My front windshield has about a 10 inch horizontal crack on the passenger side. From reading other threads on this forum, I decided to get it fixed through Lexus, but I'm starting to rethink that because the glass has been on backorder for two months and it seems that it may continue to be on backorder for the foreseeable future. On the one hand, there isn't any rush - my car just passed inspection and it's not impeding my view at all. Also, so far it seems that the crack isn't spreading and as long as it stays where it is, it's not really bothering me. Insurance will cover the replacement through Lexus when (if) the glass ever comes in (although I'll have to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed).

On the other hand, it has been suggested to me by several people that I might do better with a glass shop. I'd get it done sooner and (I've been told) they actually have more experience than the Lexus techs at replacing windshields. At this point, I'm confused about what to do and hoping to get some advice from others here who may have had to replace their windshields.

The Safelite shop that services my area has a terrible reputation so I'm pretty sure I don't want to go there, but there are a few other glass shops that I could go to. What should I be asking for - OEM glass? Any particular type other than that? Should I be asking about calibration after they replace the glass? Anything else?

Or should I just keep waiting for Lexus for now?

I would be grateful for any advice. Thank you very much.

 

I suspect that the Lexus dealership will just subcontract the job out to a local glass shop…most of them use subcontractors for specialized jobs like windshields, fixing curb rashed wheels, etc. They just mark up the labor cost and pass it along. Personally I used the local glass shop that does the work for the Toyota dealership (Lexus is 120 miles away) and they were able to source a Lexus windshield directly. Of course, there are a vast number of different windshields for any given year, dependent on your specific options list. If it were me I’d ask around if an independent shop could source a Lexus branded windshield and what their lead time might be…couldn’t hurt if you have the time. The other option which I’ve used is a temporary fix…have a glass shop drill a “crack stop” hole at the tip of the crack.. They drill a small (about 1/16” dia) hole right at the tip of the crack and fill it with the crack repair resin. That reduces the localised stress at the end of the crack and stops it from continuing to spread. Then you can wait until an OEM branded windshield (not “Lexus spec” aftermarket) comes in.

 

Thank you very much for your helpful reply. That is some excellent advice and I will definitely start making some calls after the holiday.

 

Use OEM glass. Especially if you can wait.

 

Thanks for the reply 703. That's where I'm confused. Are Lexus glass and OEM glass the same, or is Lexus glass just a type of OEM glass? I'm really out of my league on this one, no matter how much I try researching it. Thank you.

 

I've used Safelite a few times. Someone broke into my Supra smashing the side window. Replacement matched the existing glass.
The first windshield was from a rock kicked up by a truck in front of me. It was quickly done in my driveway.
The second time I had one replaced was similar to your issue. I noticed a small line on the passenger side, but when the cold of winter came and I put the defrost on it spread quickly. As Tootsall mentioned previously, the problem with the second replacement was they had to order it 3 times. The first one was incorrect for all the options fitted to my car. Then the correct one arrived at their shop damaged, so another 2 weeks before it's replacement arrived. Once in it was quickly installed, again in my driveway.
The windshields Safelite installed through insurance in my cars were to my eye as good as the originals. One thing I noticed is the clarity with the new glass. Both cars had over 90,000 miles on them when replaced. You don't notice over the course of years how dull the original windshields had become. I could not find anything to complain about with the quality of Safelites glass.

 

Thanks Esully for sharing yor experience with Safelite. If you know, did use OEM or aftermarket glass?

 

I do not know and no longer have the vehicle thanks to a giant buck running full speed into the side.

 

Ouch. That'll do it. Sorry to hear it and hope you are OK. Thanks for your reply.

 

Here is my experience with my 2017 ES.

I had my Windshield replaced earlier this year by the dealer, I specifically took it to them because I wanted to get the "Lexus" branded OEM glass. It was about $2000 for the replacement.
I asked my service advisor how it works, and he said that the dealer orders the OEM windshield glass, and they will subcontract it out to a place like Safelite where they will come out and install it. After that, they will keep the car for a few days to take off the tape and make sure everything looks right, including the recalibration of all the sensors, any "mistakes" made during the install, and even offered to detail my car for me.

They just threw me in a loaner car for two weeks and I picked the car up when they finally gave me the call.

The one immediate thing I noticed was, HOW CLEAN the windshield looks. Before its been exposed and subject to all of the elements, rocks, road debris, and various other things, the glass looks super nice. The only problem is whenever I get a rock sent flying towards me and it hits my windshield, I immediately think of my bank account. LOL.

 

I’ve got a separate policy for glass on my 2014 UL. $300/yr. And I get my windshield replaced due to cracks (Rock chips, not sand, used on the roads here). Only windshield that fits is the OEM. $50 deductible.

 

Thanks. Thats interesting to hear how they did it. I'm guessing they probably sub it out at my dealer also. I'll have to ask them I still like that they took care of making sure everything was done right before you got it back.

 

Good luck! I have a 2017 RX350 and my windshield was cracked on 12/14/23 and I am still waiting for a replacement windshield. Yes, It is approaching 14 MONTHS of waiting. I started with Safelite but they were having trouble getting a Lexus windshield so I went directly through my local dealer. I have been told that it is best to get the original Lexus windshield because others, considered after-factory glass, do not always calibrate and this leads to warning lights on the dash that do not go away. I was put in contact with Lexus Brand Engagement after questioning how I might expedite this process after 5 months of waiting and now I receive emails from them indicating the windshield is estimated to be received in one month. After 14 months of this nonsense I really question if there is a windshield ever arriving. I have asked for a loaner Lexus and have been denied and of course insurance only covers a loaner for a short period of time, certainly not 1+ years. I am so disappointed with the lack of support and effort made by Lexus that I am not sure I will buy another Lexus product despite having owned a Lexus for many years.

 

Oh that's terrible and not very encouraging to hear. How bad is your crack? Mine is only on the passenger side so at least it's not affecting my ability to drive or pass inspection. Of course I'm anxious to get it fixed but at this point it's more aesthetic than essential. I'm sorry you are going through this. It is very disappointing and I don't know who is to blame really. Where does this glass come from that it's so impossible to get?

 

The crack was small and in the middle of the top part of the windshield but it has since spread from the middle to each end. My inspection was due by the end of January 2024 and the Lexus garage told me they could not inspect it because it would not pass. I was told by some employees at the Lexus dealership to drive it because it wouldn't "shatter". I tried to explain I wasn't concerned about it shattering but if something else hits this glass it will be totally undriveable. I have been driving it uninspected because the cracks do not impede my driving. I have repeatedly asked what it taking so long and I have been told it is a "supply chain issue". I reject that because they are putting out new RXs and they have windshields. No one can tell me how many plants they have that manufacture their windshields and no one can tell me how many other people are waiting but I am told other people have been waiting longer than I. I have called other states to inquire about availability and one Lexus dealership told me the windshield is "discontinued" but local people and the Lexus Brand engagement rep deny this. I have joked that even if there is one person making replacement windshields, wouldn't it be made by now?! It's disgraceful customer service. I see you are from Pennsylvania and I am as well.