The vehicle is 1.5 years old, infrequently used, and unexpectedly, without any rock chips or impacts from objects, the windshield has developed a crack.
The location of the crack is particularly indicative. It suggests a pressure fitting crack likely resulting from a manufacturing installation issue or defective glass. As illustrated in the photo, this crack is not due to an impact but rather a stress fracture.
Nevertheless, the overall integrity of the windshield is compromised, and I refuse to report this to my insurance company to file a claim under my policy, as Jeep has knowingly installed defective glass in these vehicles.
See lawsuit excerpt here:
May 23, 2023 — A Jeep windshield class action lawsuit alleges Wranglers and Gladiators are equipped with defective windshields that crack, chip and fracture.
The lawsuit alleges the 2016-present Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Wrangler windshields create an "increased risk of accident, injury, or death."
Cracked and fractured Jeep windshields allegedly cause drivers problems with visibility and decrease the structural integrity of the Jeeps.
According to the windshield class action lawsuit, the Wrangler and Gladiator windshields crack for no reason or due to conditions that would not cause a non-defective windshield to fail.
The plaintiffs claim the Jeep windshield can crack due to simply using the defrosters or from small pebbles striking the glass.
"Plaintiffs and the other members of the Class have experienced broken windshields caused by minimal or no impact, or caused by temperature variations between the inside and outside of the vehicle which is to be expected during various times of the year in most climates." — Jeep windshield class action lawsuit
I contacted my local dealership, from which I purchased and have my vehicle serviced. They assert that they are unaware of any issues regarding defective windshields and that a 'service advisor' will be in touch with me. This situation is quite frustrating!
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This Jeep is primarily in its original condition and has never been taken off-road. Residing in Florida, where the terrain is completely flat, there are no features such as "articulation," bumps, or rough surfaces—only smooth asphalt roads and highways. The vehicle is 1.5 years old, infrequently used, and unexpectedly, without any rock chips or impacts from objects, the windshield has developed a crack.
The location of the crack is particularly indicative. It suggests a pressure fitting crack likely resulting from a manufacturing installation issue or defective glass. As illustrated in the photo, this crack is not due to an impact but rather a stress fracture.
Nevertheless, the overall integrity of the windshield is compromised, and I refuse to report this to my insurance company to file a claim under my policy, as Jeep has knowingly installed defective glass in these vehicles.
See lawsuit excerpt here:
May 23, 2023 — A Jeep windshield class action lawsuit alleges Wranglers and Gladiators are equipped with defective windshields that crack, chip and fracture.
The lawsuit alleges the 2016-present Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Wrangler windshields create an "increased risk of accident, injury, or death."
Cracked and fractured Jeep windshields allegedly cause drivers problems with visibility and decrease the structural integrity of the Jeeps.
According to the windshield class action lawsuit, the Wrangler and Gladiator windshields crack for no reason or due to conditions that would not cause a non-defective windshield to fail.
The plaintiffs claim the Jeep windshield can crack due to simply using the defrosters or from small pebbles striking the glass.
"Plaintiffs and the other members of the Class have experienced broken windshields caused by minimal or no impact, or caused by temperature variations between the inside and outside of the vehicle which is to be expected during various times of the year in most climates." — Jeep windshield class action lawsuit
I contacted my local dealership, from which I purchased and have my vehicle serviced. They assert that they are unaware of any issues regarding defective windshields and that a 'service advisor' will be in touch with me. This situation is quite frustrating!
- RJ M., Jacksonville, FL, US