2011 Prius - Windshield triples light source images

Same here, 40k miles so far.

 

Nope. Though the dealership had a rep take ride in the car and acknowledge the issue, the toyota regional rep had already examined the windshield for any air gaps (separation) and declared the windshield to be fine. So on calling the Toyota 800 number, I was told to take the issue up for arbitration and there is no other option. I get the feeling that Toyota knows there is a problem, but it is not a problem that most people notice (something about vision quality I guess) and they are able to get away with denying a replacement. I have a feeling the replacement shields would have the same issues too. At this time, I am trying to get used to driving with the issue and it is not how it should be. Not sure going to arbitration is going to yield any results.

 

I think you are right - the company line is arbitration. Lets try to find others who have the problem - I'm going to fight this one. Ideas?

 

Bought a 2012 Prius 3 last weekend. I've had two windshield related issues so far. First with my rear windshield (wavy defective windshield. unrelated issue and delear agreed to replace the rear windshield already) and after driving at night for the first time, I see the issue with the front windshield. The front windshield is exactly the same as described on this thread.
Plan to take it in for a check up this week.

Anyone have anyluck with their dealer/Toyota? Doesnt sound very promising based on the thread

 

I've setup an inspection/drive with the dealer after 6pm tonight. Idea is to drive upto a "red arrow" light which is the clearest indication of the tripling effect. If this effect is clear enough, the dealer has offered (verbally) to replace the factory glass with "clear" 3rd party glass. They've already replaced the back windshield (unrelated bending of vision issue, which did not get fixed) and left behind lose nuts and bolts inside which are rattling. Am afraid that replacing with 3rd party windshield could increase road noise, may cause leaks if not fitted properly etc.

any advice?

 

Don't let them replace it with third party glass. The OEM windshield has sound-insulating properties.
Also, since some loose parts are knocking about after replacing the rear glass, are you sure you want the same dealer to replace your windshield?

 

Well, they'll fix the loose piece in the back window. However, they're not going todo anything about the *triple view feature*. This sales rep also backed off from the previous reps assertion that they can give me third party clear class (not that I wanted it, but the backtrack really didnt go down well). This rep also made snide comments as to how they've never seen this before and how *I had sensitive eyes*. He did see the same effect on the drive with me.
I've now escalaed this to their manager and also opened a case with Toyota. Also filed a complaint with NHTSA

I would urge others on this list todo the same. File a complaint with toyota and complain to NHTSA. Thats the only way to get Toyota to fix a visibility issue which could have a long term impact on the drivers vision.

 

For what its worth, I have a 2010 Prius II and have never noticed this. I even specifically looked for it last night on my 2-hour drive home.

 

John, Did you have any luck with this issue? Did you fight? I'm seriously considering taking up Prius on the lemon law. Any experience with this will help.

 

Heres the issue in action.

 

Video of the phenomenon. Already posted this on Toyotas facebook page.


Toyota Prius 2012 - Windshield tripling light source at night

 

yup i noticed exactly this the night i drove it home. i started a thread on this myself. i hate it. whats interesting is my tripling effect is different from yours. yours seems to be top and bottom where mine has 2 below. its so bad that bottom most mirrored image from a red traffic light is as far down as where the green light would be. even at a fairly close distance. im really getting tired of looking at it especially now that the darker winters hours are coming.

when i think of it i'll shoot a video myself and post it

The guys at my dealership are extremely nice, and I don't doubt they would replace the windshield if I insisted. But will I just get the same problem? Anyone with info please keep us posted and I will do the same. I plan on letting the owner and also the sales manager of my dealership see this problem first hand and see what they think.

 

Dealership folks were nice till they realised that this is a sticky issue. The first one offered to replace this with a 3rd party glass which was quickly rescinded by the dealership management. Best bet is to get Toyota to realise that this is a widespread issue and could be a big safety issue since visibility at night is critical. Your eyes are already tired from a full work day and then you start seeing triple which stresses out the eyes.
Try to get your video, share this video, like this video etc.

 

Okay I know I posted in one of the other threads that I did not see the ghost. I looked very hard tonight and I actually saw it. I only saw one ghost below the main object. It was more obvious to me once I saw the pictures.

I guess my brain had just ignored the ghost before, so I never noticed it. It gets better when I tilt my head down and roll my eyes up, and worse the other way.

I don't know if yours look worse than mine. In my case, I do not think it is an issue for me. Like I said, I never even noticed it, until I saw the pictures, and knew what to look for.

 

I've noticed the ghosting in my 2012 windshield. I figured it was reflective coating for the heads up unit. I don't have it but assumed Prius was saving money somehow by just having one windshield to rule them all..

 

I don't have to tilt my head. This is normal vision. Maybe the issue appears in varying degree. I'm not usually sensitive to these issues but the effect is very pronounced in my case. It is as clear and easy to see as indicated on the picture. Toyota has agreed have this looked at by their regional rep. But they've set up a morning appointment even though I've made it ample clear that this is n evening/night issue. Makes me feel that they are just trying to placate me without intending to give this a serious thought.

 

They'd likely have to replace all later model Prius windshields so I would expect they will tell you it is within required parameters. I wonder if there is any Dept of Transportation/Highway Safety regulation on windshield visibility?

 

I've listed my complaint on US DOT NHTSA. Its been a week or so, but I havent heard much. I'll post the video today https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3779YEVfEs&feature=g-upl

On an update front, I got a call from Toyota this morning and they've noted my concern about having the inspection in daylight vs evening/night. Not sure if they'll take any action on it though.

To me this is definitely a cause of concern. I dont have to squint or tilt my head like someone commented. The issue is as bad as it seems on the video. Do others see if as starkly as I do?

 

After reading this thread, I checked for triple light ghosting issue on my new 2012 (no HUD) during my dark commute this morning. I'm experiencing the same triple ghosting effect (under over the light source) through the windshield. Moving my head doesn't appear to help. The ghosting seems to go away as i near the light source (maybe 50 ft or less).

I think I read a post where the windshield may have been upgraded in 2012 with better sound proofing. If this is true, I wander if this is causing the issue?

 

Possible w.r.t soundproofing. I also read somewhere that there is a special coating on the Prius windshield. Not wure if its the same soundproofing thing or something different.
Whatever it is, its straining my eyes. I've shared this video with my friends who have prius'es and am getting similar responses from the ones who have new cars. The older version of prius doesnt seem to have it.