Warped rear window

[NCEcoBoost]

Ever since I took delivery of my '17 Fusion, I've noticed 2 window issues.  First, in direct sunlight, the rear window always looks dirty when looking out of it.  Second, and much more important, when the sun is rising in the morning and I'm driving into it, I can barely see out of the windshield.  So bad that I just had a minor fender-bender because of it.  At least with the time change I can now drive it after 10AM or so.  Good thing I'm retired, but still.  This car is starting to haunt me!  As if the potential engine replacement wasn't enough!

[bbf2530]

55 minutes ago, NCEcoBoost said:

Ever since I took delivery of my '17 Fusion, I've noticed 2 window issues.  First, in direct sunlight, the rear window always looks dirty when looking out of it.  Second, and much more important, when the sun is rising in the morning and I'm driving into it, I can barely see out of the windshield.  So bad that I just had a minor fender-bender because of it.  At least with the time change I can now drive it after 10AM or so.  Good thing I'm retired, but still.  This car is starting to haunt me!  As if the potential engine replacement wasn't enough!

 

Hi NCEco. Sorry for what may seem like a silly question, but we have to cover all bases: When is the last time you cleaned or someone cleaned the inside of the windshield and the backlight (rear window)?

 

Also, assuming you "took delivery" when new, did you ever address these two issues with the Dealership while the car was still under warranty?

[NCEcoBoost]

5 hours ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi NCEco. Sorry for what may seem like a silly question, but we have to cover all bases: When is the last time you cleaned or someone cleaned the inside of the windshield and the backlight (rear window)?

 

Also, assuming you "took delivery" when new, did you ever address these two issues with the Dealership while the car was still under warranty?

First, the car is still under warranty as I have the extended one, but that's a moot point as Ford is notorious for declining window issues under warranty.  Second, I have been to auto parts stores and have tried solutions on end to resolve this issue and nothing works.  Yes, the car has been cleaned regularly.  I posted this last night because (forgive me for sounding stupid) when I did take delivery, it was late at night and the dealership had a minimal prep staff on duty, so it was rushed through - I actually thought (was hoping) that maybe Ford put on a film protector on the inside of the windows that wasn't removed.  I can't come up with any other reason for this other than the fact that both windows are so severly raked that I'm just not used to it.  But, if that's the case, why aren't tons of folks complaining?  Thanks for the interest.

[bbf2530]

4 hours ago, NCEcoBoost said:

First, the car is still under warranty as I have the extended one, but that's a moot point as Ford is notorious for declining window issues under warranty.  Second, I have been to auto parts stores and have tried solutions on end to resolve this issue and nothing works.  Yes, the car has been cleaned regularly.  I posted this last night because (forgive me for sounding stupid) when I did take delivery, it was late at night and the dealership had a minimal prep staff on duty, so it was rushed through - I actually thought (was hoping) that maybe Ford put on a film protector on the inside of the windows that wasn't removed.  I can't come up with any other reason for this other than the fact that both windows are so severly raked that I'm just not used to it.  But, if that's the case, why aren't tons of folks complaining?  Thanks for the interest.

 

Hi NCEco. Our experiences with Ford/Lincoln and warranty claims are very different, so it would not have been a moot point. So if I can offer some bit of experience/knowledge, it would be to always use our warranty instead of listening to what we hear others say about what is or is not, will/will not be covered under warranty. 

 

That being said, let's get back to your immediate issue. Although from what you stated, it seems too late to have this taken care of under the 3 year/36,000 mile New Car Warranty (which may actually be what makes it a moot point), I would still recommend determining whether your extended warranty covers the glass for defects, (most will not, the higher end ones may). And I would still recommend making an appointment and seeing what can be done. It may be too late now, because after not bringing it to the attention of the Dealership/Ford for ~3 years, it can be determined to be some sort of environmental fallout/contamination etc. But at least they may be able to give you an idea as to what it is and possibly a way to improve it

 

It generally should not a visibility problem caused only by the windshield/backlight being "severely raked.  I have an MKZ which has the same window rake and have no issues. I've also driven in many Fusions and other MKZ's with no visibility issues. Plus, there are vehicles with far more severely raked windshields than ours. While I have seen members complain about distortion in some spots due to a defect in the galss (and it was usually taken care of under warranty, when verified), I haven't seen any many with the problem you are describing.

 

It either comes down to something on the outside/exterior of the glass, the interior of the glass (inside the car), or a defect in the inside the glass/lamination layers itself.

 

I am sure other members will jump in with advice and recommendations, if they have had experience with this problem.

 

Oh, one quick question. You do not mention any aftermarket tint, so it is safe to assume there is none?

 

Keep us updated and good luck.

Edited November 2, 2020 by bbf2530

[NCEcoBoost]

1 hour ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi NCEco. Our experiences with Ford/Lincoln and warranty claims are very different, so it would not have been a moot point. So if I can offer some bit of experience/knowledge, it would be to always use our warranty instead of listening to what we hear others say about what is or is not, will/will not be covered under warranty. 

 

That being said, let's get back to your immediate issue. Although from what you stated, it seems too late to have this taken care of under the 3 year/36,000 mile New Car Warranty (which may actually be what makes it a moot point now), I would still recommend determining whether your extended warranty covers the glass for defects, (most will not, the higher end ones may). And I would still recommend making an appointment and seeing what can be done. It may be too late now, because after not bringing it to the attention of the Dealership/Ford for ~3 years, it can be determined to be some sort of environmental fallout/contamination etc. But at least they may be able to give you an idea as to what it is and possibly a way to improve it

 

It generally should not a visibility problem caused only by the windshield/backlight being "severely raked".  I have an MKZ which has the same window rake and have no issues. I've also driven in many Fusions and other MKZ's with no visibility issues. Plus, there are vehicles with far more severely raked windshields than ours. While I have seen members complain about distortion in some spots due to a defect in the glass (and it was usually taken care of under warranty, when verified), I haven't seen any many with the problem you are describing.

 

It either comes down to something on the outside/exterior of the glass, the interior of the glass (inside the car), or a defect in the inside the glass/lamination layers itself.

 

I am sure other members will jump in with advice and recommendations, if they have had experience with this problem.

 

Oh, one quick question. You do not mention any aftermarket tint, so it is safe to assume there is none?

 

Keep us updated and good luck.

No aftermarket tint.  Yeah, I hear you about dragging my feet on it for 37 months.  The problem is that I don't drive the car enough to think about it often.  It only has 3500 miles on it  (I have a second vehicle at my disposal nearly always) and with COVID, not many in 2020.  When I take it in for routine service, I'm not driving it during mid-morning/mid-afternoon.  It wasn't until this past Friday (pre-time change) that I decided to use it and found myself totally blinded and lightly bounced off the side of a car that I never saw (damage to both very minor).  Annoying!  Thanks again.

Edited November 2, 2020 by bbf2530
Correct typos.

[bbf2530]

Hi NCEco. I was not making a judgment at all, only trying to provide the information for others who may find themselves in the same or similar situation in the future.

 

While it is a long shot, I would still recommend verifying what your extended warranty covers.

 

And I am very sorry about your accident.

 

Keep us updated and good luck.

 

EDIT - Oooops, just realized I made a mistake. I meant to go into my previous reply to correct some typos, but accidentally clicked on your last reply and edited the typos in your quote of my reply. So while it shows I edited your reply, I did not change any of your text, only my text in your quote. Sorry.

Edited November 2, 2020 by bbf2530

[NCEcoBoost]

3 hours ago, bbf2530 said:

Hi NCEco. I was not making a judgment at all, only trying to provide the information for others who may find themselves in the same or similar situation in the future.

 

While it is a long shot, I would still recommend verifying what your extended warranty covers.

 

And I am very sorry about your accident.

 

Keep us updated and good luck.

 

EDIT - Oooops, just realized I made a mistake. I meant to go into my previous reply to correct some typos, but accidentally clicked on your last reply and edited the typos in your quote of my reply. So while it shows I edited your reply, I did not change any of your text, only my text in your quote. Sorry.

I wasn't saying you were judging.  We've been in here a long time.  No issue.  I have the top-of-the-line Ford Care plan but I will check coverage.  In the meantime I'll try the window cleaner/degreaser WITH a microfiber cloth (which I haven't done before) later this week as it's cooler.  Might be that I've only tried it when it was hot, even though in the garage.  Damage to the Fusion is hardly existant, but there was a small dent in the side of the car I hit and they're trying to rob me blind (hit an older Camry with several dozen dents already).  It's the pandemic, I'm sure.  Oh well.  I'll advise when I know more about the windows.

Edit:  Ford PremiumCare does NOT cover glass.  I never buy an extended warranty but the turbocharging and the start/stop caused me to cave this time.

Edited November 2, 2020 by NCEcoBoost
New Info

[drolds1]

Maybe take it to an auto glass shop and ask them to determine if there's a specific issue with your car.  If they determine that your glass has some kind of defect, then it's a safety issue.  Assuming that you have glass coverage with your auto insurance, you might qualify for a windshield replacement.  They certainly should advocate for you to be able to see sufficiently to avoid accidents.