Community Chat

[Tori3569]

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@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. 

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[bonnielu]

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.  

[EastCoastGal]

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

[Desertdi]

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.

[We rescue cats]

@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. 

[SilleeMee]

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@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.  

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@bonnielu 

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

[CatsyCline]

@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

[Mindy D]

@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-AAxUyUjABHW2wCKkQ...

OR

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"

[Still Raining]

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.