Framing Defect Causes CR-V Windshield to Crack Spontaneously

Posted on
Author
Scott McCracken
Tagged
#windows #lawsuit
A windshield with cracks in the lower left corner covered in tape

CR-V owners have to get creative to stop the spread of windshield cracks.

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.

Lawsuits Regarding This Problem

Lawsuits about this problem have already been filed in court. Many times these are class-action suits that look to cover a group of owners in a particular area. Click on the lawsuit for more information and to see if you're eligible to receive any potential settlements.

  • Dismissed

    Hasan, v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

    1. Dismissed

      The Honda CR-V class action lawsuit was dismissed after the plaintiff and Honda agreed to settle the case on an individual basis.

    2. Case Filed

      A Honda CR-V windshield crack has caused a class action lawsuit that alleges the windshields spontaneously crack and shatter without external impacts to the glass.

    Class Vehicles
    • 2017-2019 CR-V
    Location
    Illinois

Generations Where This Problem Has Been Reported

This problem has popped up in the following Honda generations.

Most years within a generation share the same parts and manufacturing process. You can also expect them to share the same problems. So while it may not be a problem in every year yet, it's worth looking out for.

Further Reading

A timeline of stories related to this problem. We try to boil these stories down to the most important bits so you can quickly see where things stand. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts for your vehicle over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. A CR-V cracked windshield lawsuit has been dismissed after the plaintiff and Honda agreed to an unknown settlement outside of court.

    The lawsuit claims that windshields in the 5th generation CR-V are subject to stress cracks from excessive pressure from the frame. Honda's warranty is supposed to cover any broken glass that is the result of a defect but continually denies a defect exists.

    While dismissing the lawsuit is a blow to other owners experiencing the same problem, the action was dismissed without prejudice as to the claims of the members of the putative class other than Plaintiff which leaves future lawsuits in play.

    keep reading article "A CR-V Cracked Windshield Lawsuit Has Been Settled Outside of Court"
  2. A 2018 CR-V owner has sued Honda for denying his cracked windshield warranty claim

    even though both the dealership warranty administrator and a 3rd party company agree that the crack was due to stress from a defect. It wasn't until the claim made it up to a local parts and service manager that the claim was denied.

    Honda's warranty program is supposed to repair broken or chipped window glass if it's the result of defects in materials or workmanship. But somehow they just keep insisting a defect doesn't exist. How odd.…

    keep reading article "Honda Sued For Routinely Denying Windshield Warranty Claims"

OK, Now What?

Maybe you've experienced this problem. Maybe you're concerned you will soon. Whatever the reason, here's a handful of things you can do to make sure it gets the attention it deserves.

  1. File Your Complaint

    CarComplaints.com is a free site dedicated to uncovering problem trends and informing owners about potential issues with their cars. Major class action law firms use this data when researching cases.

    Add a Complaint
  2. Notify CAS

    The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) is a pro-consumer organization that researches auto safety issues & often compels the US government to do the right thing through lobbying & lawsuits.

    Notify The CAS
  3. Report a Safety Concern

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the US agency with the authority to conduct vehicle defect investigations & force recalls. Their focus is on safety-related issues.

    Report to NHTSA