2006 Windshield - double vision

[joelmiller01]

Help! I bought a new 2006 Sport Edition 4Runner last September. During night driving, I noticed that all lights (streetlights, headlights, traffic signals, etc.) have a double or ghost image above the actual image. It is hard to see at first, but once you notice it, it is very obvious.

An example: When looking at a streetlight, the second image is about a foot above the actual light. It is not as bright, but a very distinct image.

I finally convinced Toyota of the problem and they agreed to replace the windshield with a Toyota replacement.

Guess what - the replacement windshield is exactly the same. I'm seeing double of all lights through the windshield. Very annoying!

Has anyone else experienced this? Check it out. Like I said, it is hard to notice at first, but I've had two windshields do the same thing.

Now what? Any suggestions?

 

[toto]

Yes, this thread came up last year:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21170

 

[joelmiller01]

Well, it's been awhile since I posted my problem and request for information. As an update, Toyota has replaced the windshield again (third windshield) and the problem still exists. I have also checked out 10 to 12 2006 and 2007 4Runners and they all have the same problem. Toyota does not have an answer or resolution, so I have submitted a claim under the State of Illinois lemon law and I have filed a complaint with the NHTSA. BTW, there other complaints already filed with the NHTSA for the same problem.

I'm going to miss the truck, I love everything else about it.

 

[ProMed]

You could always just have the window replaced with a non-OEM windshield that doesn't have the hydrophillic coating.

 

[joelmiller01]

I don't think it's the coating. Toyota changed the design of the windshield in 2006. The additional thickness and layering of the glass in causing the distortion. This has been acknowedged by Toyota as a "normal" condition of refraction of the design based on physics.

They actually suggested in a letter to me that the driver should adjust their seating position to avoid/resolve the problem. I found that statement very amusing.

 

[ProMed]

I don't think it's the coating. Toyota changed the design of the windshield in 2006. The additional thickness and layering of the glass in causing the distortion. This has been acknowedged by Toyota as a "normal" condition of refraction of the design based on physics.

They actually suggested in a letter to me that the driver should adjust their seating position to avoid/resolve the problem. I found that statement very amusing.

In the thread listed above it shows that some guys with the pre-06 windshields are having the same problem. Whatever the cause, I am surprised Toyota has acknowledged it as normal, would you mind posting a copy of the letter?

 

[jwyshrek]

For some reason, the 4th gen windshield glass has a 'odd' shape to it. Starting from the bottom...if you go about 3/4 way up, you can feel a 'bend' in the glass...instead of a smooth contoured shape most other vehicles have.

At least on my 4runner you can feel this 'bend' or 'hump'.

I think this is the reason why the new ICON Bosch wipers (and others like it) don't work so well with our windshield.

Maybe the distortion some of you are seeing is from this 'bend/hump' in the glass...

 

[joelmiller01]

ProMed ... I won't post the whole letter since I have an arbitration hearing coming up to hopefully resolve this issue, but a couple of tidbits from the letter ...

" ... the windshield is operating as designed stating it follows the laws of natural physics where normal refraction occurs in 3-ply glass."

" ... suggestion was that the driver should slightly adjust his/her seating position."

I also have an email and voicemail from Toyota that pretty much says the same thing.

 

[joelmiller01]

It's official ... I had my arbitration hearing regarding the windshield defect in late August and I won my arbitration claim. Since Toyota has no resolution to the double-vision/ghost image problem on all of their 4Runners from 2006 and newer, the arbitrator's decision was to force Toyota to repurchase my 4Runner. At least I'm getting my money back, minus a small mileage offset fee.

It's a good news / bad news kind of thing ... I really do like the truck, but I just cannot live with seeing double of all lights thru the windshield.

Just waiting now for a phone call to arrange a day and time to drop it off and collect my check. Thankfully this ordeal is over for me ... now onto buying something else!

 

[JP4RNR]

It's official ... I had my arbitration hearing regarding the windshield defect in late August and I won my arbitration claim. Since Toyota has no resolution to the double-vision/ghost image problem on all of their 4Runners from 2006 and newer, the arbitrator's decision was to force Toyota to repurchase my 4Runner. At least I'm getting my money back, minus a small mileage offset fee.

It's a good news / bad news kind of thing ... I really do like the truck, but I just cannot live with seeing double of all lights thru the windshield.

Just waiting now for a phone call to arrange a day and time to drop it off and collect my check. Thankfully this ordeal is over for me ... now onto buying something else!

Who is or was your arbitrator? I think this could be a class action. I have noticed the same issue and it is annoying. Maybe I can get Toyota to buy back mine too

 

[Karl]

Joelmiller01... Amazing ! You are actually going to get your money back? I am struggling with the exact same problem. I am, 6'4" and I look thru the top portion of the windshield. During daylight, I can live with the double/ghost images but at night... scary!!
Pls post some of the docs if you can?

 

[joelmiller01]

JP4RNR - I filed for arbitration through the process outlined in the warranty info that I got when I bought the 4Runner. I also filed a claim with the Toyota Customer Experience Center and the NHTSA.

The arbitrator was an independent who was chosen by the National Center for Dispute Settlement. This was a result of filing the claim for arbitration and Toyota uses NCDS for their claims. I spoke to a lawyer friend before the hearing to get some advice and that was very helpful.

I will be getting about 95% of my money back (I return the 4Runner tomorrow). There is a mileage offset fee for the use of the vehicle. You need to get this documented with the dealership ASAP if you haven't already. My mileage offset fee was based on the mileage when first documented (5092) and not the current mileage (15764). In addition to the repurchase money, I will get my sales tax, extended warranty, and prepaid maintenance money refuned.

Once the vehicle is turned in, I plan to meet with my lawyer friend to see if there is anything else that I should do.

 

[joelmiller01]

Karl - Yes, per my previous post, I'm getting 95% of my money back. I bought my 4Runner last September, the windshield problem was formally documented January 2007 with the dealership. And as I mentioned, it gets returned tomorrow.

My windshield was replaced twice. I have sat in about 10 to 12 2006 and 2007 4Runners and they are ALL THE SAME. I also checked and the 2008 windshield is the same part number, so the problem continues.

For my arbitration case, I submitted 46 pages of emails that were exchanged between the dealership, the Toyota district service manager and myself. I also had a mp3 file made of a voicemail that was left on my cellphone by the Toyota district service manager and submitted that on a CD as part of my documentation/evidence.

I'm actually happy it worked out this way. I was NOT going to live with it as it was and I was able to convince the arbitrator that it was a defect and Toyota guarantees against defects.

Not sure about the legality of posting the letter I got from Toyota, their defense of the claim or the arbitrator's decision. Let me check with my lawyer friend on that.

 

[T?@\7]

so what are you going to buy now with the void in your life?

 

[Road Warrior]

I'll be honest with you guys...I drive the wheels off my 4Runner and have not found any issues with the windsheild. BUT- I do find that the drivers cockpit on this vehicle is not as spacious as it would appear to be from the exterior dimensions/look of the vehicle. I'm 5'10", and wear a 48 jacket (not a thin build). If not for the fact that the seat is extremely adjustable, there is no way this vehicle would work for me. Which is sad, because aside from the tight fit, I really like the vehicle.

I have no idea how Karl (6' 4") could fit!

 

[RickyCRX]

As mentioned before; wouldn't it have been easier and much less costly to put an aftermarket windshield in the vehicle??????

My 2003 4Runner has an aftermarket (Pilkington) windshield that was installed by a Ford dealership right before I bought it used and it does not have this problem at all.

Seems to me that for about $200 or so, you could have solved your headaches right off the bat.

Ricky