Rear Window Shattered from Defective Rear Defogger

[migyb]

Finally got mine put 2 weeks ago. 6 months without a rear glass window was tough, hopefully never again.

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[SilverSurfer]

Does anyone know why the glass shatters after the dealer fixed it? What causes the excessive heating of the window?

 

[migyb]

Does anyone know why the glass shatters after the dealer fixed it? What causes the excessive heating of the window?

Overheating.

You would think it has an auto-off safety feature, but when it's just glued/stuck back on, the chances of it working like before is low. I remember seeing the heating element lines burn orange until the glass exploded. It is most likely due to the voltage and shit being different since being reattached, therefore the auto-off feature doesn't know when to shut off. It will keep heating until blam!

 

[JIMMIEMAC]

Hey everyone,

So like a lot of people, the tab of my defogger fell off. It was disconnected for awhile as I didn't bother taking it to the dealership since it was summer where I am.

A month ago, I decided to get it "fixed" by a dealership. I believe they used the conductive epoxy kit that the TSB recommends, rather than replacing the entire back glass. Made sense to me at that time... Quick fix, why not?

So fast forward to the present. I am on my break at work, my Jeep parked in the gated underground parking (which is for staff accessible). I went to get my lunch in my Jeep, and then got curious to try and see if the defogger worked (never tried it since the repair). I press the defogger button and went to the back to feel if the glass got warm - it did.

I thought awesome, it works again. I go back to the drivers seat to turn it off - I started to smell smoke/something burning. Next thing you know, all you hear is a big POP and glass falling onto the ground. Not a crack - just a clean instant shatter

Glass in thousands of pieces spontaneously - only pieces that stayed was because of some stickers I had on the window...

I took a video right away of the time and just voiced what happened just in case the dealership tries to be sneaky on me, as well as pictures.


Long story short, for those with tabs that have come off - I suggest to demand for a new rear window replacement/defogger unit. Do not take the risk of them using the epoxy kit, or attempt it yourself.

I would rather have a rear window with a broken tab than have no window at all!

Just thought I should post about it - Could be bad if it shatters near someone's face or while on the road..

Anyways - What should I say to the dealership? I just want to cover my bases - they might come back at me saying it was due to impact or theft (which is impossible from what happened).

Thanks guys!

I just had the same problem.
Did the dealership cover the cost of replacement?

 

[migyb]

I just had the same problem.
Did the dealership cover the cost of replacement?

Yessir! They’re not gonna believe you, but you gotta keep pushing for it.

Had to bring in FCA Canada to kind of put some pressure on them. My timeline was delayed as my first glass broke during transport, so I had to wait another 3-4 months for another one.

Keep calling the warranty number/Jeep cares until they look into it/do something about it. Ask for the name of each person you talk to and the time and date. I had a lot of he said/she said bs with FCA and the dealership.
A temporary vehicle should be provided for you at no cost as well.

While you wait, Gorilla Glue weatherproof tape was my saviour. Not a lot of security, but my rear cargo was pretty sealed during wet weather.

Good luck!

 

[Carlabeliever]

This is exactly what happened to me! Jeep wave has been of no help to this point. Said they go by what the dealer says. The dealer is claiming no responsibility and said it is up to me to pay for the repair. Blaming it on a short or surge from the wire, not covered. Terrible service and representation!

 

[JABCAT]

This is exactly what happened to me! Jeep wave has been of no help to this point. Said they go by what the dealer says. The dealer is claiming no responsibility and said it is up to me to pay for the repair. Blaming it on a short or surge from the wire, not covered. Terrible service and representation!

How would a short or surge from the wire be your fault? Keep going above whomever you're speaking with, ask them to send out a regional rep to examine your vehicle. Ask them to explain how a short or surge in the factory-installed defroster is not a warranty item, etc.

 

[acacia052]

@JeepCares i too had this issue. I originally had it in for the tab, which was silver soldered and it came off shortly after. Then the glass was replaced. And a year later the tab came off again. I took it in to another jeep dealer and they just resoldered the tab. And when I remote started my jl the entire rear window shattered. I’m still under warranty, but who do I contact? Do I go to the dealer or go through someone like safelite?

 

[acacia052]

As a side note to anyone else in this thread: I tried opening the rear gate to tuck my now plastic window behind it, and it won’t open. I used the power lock, then with the key thinking it may have popped a fuse and still no luck. It should be mechanical. Anyone else have it happen when their glass broke or am I just that lucky?

 

[JeepCares]

@JeepCares i too had this issue. I originally had it in for the tab, which was silver soldered and it came off shortly after. Then the glass was replaced. And a year later the tab came off again. I took it in to another jeep dealer and they just resoldered the tab. And when I remote started my jl the entire rear window shattered. I’m still under warranty, but who do I contact? Do I go to the dealer or go through someone like safelite?

Thanks for tagging us here. We would recommend a dealer visit for your concerns. If you need support while there, send us a private message.

Kate
Jeep Cares

 

[cdierks215]

Hey everyone,

So like a lot of people, the tab of my defogger fell off. It was disconnected for awhile as I didn't bother taking it to the dealership since it was summer where I am.

A month ago, I decided to get it "fixed" by a dealership. I believe they used the conductive epoxy kit that the TSB recommends, rather than replacing the entire back glass. Made sense to me at that time... Quick fix, why not?

So fast forward to the present. I am on my break at work, my Jeep parked in the gated underground parking (which is for staff accessible). I went to get my lunch in my Jeep, and then got curious to try and see if the defogger worked (never tried it since the repair). I press the defogger button and went to the back to feel if the glass got warm - it did.

I thought awesome, it works again. I go back to the drivers seat to turn it off - I started to smell smoke/something burning. Next thing you know, all you hear is a big POP and glass falling onto the ground. Not a crack - just a clean instant shatter

Glass in thousands of pieces spontaneously - only pieces that stayed was because of some stickers I had on the window...

I took a video right away of the time and just voiced what happened just in case the dealership tries to be sneaky on me, as well as pictures.


Long story short, for those with tabs that have come off - I suggest to demand for a new rear window replacement/defogger unit. Do not take the risk of them using the epoxy kit, or attempt it yourself.

I would rather have a rear window with a broken tab than have no window at all!

Just thought I should post about it - Could be bad if it shatters near someone's face or while on the road..

Anyways - What should I say to the dealership? I just want to cover my bases - they might come back at me saying it was due to impact or theft (which is impossible from what happened).

Thanks guys!

My rear window blew out too. Shattered into thousands of pieces. Happened while everyone was inside on a cool night. At first we thought it was vandalism, but after watching the footage, we saw the window shatter out of nowhere, while no one or nothing was around

 

[JeepCares]

My rear window blew out too. Shattered into thousands of pieces. Happened while everyone was inside on a cool night. At first we thought it was vandalism, but after watching the footage, we saw the window shatter out of nowhere, while no one or nothing was around

So sorry to hear this! Our team recommends that you bring this to the attention of your preferred dealership as soon as you're able. If you need support while there, let us know via private message.

Kate
Jeep Cares

 

[joelskirsch]

Adding myself to the list here unfortunately. Hit autostart and the window blew out about 30 seconds before I loaded my son into the backseat... I swear the happiness I'm getting from this thing doesn't seem worth it at times. Ho Hum.

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