The day after purchasing my vehicle (12/25/08), the windshield was hit by a rock which caused a chip. The chip repair did not hold and the chip extended into a crack. This crack went across the lower portion of the windshield and curved down toward the dash. I called the dealer to inquire about repair, and was told that my vehicle was not built with a heated windshield so I elected to wait until the end of winter to replace the windshield. About 2 weeks later I came out to go to work, started the vehicle, and turned on the heated mirrors. I got out of the vehicle and went to open my gate and feed the dog, upon returning to the truck I smelled a burning electrical odor. At this time I noticed a flashing and a flame coming from the lower passenger side of the windshield. It was beginning to grow so I shut the vehicle off. I then called the dealer and they came and towed the vehicle in to their shop. They contacted Toyota corporate and were told that the vehicle was not built with a heated windshield which is what the build specification sheet states. After investigating further it was determined that my truck was indeed built with a heated windshield, which had shorted out from the crack and burned the windshield and the passenger wiper blade. I am concerned that Toyota has stated that this is not a design issue and it is not their responsibility. Had I not noticed the flame coming from my vehicle and shut it off the outcome of this incident could have been far worse, possibly resulting in a complete loss of the vehicle or a life. In the end the windshield was replaced and everything works. Hopefully the heated mirrors are not on if there is ever a crash that compromises the windshield.

- Columbia City, OR, USA