Safelite Glass

2452 Views 96 Replies 19 Participants Last post by LBAswli, 4 d ago

GrumpyGriller

Discussion Starter · 13 d ago

I've read through a bunch of posts regarding windshield replacement, though most centered around Subaru's defect/warranty extension etc. Since Safelite appears to control who makes the glass they use more secretly than the original formula for Pepsi

I can't seem to get enough info to help me decide if OEM is worth $210 out of pocket vs. the OEE glass.

I have a '21 Touring, and normally I'd say OEM all the time, but since Safelite says they do a dual-calibration on Eyesight, is there real value in having the word Subaru on the windshield? I read something that suggested OEE cannot make the exact same glass due to licensing agreements/copyright (more than just stamping Subaru on the glass), but even that was (pun intended) unclear.

I did call my local (and trusted) retailer - they outsource the work, so not much value in using them in this case as their warranty is only 12 months and would actually cost me closer to $300 out-of-pocket.

In summary, I can pay $0 to get the OEE glass or $210 to get the OEM glass, both with lifetime warranties against defects/install issues and that's what I am trying to decide.

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packout

· #2 · 13 d ago

GrumpyGriller said:
I've read through a bunch of posts regarding windshield replacement, though most centered around Subaru's defect/warranty extension etc. Since Safelite appears to control who makes the glass they use more secretly than the original formula for Pepsi I can't seem to get enough info to help me decide if OEM is worth $210 out of pocket vs. the OEE glass.

I have a '21 Touring, and normally I'd say OEM all the time, but since Safelite says they do a dual-calibration on Eyesight, is there real value in having the word Subaru on the windshield? I read something that suggested OEE cannot make the exact same glass due to licensing agreements/copyright (more than just stamping Subaru on the glass), but even that was (pun intended) unclear.

I did call my local (and trusted) retailer - they outsource the work, so not much value in using them in this case as their warranty is only 12 months and would actually cost me closer to $300 out-of-pocket.

In summary, I can pay $0 to get the OEE glass or $210 to get the OEM glass, both with lifetime warranties against defects/install issues and that's what I am trying to decide.

10 people - 10 opinions.

I use novus for replacement and dual calibration.

Reactions: 2

denissh

· #3 · 13 d ago (Edited)

technically there is is subaru document floating around saying if you don't use subaru glass your Eyesight system is not covered ...

call more Dealers just calibration price can go from $120 to $600..

Reactions: 2

Titanrx8

· #4 · 13 d ago

Isn't the Ascent windshield "sound proofed"? I was talking to a local mechanic who was asked to troubleshoot an F150 that suddenly became much noisier after the windshield was replaced. After checking the obvious like air leaks and vibrating moldings and ruling those out, he called the glass shop. He asked the shop if the windshield had the same specs as the OEM. Ie, thickness, weight and sound proofing. The shop acknowledged that the replacement didn't meet the Ford spec and wasn't sound proof.

Reactions: 4

E-EC-ECU

· #5 · 13 d ago

I am dealing with this exact issue today. A previously "repaired" crack just went from 1-inch to about 13-inches. I have a $0 deductible with USAA, but Safelite claims that they don't know of any "requirement" for OEM glass, but would "put in the request for OEM glass". I was told that if my insurance didn't accept the request for OEM, I would have to foot the difference in cost.

It is surprising to me that so many people say that OEM glass is required but I can't find any documentation to back up that claim. It's frustrating!

Packard8

· #6 · 13 d ago

E-EC-ECU said:
I am dealing with this exact issue today. A previously "repaired" crack just went from 1-inch to about 13-inches. I have a $0 deductible with USAA, but Safelite claims that they don't know of any "requirement" for OEM glass, but would "put in the request for OEM glass". I was told that if my insurance didn't accept the request for OEM, I would have to foot the difference in cost.

It is surprising to me that so many people say that OEM glass is required but I can't find any documentation to back up that claim. It's frustrating!

From reading this and other Ascent forums, the OEM glass doesn't seem to have a good track record for durability. I'd call around to dealers within your area and see what prices are out there. OEM installed by Subaru should quell any warranty issues.

GrumpyGriller

Discussion Starter · #7 · 13 d ago

E-EC-ECU said:
I am dealing with this exact issue today. A previously "repaired" crack just went from 1-inch to about 13-inches. I have a $0 deductible with USAA, but Safelite claims that they don't know of any "requirement" for OEM glass, but would "put in the request for OEM glass". I was told that if my insurance didn't accept the request for OEM, I would have to foot the difference in cost.

It is surprising to me that so many people say that OEM glass is required but I can't find any documentation to back up that claim. It's frustrating!

I just opened a case with SOA to see if someone can provide an official document indicating OEM is required or not. The dealer will also install OEM, but they are almost $400 over what insurance says they'll cover and the warranty is only 12 months. I'll update once I here back from SOA.

Reactions: 1

packout

· #8 · 13 d ago (Edited)

E-EC-ECU said:
I am dealing with this exact issue today. A previously "repaired" crack just went from 1-inch to about 13-inches. I have a $0 deductible with USAA, but Safelite claims that they don't know of any "requirement" for OEM glass, but would "put in the request for OEM glass". I was told that if my insurance didn't accept the request for OEM, I would have to foot the difference in cost.

It is surprising to me that so many people say that OEM glass is required but I can't find any documentation to back up that claim. It's frustrating!

I posted that doc in 2019. I will try and find it. edit: here you go.

www.ascentforums.com

Novus Glass in CO (windshield replacement)

Has anyone in Co had to replace their windshield? State Farm recommended Novus in Fort Collins. Any experience with them? Good.....bad.....or should I look elsewhere? State Ferm says they have aftermarket OEM equivalent and calibration for Eyesight. Thanks in advance.

www.ascentforums.com

www.ascentforums.com

I do not recall that specific strong wording but it alluded to needing the oem glass. If the vehicle is 1 or 2 years old insurance should cover it without any argument.

GrumpyGriller

Discussion Starter · #9 · 13 d ago

packout said:
I posted that doc in 2019. I will try and find it. edit: here you go.

Novus Glass in CO (windshield replacement)

Has anyone in Co had to replace their windshield? State Farm recommended Novus in Fort Collins. Any experience with them? Good.....bad.....or should I look elsewhere? State Ferm says they have aftermarket OEM equivalent and calibration for Eyesight. Thanks in advance.

www.ascentforums.com

I do not recall that specific strong wording but it alluded to needing the oem glass. If the vehicle is 1 or 2 years old insurance should cover it without any argument.

I should here back from SOA by Friday with their perspective - if they give me something that say OEM I can go back to insurance and try to force the issue. Oddly, given the history of the theoretical issues with the OEM windshields, perhaps OEE would be ok as well

packout

· #10 · 13 d ago (Edited)

GrumpyGriller said:
I should here back from SOA by Friday with their perspective - if they give me something that say OEM I can go back to insurance and try to force the issue. Oddly, given the history of the theoretical issues with the OEM windshields, perhaps OEE would be ok as well

As a special caution, vehicles equipped with EyeSight that have had the windshield removed and installed will need to have the Inspection and Adjustment and Check of the stereo camera. If the glass is damaged in the EyeSight area, or EyeSight mounting bracket is damated, repairs are prohibited. According to Subaru, a new Subaru genuine windshield must be installed because installing an aftermarket windshield may prevent the EyeSight from working properly. Additional cautions are located in the Windshield Glass procedure.

To find the procedures in the repair manual to go: Service Diagnostics ➤ Body & Electrical/Wiring System ➤ Glass/Windows/Mirrors ➤ Windshield Glass. Approved materials and other cautions can be found in Service Diagnostics ➤ General ➤ Cautions Or Materials sections.

Subaru vehicle-specific body repair manuals can be found at: techinfo.subaru.com

ask forum members who have access to that file to copy and reference it for you.

https://www.glassbytes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/SubaruWindshieldNotice.jpg

You can remind the insurance company that if OEM is not used per this notice the insurance company and the glass installer take on the additional liability exposure when an accident occurs. This is not an option, it is required per Subaru. The same thing when insurance companies must repair houses to code.

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Reactions: 5

Leny

· #11 · 12 d ago

Safelite replaced the windshield on my 2019 Ascent Touring this past February. They used Fuyao glass (Fuyao Glass America | We are the top manufacturing and distribution centers in America.) and did the recalibration. The new glass has no distortions and EyeSight works perfectly. Cost was paid by insurance in the amount of $1,077,44. Given my end result I am glad I didn't spend the extra $200 and change out of pocket for Subaru glass.

Reactions: 5

packout

· #12 · 12 d ago

Leny said:
Safelite replaced the windshield on my 2019 Ascent Touring this past February. They used Fuyao glass (Fuyao Glass America | We are the top manufacturing and distribution centers in America.) and did the recalibration. The new glass has no distortions and EyeSight works perfectly. Cost was paid by insurance in the amount of $1,077,44. Given my end result I am glad I didn't spend the extra $200 and change out of pocket for Subaru glass.

the reality is that none of us would know if eyesight is working perfectly. Eyesight may remain activated and properly calibrated but not pick up as accurately as with other glass. We simply do not know nor necessraily would we even after a crash. The argument would come in by attornies and insurance claim's adjusters referencing Subaru's stipulated requirements.

Reactions: 2

Titanrx8

· #13 · 12 d ago

packout said:
The argument would come in by attornies and insurance claim's adjusters referencing Subaru's stipulated requirements.

If the litigation were large enough, the insurance company's expert witnesses would certainly point this out. For a minor woops it probably won't matter.

Reactions: 2

packout

· #14 · 12 d ago

Titanrx8 said:
If the litigation were large enough, the insurance company's expert witnesses would certainly point this out. For a minor woops it probably won't matter.

I pay the same deductable either way, so in the past I have demanded and received the OEM replacement.

denissh

· #15 · 12 d ago

https://oem1stop.com/sites/default/files/Subaru_Eyesight_Position_Revised(5-23-17).pdf

It’s old file I have seen newer one .. more direct.. can’t find it right now

Reactions: 1

packout

· #16 · 12 d ago

denissh said:
https://oem1stop.com/sites/default/files/Subaru_Eyesight_Position_Revised(5-23-17).pdf
It’s old file I have seen newer one .. more direct.. can’t find it right now

this is why their attorney makes the big bucks. The revised statment adds a clause concerning potential calibration issues but does not connect that concern with the clause in both statments regarding actual performance. Specifically is there a concern if an owner uses aftermarket and it is calibrated sucessfully.

Is a sucessful calibration sufficient to a properly functioning eyesight for both OEM and aftermarket. My bet is that we never get a direct answer. this is how the legal profession supports their future relevance.

2020 statement

https://www.oem1stop.com/sites/default/files/Subaru_Pos_Eyesight_FINAL%284-16-20%29.pdf

Reactions: 2

denissh

· #17 · 12 d ago

packout said:
this is why their attorney makes the big bucks. The revised statment adds a clause concerning potential calibration issues but does not connect that concern with the clause in both statments regarding actual performance. Specifically is there a concern if an owner uses aftermarket and it is calibrated sucessfully.

Is a sucessful calibration sufficient to a properly functioning eyesight for both OEM and aftermarket. My bet is that we never get a direct answer. this is how the legal profession supports their future relevance.

2020 statement

https://www.oem1stop.com/sites/default/files/Subaru_Pos_Eyesight_FINAL%284-16-20%29.pdf

i think it is as direct as we going to get..

"Aftermarket or substitute structural, body, mechanical or electrical repair parts are not covered under any Subaru warranty or Subaru Added Security agreement. Subaru of America, Inc., is not responsible for any resultant damage caused by the use and/or installation of any aftermarket substitute part(s)."

Reactions: 2

packout

· #18 · 12 d ago

denissh said:
i think it is as direct as we going to get..

"Aftermarket or substitute structural, body, mechanical or electrical repair parts are not covered under any Subaru warranty or Subaru Added Security agreement. Subaru of America, Inc., is not responsible for any resultant damage caused by the use and/or installation of any aftermarket substitute part(s)."

Subaru would never cov er any aftermarket parts nor their negative impact that may occur from their istallation. That is a given and expected from any manufacturer. What is really at issue here is whether installing the aftermarket windshield and having it succeffully calibrated would reduce the effectiveness of eyesight in its operation.

Reactions: 1

Packard8

· #19 · 12 d ago

denissh said:
i think it is as direct as we going to get..

"Aftermarket or substitute structural, body, mechanical or electrical repair parts are not covered under any Subaru warranty or Subaru Added Security agreement. Subaru of America, Inc., is not responsible for any resultant damage caused by the use and/or installation of any aftermarket substitute part(s)."

A pretty standard "Boilerplate" CYA clause. IMO, in the event that a crash with injuries occurred with failed crash avoidance tech, and aftermarket glass and calibration could be documented, SoA could deny culpability claiming that the aftermarket parts/calibration did not perform to factory specs.

The Attornies' "Full Employment Act".

Reactions: 4

packout

· #20 · 12 d ago

Packard8 said:
A pretty standard "Boilerplate" CYA clause. IMO, in the event that a crash with injuries occurred with failed crash avoidance tech, and aftermarket glass and calibration could be documented, SoA could deny culpability claiming that the aftermarket parts/calibration did not perform to factory specs.

The Attornies' "Full Employment Act".

not just Subaru, but nsurance could potentially reject the claim due to a decision an owner made to install aftermarket even after this warning from Subaru. Of course this would involve a prolonged legal fight over whether using the OEM would have made a difference in a particular instance. Its bad enough getting into a crash. Its bad enough knowing you have to work hard to be properly compensated. Its worse thinking that the past decision to save a couple of hundred dollars cost you a year of battle and possibly loosing much $$$.

As I noted, in my particular case, I pay the same deductible either way, so I always would go with OEM.

Reactions: 1

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