Framing Defect Causes CR-V Windshield to Crack Spontaneously

The 2017–2019 CR-V has a problem with the windshield cracking due to stress from the vehicle's frame exerting too much pressure onto the glass' edge. Owners often complain about the cracks showing up without any external influence like a rock or some random angry dude with a baseball bat. Some even say the cracks appear overnight as the car sits quietly in an isolated spot or covered garage.

Honda continues to deny a defect exists and even recently settled a promising class-action lawsuit out of court.

Multiple Visibility Problems with Cracked Windshields ∞

These cracks can spread quickly and become rather large which can make an impact on a driver's ability to see the road. But you know what else is having its view obstructed? The Honda Sensing safety suite.

Honda Sensing uses a system of cameras and radars to monitor the road to aid the driver with braking, staying within the lane, or adaptive cruise control. In Honda's own owner's manual they say that "scratches, nicks and other damage to the windshield within the camera’s field of vision can cause the system to operate abnormally."

So now you have a spontaneously cracked windshield that you'll have to pony up cash to replace, plus you have a safety system that no longer works and most likely needs to be re-calibrated after the new windshield is installed.

Warranty Denials Lead to Class-Action Lawsuit ∞

Honda's warranty program is supposed to repair broken or chipped window glass if it's the result of defects in materials or workmanship. And guess who gets to make the call on whether it's a defect or not. (hint: it's not you).

Illinois resident Hakeem Hasan filed a class-action lawsuit against Honda after he brought his CR-V with fewer than 5,000 miles on the odometer in for a windshield repair.

The windshield had cracked and, according to the lawsuit, the dealership's warranty administration determined the crack was not from an external impact but the result of stress on the glass from faulty materials and/or construction.

It wasn't until the findings were passed up to the local parts and service manager that the warranty claim was denied for no reason.

The plaintiff knows his case isn't an isolated incident and that Honda must be aware of the problem through pre-sale durability testing, repair data from dealerships, warranty claims, and consumer complaints.

Confirmed by a third party ∞

After the sudden denial, the plaintiff brought his car to Safelite AutoGlass where it was confirmed the crack was due to stress and not an external impact.

Case settled outside or court and dismissed ∞

The case had promise, but was dismissed in February 2021 after the plaintiff and Honda settled the matter outside of court.

While disappointing to others experiencing the same problem the action [was] dismissed without prejudice as to the claims of the members of the putative class other than Plaintiff. This at least leaves the possibility of future cases for the same problem open.

Is There a Windshield Recall? ∞

No. Honda continues to deny that a defect exists and routinely denies warranty claims. No free replacements or partial reimbursements have been offered.