Cracked Windshield Advice Wanted

[EastonTaco]

Got hit with a rock on the highway that cracked the windshield. My insurance company steered me to Safelite and I have an appointment next week. I asked for OEM glass which they said they would install. However in checking with my local Toyota dealer, I was told windshields are on a long back order. What are people’s thoughts on if I get to Safelite next week and they can only install a non OEM windshield? Also, does anyone have any experience with Safelite in terms of quality, etc? It looks like this will be quite a job with all the cameras and sensors, it’s no longer just a piece of glass like the old days.

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[mattski2112]

I’ve always had good service from Saflite on my other cars, but not everyone feels the same way about them. Probably mostly depends on the installer you get.

 

[24Trailhunter]

I’ve always had good service from Saflite on my other cars, but not everyone feels the same way about them. Probably mostly depends on the installer you get.

True. I've used them for my 2021 4RUNNER.... Didn't get OEM glass and had zero issues. It totally depends on which installer you get.

 

[Miqie]

Here's an old article on Toyota glass that you might want to ask about as far as after market glass goes..
Toyota glass

 

[Sagebrush]

I was told windshields are on a long back order.

Mine's in the shop today. It was ordered in mid-May.

They just called and said the one they got doesn't have the heater for where the wipers rest. They called Toyota and were told it's a three-month back order. I park in a garage, so told them to install it.

 

[EastonTaco]

Update, just got a call from Safelite, there is no aftermarket and I need to go with OEM. Unfortunately OEM is on an indefinite back order and they will call me when it comes in. Seems Safelite is doing their part, now it’s just waiting.

 

[bitflogger]

Got hit with a rock on the highway that cracked the windshield. My insurance company steered me to Safelite and I have an appointment next week. I asked for OEM glass which they said they would install. However in checking with my local Toyota dealer, I was told windshields are on a long back order. What are people’s thoughts on if I get to Safelite next week and they can only install a non OEM windshield? Also, does anyone have any experience with Safelite in terms of quality, etc? It looks like this will be quite a job with all the cameras and sensors, it’s no longer just a piece of glass like the old days.

My experience from our car that is a German make but has a very similar construction with camera and ADAS sensors.

Upon actual contact with our insurance claims rep and asking about liability and warranty, the clams rep was told by supervisor who also called, they wanted and were happy to pay for the the original part. Safelite is my carrier's primary or preferred vendor but the supervisor said for liability and quality, they want no compromises with the ADAS systems.

It took a wait for backorder but I think my appointment was still less than a month.

 

[Brent@ANParts]

My wife had her car's windshield replaced (not-OEM) and it had really bad distortion, especially with bright lights at night. Obviously can't speak for the quality of the Tacoma windshields, but glad to hear you're getting OEM, shame about the wait through.

 

[Dirt]

My sister's Avalon windshield was broken by road debris. The local glass shop replaced it with a non-Toyota but just as good as windshield. No cruise control, lane assist, auto dimming or anything else with that glass. The Toyota dealership re-calibrated the devices without improvement. OEM windshield took over 6 months, was installed by the local glass shop and all worked fine.

 

[CrispyTacoLover]

My sister's Avalon windshield was broken by road debris. The local glass shop replaced it with a non-Toyota but just as good as windshield. No cruise control, lane assist, auto dimming or anything else with that glass. The Toyota dealership re-calibrated the devices without improvement. OEM windshield took over 6 months, was installed by the local glass shop and all worked fine.

The first replacement windshield was temporary while waiting the six months for the OEM?

 

[Sagebrush]

Unfortunately OEM is on an indefinite back order and they will call me when it comes in.

Mine took a month.

 

[Chance3]

Safelite took most of a day to install my windshield, as I waited. They came to me a few times to confirm I hadn't raised the truck or added any after market stuff to make it higher. Told them it was stock. They couldn't figure out why it wasn't specking out. Finally, once it was done, they admitted the tech was trying to calibrate my truck using a Honda sedan's set up....LOL...no wonder it was showing as being too high. Anyway, to be fair, the windshield is fine and everything works as it should.

 

[vfracer]

I had my Tacoma's windshield replaced my Safelite a few months ago. I do not think it was OEM. Took less than an hour and everything has been fine. I initially had them fill in a small chip but it propagated into a large crack so I had to replace the windshield. Also had a windshield replaced by Safelite for a 2017 Ford Explorer. No issues there with the install or windshield. This is in the LA Metro Area. Obviously installer makes a big difference. But never had an issue with the replacement windshield itself.

 

[Iamzman]

I have a 2024 Tacoma TRD Offroad Premium. I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We have a couple of high speed roads that are bad for kicking up winter salt and gravel and busting windshields. Front glass insurance coverage is always extra. I opted for it and sure enough, I got a large crack during a drive in the winter. I went through the insurance in April and their recommended glass shop informed me that there is no aftermarket glass available for my truck, so they had to order OE from Toyota. It finally came in last week but they said it was damaged in transit. They reordered it and (optimistically) estimated a late July delivery and install. I don't understand why Toyota is so backlogged with factory parts, not just windshields. They seem to be dropping the ball on that side of their business.

 

[Dirt]

The first replacement windshield was temporary while waiting the six months for the OEM?

That wasn't the intent at the time the replacement was installed, but once the features wouldn't work and the dealership couldn't calibrate it, the shop and insurance co worked with Toyota for a fix. I think everyone took a hit by the time it was done as OEM glass was the only thing that worked back then.

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