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Comically fragile windshield

Skooty

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I recently took delivery of my car (only a 17 month long wait!) and I have to say, the windshield is utter garbage. Not one, but two cracks in the 3 weeks I've had the car. One crack I'd say is bad luck. Two is telling me this is a defective product.

The dealer denied my warranty claim. If I was reenacting scenes from Mad Max I'd understand, but this is damage sustained by basic, everyday driving. In the past, I heard/saw the rock coming when I've cracked my windshields. I have absolutely no clue what hit the car in both these cases. Also, the strike zone is apparently just under the windshield wiper in both cases.

My previous cars include a Tacoma and a Trooper. The Trooper had the same basic aerodynamics (brick on wheels). The Trooper even has a much bigger windshield- never had issues with it though.

I'm getting the glass replaced- $875 but will this be the first in a long line of crappy windshields?
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Phil

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Ford windshields have always been notoriously soft if it doesn't chip or crack you will have pitting all over like you took a sand blaster to it after 10k miles
 

cowman

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5 months and no cracks...
 

campbebc

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Got two cracks from rocks and one basically the entire base of the windshield from....turning on the defroster in 25 degree weather. Just got mine replaced this week
 

Hemisfear

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I think the larger issue is that the Bronco has unfortunately brought an increase in STUPID to the fold! lol
Yes, Ford special orders easily breakable glazing!
You guys are too much… 🐴🐴🥌🤟
 

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stm378

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I think the larger issue is that the Bronco has unfortunately brought an increase in STUPID to the fold! lol
Yes, Ford special orders easily breakable glazing!
You guys are too much… 🐴🐴🥌🤟
It's likely less an issue of the material of the windshield itself and more an issue of the angle (maybe lack thereof) of the windshield, it's a lot more straight up and down than most cars on the road (unsurprisingly similar to Jeep windshields) so anything that hits it is probably a lot more likely to damage the windshield than just deflect off of it because it's hitting more directly. There's a reason that Jeep offers gorilla glass on the Wrangler, just the nature of the beast.

I'm looking for solutions on my end and I've already got the hood deflector (sadly I haven't put it on yet because you're not supposed to drive it for 24 hours after putting it on and I find myself unwilling to do that) and I'm looking into the exoshield system to see if that's a viable option.
 

Bonnie6G

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I agree that the windshield is more at risk due to its angle/rake than other vehicles. I don’t believe warranties cover windshields or any other “consumable” item.
 

HorizonHunter

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It's likely less an issue of the material of the windshield itself and more an issue of the angle (maybe lack thereof) of the windshield, it's a lot more straight up and down than most cars on the road (unsurprisingly similar to Jeep windshields) so anything that hits it is probably a lot more likely to damage the windshield than just deflect off of it because it's hitting more directly. There's a reason that Jeep offers gorilla glass on the Wrangler, just the nature of the beast.

I'm looking for solutions on my end and I've already got the hood deflector (sadly I haven't put it on yet because you're not supposed to drive it for 24 hours after putting it on and I find myself unwilling to do that) and I'm looking into the exoshield system to see if that's a viable option.
I've got the deflector. Getting plenty of bug strikes still. No rocks yet, knock on wood. I think the deflector is helping at least a little because all the big strikes are high.
 

Rex21c

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PPF on the windshield, and get extra coverage from your insurance if it's offered. And the deflector
 

SCADABronx

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I've been driving for almost 40 years and have replaced maybe three windshields. The fact that my Bronco windscreen cracked in under 1,000 miles is an issue. Though I'm not necessarily blaming Ford as much as physics.
 

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Wanted33

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Check with your insurance company. You may have coverage for that.
 

LABlueBronco

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Not much you can do, but get a windshield policy on it with a low deductible, depending on your states auto insurance laws. Some states force insurers to better protect the consumer so it all depends on that.

In the case of my Jeep, a big lift and 37s solve the same issue. Get the windshield up higher and those rocks meet their demise on the front bumper, winch, and grill. Have plenty of impacts to prove it.
 

stm378

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I've got the deflector. Getting plenty of bug strikes still. No rocks yet, knock on wood. I think the deflector is helping at least a little because all the big strikes are high.
That's good to hear, I'm not crazy about the looks of it, but if it saves me from one replaced windshield I'm happy.
 
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Skooty

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I've been driving for almost 40 years and have replaced maybe three windshields. The fact that my Bronco windscreen cracked in under 1,000 miles is an issue. Though I'm not necessarily blaming Ford as much as physics.

That's why I brought up previously owning the trooper-( 1990 m/y). It had a very upright windshield. The physics aren't new to me. If Isuzu was able to source sturdier glass 30 years ago, Ford should be able to now.
 

Broncobren

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Ford windshields have always been notoriously soft if it doesn't chip or crack you will have pitting all over like you took a sand blaster to it after 10k miles
I’ve owned two mustangs three F150’s and an expedition and never had a chipped or cracked windshield. Nor did I have any noticeable pitting. I could argue Ford windshields have always been notoriously strong.
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