topic Re: Windshield Shadow in Community Chat

Windshield Shadow

bonnielu — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:00:42 GMT

I don't believe I posted this. Strange situation. All roads leading to our neighborhood and our house are winding up a mountain. No way to get around it. In the dark our windshield appears darker at the top of the windshield so much we can hardly see. It goes from clear to half covered as if a shade is over the top third making seeing our way dificult. We have a 2020 Rav 4. And my windshield is not tinted and not dirty.

We almost hit a tree the other night. I reported it to our dealer. They totally dismissed the whole thing. 1. Did we have our lights on 2. Did we wash our windshield. One question after another telling us they don't fix cars in the dark. NO ONE EVER REPORTED THIS THEY SAID.

iN ANY CASE I DID FIND MENTION OF THIS PROBLEM ON OUR NEXTDOOR.COM.

I called Toyota corporate. I kept calling the local dealer who we have been a customer of for 50 years.

Finally they are going to take our car overnight and test it out. Finally.

My question to you all. ANYONE HAVE THIS PROBLEM

Re: Windshield Shadow

Paulette-QVC — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:06:46 GMT

This post has been removed by QVC because of the active link to another retailer.

Re: Windshield Shadow

qvcfreak — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:07:10 GMT

Let us know what they say. Hopefully you can get some resolution.

Re: Windshield Shadow

SilleeMee — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:12:38 GMT

I know exactly what you are talking about with that dark tint at the upper 4-5" of windshield glass.

My friend has a Jeep and he drives in the mountains at night. He bought some extra driving lights, similar to fog lights, and they improved his night visibility tremendously. He got them b/c he was afraid of hitting deer and elk on his trips when it's dark out.

Also, make sure your headlights are aligned correctly.

Re: Windshield Shadow

Tori3569 — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:14:37 GMT

I have a Forester and while I don't have the issue you have, I did remember seeing this on their community page. Seems like the same issue and one person also drives a 2020 Rav 4.

Re: Windshield Shadow

Tori3569 — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:15:07 GMT

Re: Windshield Shadow

Tori3569 — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:15:31 GMT

Re: Windshield Shadow

Kachina624 — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:38:19 GMT

I can remember when all windshields had a darker stripe across the top. Obviously to cut down on sun glare.

Re: Windshield Shadow

bonnielu — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 01:07:18 GMT

Wow, so helpful. Appreciate all your answers. MY windshield is not tinted just so you know. The dealer was downright outright condescending. But after all kinds of calls and emails they finally said they will try it out at night if I leave it there. Finally.

You all have given me hope that I am not alone in this. Getting too old to have impaired visibility. We bought this car because we thought it was safer becasue it was bigger than our Prius 2012.

This next week we will take the car in. Hope they can make a difference. I will also take a copy of your answers since you are all so amazing and helpful.

Re: Windshield Shadow

SilleeMee — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 01:14:13 GMT

@bonnielu

My windshield isn't tinted either but it has this dotted area on the upper part. Someone once told me that it was there for temperature control from the sun plus it helps with sun glare.

Re: Windshield Shadow

Tori3569 — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 01:36:00 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
@bonnielu
My windshield isn't tinted either but it has this dotted area on the upper part. Someone once told me that it was there for temperature control from the sun plus it helps with sun glare.

Mine is the same. I think most cars have this.

Re: Windshield Shadow

bonnielu — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 04:08:11 GMT

Mine has only a narrow line of this. But that is not my problem. At night going up and down hills one third of my windshield turns dark. Cannot see through it. Dangerous. Finally our dealership agreed to take the car from me and drive it at night on hills.

I am betting something is wrong with the lightning system and not the windshield. Something is causing dark shadows enough to blind us. Almost hitting a tree is not fun.

I have to return home at night. I live on a mountain with winding roads everywhere.

Re: Windshield Shadow

EastCoastGal — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 05:11:50 GMT

@bonnielu ... You and your husband need to go with the person who is going to test your car out at night..

Re: Windshield Shadow

Desertdi — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 07:49:27 GMT

I have 360° electronically controlled rotating headlights...they even turn when you are going around a corner or curve to keep an "eye" on the roadway ahead.

And I have an Arizona tinted windshield...the whole window is tinted, not just at the top.

Re: Windshield Shadow

We rescue cats — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:33:50 GMT

@bonnielu I would make sure that the dealer and manufacturer know that this is serious enough that you are including details on this issue and your reporting of it with your attorney and with your family should there be an accident that incapcitates or injures you and/or your husband.

Re: Windshield Shadow

SilleeMee — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 14:53:36 GMT

@bonnielu wrote:
Mine has only a narrow line of this. But that is not my problem. At night going up and down hills one third of my windshield turns dark. Cannot see through it. Dangerous. Finally our dealership agreed to take the car from me and drive it at night on hills.

I am betting something is wrong with the lightning system and not the windshield. Something is causing dark shadows enough to blind us. Almost hitting a tree is not fun.

I have to return home at night. I live on a mountain with winding roads everywhere.

@bonnielu

To me it really sounds like a headlight alignment problem. Hope you can get the problem resolved whatever it is.

Re: Windshield Shadow

CatsyCline — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 15:45:21 GMT

@bonnielu Here's a video which demonstrates the headlight misalignment issue. he shows the headlight issue while driving. explains how to correct the headlights. Have your dealer view this video. ( if needed use the closed caption feature )

i'm sorry the dealer was not sensitive to your inquiry. that should no longer be tolerated. if they cannot or will not provide remedy, go to a different dealer or an independant garage. I suggest to write a letter to Toyota of America.

Paste into Youtube:

Why Rav4 Lights are Too Low and How To Fixed it | 2019-2020

Re: Windshield Shadow

Mindy D — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 12:46:26 GMT

@bonnielu YOU CAN FILE A REPORT TO THIS GOV AGENCY.. THEY WILL INVESTIGATE, including design flaws that could result in harm to people. NHTSA.

Complaints

"Consumers who experience a vehicle issue that could be a safety defect are encouraged to file a complaint with NHTSA. Complaints can be filed through NHTSA.gov or by calling NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.

NHTSA makes its complaints searchable by keyword on NHTSA's Recall page.

Investigation information is also associated with vehicles and equipment in NTHSA's database and is displayed when a user searches a vehicle or equipment through NHTSA's Recalls or Ratings webpages.

Related info: NHTSA Consumer Vehicle Complaint Process: Webpage | PDF"

Above is quoted from the govt website
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjdzoqImt-AAxUyUjABHW2wCKkQFnoECBAQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nhtsa.gov%2F&usg=AOvVaw321hHKh2rUknwaBcoKfHqg&opi=89978449

https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

Below is quoted from the government website page.

"Have you experienced a vehicle, tire, car seat, or equipment safety problem that could be a safety defect? If so, you can file a complaint that we will carefully review — like we do with every safety problem submitted to NHTSA.

What is a safety-related defect? Generally, a safety defect is a problem that poses a risk to motor vehicle safety, and may exist in a group of vehicles or equipment of the same design and/or manufacturer. An example of a safety-related defect is a steering component that breaks, causing a driver to lose control. However, an air conditioner that does not work properly isn't considered a safety-related defect, because it does not pose a risk to motor vehicle safety. Why is it important to file a complaint? Complaints like yours help us investigate possible defects, which could lead to a safety recall. By reporting your problem, you're helping to keep vehicles — and ultimately our roads — safe.

To submit your complaint online, select your problem below and fill out the complaint form. If you don't have an email address, or you're unable to fill out the online form, contact our Vehicle Safety Hotline. We have English- and Spanish-speaking staff members, who are trained and knowledgeable, to answer questions and assist you in filing your complaint.

Vehicle Safety Hotline 888-327-4236, Monday-Friday 8am-8pm ET
Hearing Impaired (TTY): 800-424-9153"

Re: Windshield Shadow

Still Raining — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 19:35:29 GMT

I live in hill country. Rural two lane roads are not graded like freeways. The dips and peaks are much steeper and much closer together.

At night when you go down a hill, the car points down too. So the headlights shine down too. You will not have beams going upward. Yes, you will be blind for a bit ahead. If a hill is going up the other side of the dip, you can not see what is coming on the rise.

Like a carnival ride.