| JeffK |
| Just took delivery of 2003 MDX. Car is fine except for distortion at center base of front windshield. Checked out several other MDX's at dealer and found same problem. Has anyone encountered same problem and what has been Acura's response? |
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| MDXLNT |
JeffK,
I just had the local dealership replace my front windshield. I had a small (dime size) distortion toward the center of the windshield. Lived with it since Feb 2001, but decided that it was time to have it checked out by the dealer before 50K.
Although the asst. service advisor could not make the call, the service manager apparently approved the replacement under warranty. It was replaced with genuine Honda glass and seal at the dealer. Not sure if they used the thicker 2002 glass or if it was the thinner 2001 glass, but I sure can see clearly now!
Cheers, |
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| JeffK |
Thanks for the info.
Unfortunately my distortion is much bigger than "dime size". It starts at the center of the windshield and works its way across the passenger side. It starts about 3 inches from the bottom and is about 3 inches high.
You get a wavy view when looking through it.
My post was because other 2003 MDX's seemed to have the same problem - at least those at my dealer.
Wondering how this could have gotten through Acura quality control.
One helpful sign, when I pointed it out to the service manager he saw it right away, but also noticed it on other 2003 MDX"S.
Wonder if this will be a factory recall. |
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| JeffK |
Just took delivery of 2003 MDX. Car is fine except for distortion at center base of front windshield. Checked out several other MDX's at dealer and found same problem. Has anyone encountered same problem and what has been Acura's response?
Second posting.
Do I have a unique problem? |
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| Will4271 |
quote:
Originally posted by JeffK
Just took delivery of 2003 MDX. Car is fine except for distortion at center base of front windshield. Checked out several other MDX's at dealer and found same problem. Has anyone encountered same problem and what has been Acura's response?
Second posting.
Do I have a unique problem?
I got my '03 on Oct. 31, 2003. I'll check mines out also tommorrow.
Acura QA team is sleeping again.
I found my interior driver door handle had a molding defect before and an Acura dealer replace it. |
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| SuperDuty Steve |
Our new '03 has a distortion at the center base of the windshield too and we are likely going to get it replaced at some point in the near future as well.
the driver's inside door panel also has an indentation where it meets the mirror trim, leaving a semicircular "hole".
Gonna have to get that fixed as well.
Steve |
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| JeffK |
Dear Steve:
I have checked about 4 to 6 other 2003 MDX at my dealer.
They all have the same distortion!
I think that Acura has had a very long and bad run of windshields.
At first, my service manager did not see the problem, but after a while acknowledged it.
Before to get a new windshield, I have asked to see the district manager, as I do not want another windshield with the same problem.
I think we could be looking a very large factory recall.
Jeff |
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| bomo |
| to get some idea of numbers here. I haven't started one before so I am no help but it would be interesting to see the extent of the problem amongst our members. BTW I do not have the problem. |
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| JeffK |
Update:
I have an appointment with the District Manager on February 25, 2003 to go over this problem.
Would appreciate any other owners to post if they have a similar problem.
Again, I suspect that this is a BIG general problem that may trigger a factory recall. |
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| harmonr1 |
| I have a two week old X and no distortion. They either fixed the problem or...I'm blind. |
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| rjmitche |
| After reading this thread, I looked closely for this today. Either I don't have it or I can't see it.... :confused: |
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| TIGER X 03 |
| I purchased my o3 X in October at a Long Island dealer. I can't find any distortion. |
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| SuperDuty Steve |
I suspected all MDXs had distorted windshields, but now that it appears this isn't so, I should have no trouble getting it replaced under warranty.
Thanks,
Steve |
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| JeffK |
Update:
District Manager inspected my windshield yesterday.
Acknowledged the distortion.
Will check with the engineers and get back to me.
She thinks (yes it was a "she" but extremely competent - I expected no less from Acura) that all windshields are like this.
Again the distortion is from the bottom of the windshield to about 7/8 inches above it, in the center and about 10 left and right of the center.
By sighting on an object directly above the windshield wipers in the center of the windshield and moving up and down about 6 inches you will notice the distortion. |
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| SuperDuty Steve |
Have someone drive your MDX and you sit in the seat behind the front passenger's position. Look through the windshield over the center console and the instrument cluster down low and see if it is massively distorted there. I found that it was hideously distorted there and also from the dirver's position, the center and right side of my windshield was so distorted that it hurt my eyes after driving the vehicle.
Let us know if this works for you.
Thanks,
Steve |
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| JeffK |
Steve:
You have described my problem.
I am afraid this is far more widespread than Acura will admit.
See my prior posts where I am afraid of a factory recall, something Acura may not want to do.
What did you service manager say when he saw the problem?
JeffK |
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| SuperDuty Steve |
Jeff,
My service advisor has agreed to swap out the windshield sight unseen. They are ordering or have ordered a new windshield.
Our vehicle has 700 miles on it. This will be our first service visit. We are also having the driver's side interior door panel replaced; there is a screwdriver-type hole in it where it meets the side mirror trim area.
Steven |
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| thoch |
| Pretty sure I saw distortion in the center but since mine is still in the body shop getting the ding repaired that the cat put in it I can't look. Hopefully I will be able to see something by Friday. I saw the distortion before seeing this thread so I am pretty sure I wasn't influenced . |
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| JeffK |
Steve:
Let me know if the new one is OK.
JEFFK |
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| Jupiter |
After reading this thread, I had to go and check out my 3 month old '03 (3K miles). Viewing from the driver seat through the center lower windshield, there is a slight distortion on my vehicle's windshield. It is not noticeable until you look center and start moving you view side ways and around.
I think that the poll idea may lead to more numbers than the responses thus far. I briefly checked the visibility/distortion for the rest of the windshield and it appears to be okay. I will recheck during daylight hours.
Good luck on your windshield replacement. |
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| smartlis |
I am interested in purchasing an MDX and went out to test drive one today. I was in the passenger seat for part of the ride and saw the distortion you are all talking about and simply thought is was my imagination. It made me dizzy and unsure about the Acura product line. I have owned BMWs, MBZ, Toyota Landcruiser as well as a Lincoln Navigator.
I hope that this is something that will be addressed by Acura since this seems to be something that would cause me not to buy one. Please let me know what the district manager stated.
Thanks! |
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| JeffK |
Thanks for your post!
I am afraid of the implications of the distorted windshield.
As my prior posts have stated, initially the District Manager could not find the distortion. Then of course she did.
I am waiting to hear from her.
What I am afraid of is the fact that every windshield I have looked at has the same problem.
This could be a very large recall. So I expect denial on Acura's part.
I also have owned MB, BMW and I presently own a Porsche.
I have not had this problem with those cars (nor with my Chevy Trailblazer!)
What puzzles me is that distortion usually is around the vertical edges by the "A" pillar - not in the center and only the first 6 to 8 inches from the bottom.
What did the service manager say when you pointed out the problem?
Jeff |
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| smartlis |
Unfortunately I didn't mention anything about it as I thought it was such a weird thing and that maybe I was imagining it. I am still waiting to buy something and the MDX seems to fit all the things I am looking for in an SUV but this problem is turning me off in buying one. Of course if I do buy one they will definitely have to change the windshield. But just the fact that a brand new vehicle in that price range has such a huge defect is really making me wonder if I should purchase it.
I currently drive a 99 Lincoln Navigator and have had no problems with 81000 miles on it. The only thing that the dealer fixed on it was a faulty ignition switch at about 40000 miles. The truck gives me such poor gas mileage (about 9-10 mpg) and the interior workmanship is kind of okay.
I'm considering a used BMW X5 but I've read that that one has some problems with it so my only other choice if I get an SUV would probably be a used Lexus as I read that they have practically no problems. |
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| JeffK |
Lincoln Navigator: You are 100% correct on the gas mileage!
I think you have gotten one of the best made, if you have had only one problem.
BMW X-5: Looked and stopped looking immediately: Too expensive and no storage room.
I have just looked at both the new Nissan and Infiniti. They have no storage, so I ruled them out. Also the infiniti is $12,000 more than the MDX.
The only vehicle similar to the MDX is the new VW. However, I have owned first year productions of German cars, and will never do it again. They take 12/18 months to work the bugs out.
Now that you know the problem with the windshield, recommend you speak to the District manager about it.
If enough people bring it to their attention, the problem will be fixed.
I got my MDX in December and now have 7,000 miles on it. Still love it and happy to report gas mileage has improved.
See my other posts where I tell why I am using regular gas.
Even with the distortion in the windshield, I think it is the best around and would buy it again.
(You might want to consider the Honda Pilot. I just thought it was too plain and preferred the ride and handling of the MDX. Also the MDX feels far more luxurious and it replaced my BMW 740il, so I thought the Pilot even with leather was not upscale enough, although mechanical very similar)
Jeff |
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| smartlis |
Thanks for your prompt reply and great information. I would like to know how to contact the district manager. Where do I get the information?
Also, did you have to wait to get the model and color you wanted? Is there a short supply of these cars? When I went for the test drive, the three models on the lot were sold. Is it better to wait until there are more of them available? or do I have to place a deposit for one and wait?
Thanks for all your help! |
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| JeffK |
Dear Thoch:
Did you get the replacement windshield?
So far I am getting a round a round from Acura.
They acknowledge the problem, but engineering is looking into it.
No new replacement windshields yet.
JeffK |
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| MDXandTLS2 |
Our 2003 MDX has a distorted windshield.
And so does our 2003 TL Type S... hhhmmmmm..... |
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| jedi_gras |
my 03 mdx w/ 600miles on it also has the distortion..I noticed at the dealer but wondered if it was "normal" due to the thicker glass they are using on the new models...u know..snells law...speed of light through dense materials...
anyway, if someone had this "corrected" then I would like to know more about it...when i look at a specific point on my windshield, it makes me dizzy! |
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| JeffK |
Update:
Believe it or not, the factory rep said that "DISTORTION IN THE WINDSHIELD IS NORMAL"!!
I could not believe this reply!!!
After waiting for 6 weeks, the Factory rep reported to my dealer that they acknowledge there is a distortion in ALL MDX windshields but that this is normal.
My dealer suggested contacting customer service which I will do.
I do not think I will receive any satisfaction, and may have to take the issue to either or both the FTC of the National Highway Safety Board.
To all on this board: Again the factory rep acknowledges that ALL MDX windshield's are distorted but that is normal.
I suggest you all check and put pressure on your Acura dealers!
CLASS ACTION????? |
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| JeffK |
For update on resolution go to my new thread:
"Acura acknowledges distortion in Windshield!" |
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