Honda Facing Class Action Lawsuit Over CR-V Windshield Cracks

Honda has been hit with a class action lawsuit alleging a defect is causing the windshields in the 2017, 2018 and 2019 CR-Vs to crack for no reason.

In light of this allegation, attorneys working with ClassAction.org are looking to speak with drivers who had their windshields crack to learn more about the problem and potentially file a lawsuit of their own.

What’s Causing the Honda CR-V Windshields to Crack?

The lawsuit suggests that the nature of the cracking indicates an issue with the vehicle’s frame, which may exert excessive pressure on the windshields’ edges and ultimately result in stress cracks.

Many drivers who experienced the windshield issue claim that the cracks appear out of nowhere and without impact – sometimes overnight or even while the car is parked in an isolated area or covered garage.

Is Honda Aware of the Problem?

Honda has been made aware of the windshield issue through pre-sale durability testing, repair data provided by its dealerships, and consumer complaints, the lawsuit claims. The following are a few examples of the complaints that have been posted online by drivers regarding the windshield issue [sic throughout]:

I have a one year old Honda CR-V with 24K mile on it. All of a sudden, I have 3 small cracks, 1 to 3 inches long, at the bottom of the passenger side. The dealer will not cover it and they want $1,665 to replace it. I appealed to Honda and got the same answer.”
— GuruT9WQ7, CarGurus.com

I am having the same problem with my Honda CRV 2017. It was bought new last September. Crack appeared from the top down, on the passenger side. I had it replaced, not by the dealer. Now, two weeks later, there is another crack from the bottom up. Some instability in the way the car is designed? What a hassle!”
— PhiliHonda, CarGurus.com

I am just beyond upset. I have not even had 40 miles on the car and used my windshield wipers for the first time, As soon as I shut them off and continue to drive a few miles, I hear a loud noise. My windshield has an 8 inch crack along the bottom where the blades are going across the passenger side! I just drove it off the lot Sunday night and this happened Tuesday morning. The sales person told me to contact my insurance, but I know nothing I did, nor any debris, pebbles or anything flew up…I work odd hours so no traffic on the road.”
— Tessa, CRVOwnersClub.com

The spontaneous cracking can impair drivers’ ability to see, as well as the functionality of the vehicle’s “sensing system,” which assists with certain driving tasks including braking and managing vehicle speed. In fact, the owner’s manual for the 2018 CR-V advises that “scratches, nicks and other damage to the windshield within the camera’s field of vision can cause the system to operate abnormally” and that the windshield should be replaced if cracking occurs, the lawsuit claims.

Is Honda Covering Windshield Cracks Under Warranty?

Honda’s warranties allegedly promise to repair broken, chipped and scratched window glass that is the result of defects in materials or workmanship.

For instance, the plaintiff in the case brought his car to a Honda dealer after noticing a crack in his 2018 CR-V’s windshield. The dealership’s warranty administrator, the case says, determined that the windshield crack was not caused by external impact, but was rather a stress crack caused by faulty materials and/or construction. The administrator sent pictures of the man’s windshield, along with his findings, to the local district parts and service manager. Unfortunately, the plaintiff’s warranty claim was denied without investigation or explanation, according to the lawsuit.

After his warranty claim was denied, the plaintiff brought his car to Safelite AutoGlass. The specialist at Safelite also confirmed, the case says, that the crack was not caused by impact, but was rather a stress crack that originated at the edge of the car’s windshield.

Was There Ever a Recall?

No. The lawsuit claims that Honda has denied that a defect exists, has not offered a free replacement or repair to drivers, and has failed to provide reimbursement to those who had to pay out of pocket.

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