Commander Windshield Crack
youngmoney
Member Posts: 9
We just got two Commanders this January and already both of them have a cracked windshield. It must be pretty common for Commanders, if both of our "less than 2000 miles" Commanders already have a cracked windshield. I was thinking maybe it's the upright windshield which causes the impact of a small rock to be much worse than it should be. Just wondering if this is a common problem or is it just a coincidence that they both cracked at around the same time.
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
You may want to check out a rock deflector/bug guard for the front grill in the hopes of deflecting some of the rocks.
Anyone else cracking their Commander windshield?
If upright, flat windshields were a big problem for rock chips, then there probably would be a bunch of complaints from Wrangler and Hummer owners. Not to mention tractor-trailer drivers. Now, I don't own any of those, so I have no clue, but maybe in the forums for those vehicles they're having problems, too.
Anybody have any news on this?
http://www-5.jeep.com/webselfservice/jeep/index.jsp?screenName=customer&country=- us&emailUrl=goToEmailForm%28%27R%27%29
and received the response that I have included below.
"We purchased a 2006 Jeep Commander in July of 2006. Since we have owned it, we have had 2 rock chips, that we have had patched. Since then, we have 4 different cracks that have all started below the windshield wipers, and all 4 cracks started within 24 hours of each other. First, it seems that Jeep Commanders are MUCH more seceptible to rock chips than any other car that we have ever owned. Second, the latest 4 cracks do not seem to even have started from rock chips, but since they have all started from the bottom of the windshield, below the windshield wipers (when the wipers were not being used at all), this seems to us to be some kind of design flaw with the Commander's windshield. Perhaps the windshields are just too big, too straight, with little to no slope at all, or just not made sturdy enough.
It just seems that there is a design or quality problem with the windshield, and we are concerned about the Jeep dealership that we went to not being willing to repair this problem under warranty. We don't drive our cars on gravel roads at all, we have not driven them through any construction zone areas. We drive them on normal, generally good condition roads, and it doesn't seem reasonable that in 9 months time, we have had 2 rock chips, and now 4 different cracks. We don't feel that we should be responsible to pay $500 to have a windshield repaired, that we are concerned with once it is repaired that they same problem will continue to happen, again and again. We have talked to a few other Commander owners, and they have all experienced the same problem we are having. One couple that we know that owns a Commander is on their 3rd windshield. They seems to be an issue with not just us, but other Commander owners also. We are wondering what Jeep plans to do to rectify this problem? Is a recall being considered? Is a better, stronger, windshield even a possibility, or is
the windshield just too large, and too straight up and down to not constantly have this problem? We love our Commander, other than this issue, but wouldn't ever consider purchasing another Jeep unless we knew that Jeep was doing something to fix this problem and make it right with all current owners. We look forward to receiving a response on Jeep's stand on this issue."
Here is the response that we received back from them:
"Thank you for contacting the Chrysler Group Customer Assistance Center.
Your recent email was received and reviewed by the Customer Assistance Center. Your concerns, particularly in view of the expense and inconvenience involved in this issue, are understandable. However, your request for consideration in this matter must be declined, because the problem you incurred is the result of environmental causes.
Your warranty book states:
3.2 Environmental Factors Not Covered
Your warranties don't cover damage caused by environmental factors such as airborne fallout, chemicals, tree sap, salt, ocean spray, acid rain, and road hazards. Nor do your warranties cover damage caused by hailstorms, windstorms, tornadoes, sandstorms, lightning, floods or earthquakes.
Your warranties do not cover conditions resulting from anything impacting the vehicle. This includes cracks and chips in glass, scratches and chips in painted surfaces, or damage from collision.
Although a more favorable reply could not be provided, sharing your concern with us is appreciated.
Thanks again for your email.
Sincerely,
Leslie
Senior Staff Representative
Chrysler Group Customer Assistance Center"
This was pretty much the response we expected to receive from Jeep, but we still feel that the problems with our windshield aren't from environmental issues, but from a flaw in the design of the windshield. We understand that once in awhile a stray rock may chip a windshield or cause a windshield to crack, but it seems that things are a little disproportionate to this happening with Jeep Commanders. When you pay $44,000 (this was list price, we paid $36,000), you would think that you wouldn't have to pay to replace a windshield every 6 months or so to fix something that seems to be a problem in their design of this SUV. We will continue to seek a fair resolution to this issue, and are very interested in hearing from anyone else that is experiencing similiar problems. We are considering contacting a lawyer and pursuing a class action lawsuit against Jeep.
Mark of New Orleans LA (12/20/06)
The Jeep commander I purchased on Mothers day 2006 has several problems. The windsheild has wind coming in it it has electrical problems and the paint is job has flaws. The vehicle has been in the shop at least 6-8 times and i am still having the same problems, right now i can not even lock my vehicle to protect my property when I go shopping because of the electrical problem which was fixed once before and the windshield was repaired 4 times. I need this problem corrected and Chyrsler is telling me they will not give me a rental while my car is being repaired under warranty.
http://autos.msn.com/research/userreviews/reviewlist.aspx?ModelID=11847
"2006 Jeep Commander"
2006 Jeep Commander 4X4
12/21/2005
By: SnowStomper from Oregon
Owned: Less than 1 year
Review ID: #483954
8.6 Overall Rating
8 Styling
10 Performance
9 Interior
6 Quality
9 Recommendation
Pros:
We live in a high snow and ice area, and the Commander has out-performed any other vehicle we have ever owned! We maintain traction and control at all times. There is also a very smooth and quiet ride when traveling.
Cons:
We have had two major mechanical problems with this vehicle. We have owned the Commander for almost 3 months, and a few weeks ago my sister accidentally tipped over a soda on the dash. The soda spilled into the drivers side dash speaker and we experienced some electrical problems. We took it to the dealer to find out there is no protection underneath the speaker cover, and our electrical junction box was completely melted. We had no electrical function and were told if we continued to drive, we could have lost brakes or ignited. Also, if your windshield gets hit with a rock, the glass cracks and spreads immediately with any temperature change.
Overall Review:
Overall, the Commander is a very functional, well-performing vehicle. There are a couple of manufacture issues that need to be addressed, but otherwise, a very reliable and comfortable car. We have owned Jeeps for years, and this is the first time we have ever had any trouble. We highly recommend this vehicle, both for families and cargo. Also, the towing system is excellent.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Not necessarily. The deck may be stacked against you if you normally drive in a "hazardous" area, i.e. roads with loose gravel, contruction or other loose materials on the roads. I am not ruling out design or material flaws, however! In any case, I would still consider four cracked windshields in four months to be unacceptable.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
I don't recall the exact replacement amount, but it was competitive (around $300). But, of course it depends where you live. And be certain to use Mopar windshields; there are a number of aftermarket glass manufacturers that don't hold correct tolerances.
According to some Jeep engineers I speak to regularly, this windshield design is no better or worse (cracking) than others.
Good luck.
I just wanted to respond to give my support to the cause...thanks.
Below is the information we found on the NHSTA web site at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
By Phone
Call the DOT Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 and a NHTSA representative will record your complaint information.
General Information
Your complaint information will be entered into NHTSA's vehicle owner's complaint database and used with other complaints to determine if a safety-related defect trend exists.
If a safety-related defect exists in a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment, the manufacturer must fix it at no cost to the owner. Your complaint is the first step in the process.
Government engineers analyze the problem. If warranted, the manufacturer is asked to conduct a recall. If the manufacturer does not initiate a recall, the government can order the manufacturer to initiate a recall.
We do not have to receive a specific number of complaints before we look into a problem. We gather all available information on a problem. Your complaint is important to us.
For a prompt response from NHTSA, send your information request, suggestions, or comments to webmaster@nhtsa.dot.gov.
The dealer said it's the shape and direction of the window...rocks can't bounce off.
Of course it's my problem
Now I'm having electrical problems with the front windows opening and closing!!!
Below is the information we found on the NHSTA web site at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
By Phone
Call the DOT Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 and a NHTSA representative will record your complaint information.
Interesting that your dealer pretty much admitted the problem is with the design with the windshield and they still tell you it's your problem. I have a friend that has a Commander, is on her 4th windshield, and was just recently having problems with the electrical system in her Jeep. She was driving down the interstate and all electrical died-no lights, brakes, steering, radio, wipers, etc. Everything. When she got to a stop, she was able to start it back up and then continue on driving. This happened to her 4 times in 1 1/2 weeks. Needless to say, she took it in and they worked on it, but they told her they have never heard of this happening before, although I've read several places that this is an ongoing problem with the Commander also.
Thanks for the info!
Still like the truck but seems to be an issue with the windshields. This looks like a definate pattern.
Has anyone heard of some type of protective cover, (Clear plastic or similar) that can be put on top of the windshield glass??
I am not impressed with the vehicle at all. It has been in the shop 6 times in 6 weeks with the service department keeping it anywhere from 1-5 days.
Since we keep having numerous problems and Chysler can not figure it out, we have opted to file the lemon law. Hopefully the state of Florida will be gracious and we will get a GM product next time.
Oh by the way Phillips Chrysler in Ocala offers the worst customer service and the service department has not a clue what they are doing.
My windshield crack right infront of me with no rock. It was about 36 F outside at night, I turned on the defraost high and started down the road. sunndenly a symetrical crack appears shaped like steer horns across the windshield with the center right above the round GPS receiver on the dask spreading outward the same length and shape to the right and left. It looks like the defrost caused it. There is no chip on the outside or inside. This must be a disgn flaw if the defrost used normally can crack a windshield.
I also have an issue with windshields, but mine is a Cherokee. Besides finding a small chip after cleaning a recent purchase of a 2000 Cherokee, I had all of these water spots on all of my glass. After using a buffer with a glass polisher, I managed to reduce some of the spots. When water dries on the glass, mineral deposits are left on the surface of the glass, and are hard to remove.
But it seems my problem with the windshield glare was still there. According to local glass dealers, you cannot remove sand pitting from windshields with a polisher. Another issue is that glass made today is not as hard as years ago, that is why it pits so easily.
It will cost about $250 to replace, but be sure the glass company does not use a tape adhesive to install the windshield. It seems it is a vital component in the structual safety of the Jeep, and must be installed properly.
I guess I need to buy a bug/rock shield or buy a bullet proof windshield. Keep up the pressure on Chrysler to do the right thing on Commanders. Roger
After reading other's posts, I too think that it was the defrost on the Commander that caused the windshield to crack. Our cracks started underneath the windshield wipers, when they were not being used and quickly spread across the bottom of the windshield. When taken to the dealership to show them the cracks, they insisted that they were caused by rock chips, but I honestly don't think it was. I don't see how a rock chip can happen below a windshield wiper that is not being used.
We too love everything else about the Commander, but we aren't interested in purchasing a $40,000 vehicle to have to replace the windshield every year. We are so happy we leased our Commander so that in another 1 1/2 years we can dump it and purchase something else. The resale/trade-in value of Commanders isn't looking great.
Tom
Plant City, FL