we had a rain today for the first time since owning my Highlander.

What is the model year and mileage. Did you purchase new or used?

 

we had a rain today for the first time since owning my Highlander.

What is the model year and mileage. Did you purchase new or used?

2018 LE bought new about 6 weeks ago. 1800 miles

 

If it is still happening during more normal business hours, I would head on over to a dealer and compare it to the other HL's on their lot, and talk to a service advisor.

 

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I had something similar (although not as severe) on my 2017 SE when new. It seems to affect how moisture adheres to the glass so it is only visible when wet, foggy or if the wipers are smearing across it. I suspect it is something the dealer used during pre-delivery detailing. It probably is sprayed on the body and overspray gets on the windshield. I found it VERY difficult to get off with anything I tried (alcohol, detergents, etc.) but after a while, time took care of it and it dissipated.

Paul

 

Thanks. That's the direction I was thinking. It seems like some type of wax like coating that regardless of how hard you rub with a towel, it does not take it off, it also does not "smear" it......it does nothing. As part of my "paint protection package" it included the paint sealer/protection. I don't know how that is applied but wondered if it could have coated the windows. Even the window on the rear cargo hatch is effected. I'm just glad I was not miles from home because it could have been a real safety concern trying to drive with such an obstructed view!

 

Dealers are not perfect by any means. Long ago I bought a SAAB and though I didn't order it the dealer droids sprayed "undercoat" all over the exhaust system. The fumes gassed me out for weeks.

 

Could it be a bad dealer installed window tint job and it took rain/humidity to expose it? i'm grasping at straws :crying:

 

I had the same problem on my '15 Highlander. The problem was the windshield was delaminating. It was replaced under warrantee with no further problems. It looked exactly like yours.

 

Ronsec, thanks for that info! Last week I was driving to work and a rock hit my windshield, leaving a significant chip in the glass. From what I understand, windshields have a outer glass layer, a middle plastic layer and an inner glass layer. Not sure if that's right..... just what I read when doing a google search. In my list of possible scenarios was that the chip was deep enough in the outer glass layer to allow moisture to enter into the plastic layer. I guess the good news is that because of a $100. deduct I can replace the windshield with an OEM @ dealership so I will have a new windshield soon.... hopefully.

The only part of that whole scenario that does not make sense, when we were driving in the rain yesterday and I put on my rear cargo wiper to clear the window, once I turned off the wiper I could see "teardrop" streaks left on the glass, like it also had some type of coating so maybe the "chip theory" is was off target and it just a delaminating issue like you had.

Of course, if it is a defective windshield and nothing to do with chip, i would come out better having dealet replace under warranty rather thsn make a claim on my insurance

 

Long ago a Detailer place told me how to remove annoying muck-like films on windshields. Super fine steel wool, (four ought or more) and straight vinegar (any kind-cheaper the better) Little at a time dip the steel wool pad in vinegar and scrub. Gradually over lap the areas, drying each spot when you see the glass appearance change to clear and clean. When you're all done wipe with clear-clean water (I know some who like to use cheap club soda) Beware of carwashes that love to leave some sort of filmy waxy garbage!

 

I originally made this post about the problem I was experiencing with some type of coating on my 2018 Highlander windshield that I bought new back in July of this year. Not long after having the Highlander I had a rock hit my windshield and cause a considerable chip in the glass. Since my deductible is only $100. to have a new OEM windshield put in I opted for that instead of just having the original windshield repaired with the resin filler. Plus, I thought it would also solve the problem with the issue of whatever was coating my windshield. Kill two birds with one stone.

fast forward. Had new OEM Toyota windshield installed about 2 weeks ago. Today was the first day we have had rain since the install. I leave work tonight to drive home and turn on my wipers. When the wipers glide across my windshield, guess what? Yes, that same type of film coating is on my new windshield! WTF is up with that? Is is just defective Toyota windshields? I can look over at the passengers side of the windshield and there are areas where you can see where some type of liquid ran down across the windshield at some point and those streaks do not have the coating on it, those streaks are clear. I am 57 years old, have owned many cars in my life and have NEVER experienced anything like this with a windshield!!! Yes, I tried using the defrost to no avail. As the wipers blades pass in front of my vision is when it is at it's worst. as the blades move away, the film/coating starts becoming less noticeable. It's like the contact of the blades against the glass exacerbates the problem. It's not really noticeable during daylight. It becomes a problem once it is dark, wet/raining and lights from cars, street lights, etc... are shining on the windshield.

I don't know what to do at this point. When I discussed it with the dealership they said that I would need to drop it off when it is raining so they can look at it after dark and try to recreate the problem. Do you realize how difficult that is going to be to coordinate? Who in the service dept. is going to be the one to sit around and wait until it's dark and hope that it is still raining at the time to check it out? I HAVE PICTURES THAT CLEARLY SHOW THE FILM/COATING ON THE WINDSHIELD!

If anyone has any suggestions, I am all ears. Being that the car is brand new, I don't feel comfortable attacking the windshield with steel wool & vinegar or any of those other possible solutions that could end up creating even a bigger problem (scratched glass, etc.). Plus, the car is new...... I should not have to be trying to figure something that I have to try and do myself to solve the problem...... IT'S UNDER WARRANTY!!!

I have a hard time believing that I am the only owner of a '18 Highlander having this windshield problem.

 

When I discussed it with the dealership they said that I would need to drop it off when it is raining so they can look at it after dark and try to recreate the problem.

Do try this at home first. Wait until dark, spray the windshield with your garden hose or a spray bottle. See if the issue shows up. If it does then scheduling should be easy (take your own spray bottle just in case)

+1 to the member who suggested whatever is on the glass is probably also on your wipers so remove and clean or replace those too.

Cheers!

 

In the dawn of motoring many people swore by the household cleaners that were 100% Feldspar. Use tiny amounts on wet paper towels, dry carefully and repeat. Probably can't find any cleaners with 100% Feldspar anymore, My last try was zero successful, but, I did come close by using years old 'PolyGlyCoat' polish until I was satisfied with how things looked in the rain. Then I discovered that one of the local drive thru car washes sprays something on-regardless of you paying for it or not. Twice over with PGC and it was gone.

 

It's got to be some kind of foreign substance on the glass. The wipers aren't removing the water completely, but instead, whatever water remains is being smeared around.

You're not the only one to experience it, but it's not some sort of inherent issue with Highlanders in general. I've seen similar complaints over on TacomaWorld. It looks like it boils down to just finding the right cleaning agent for the job. I agree that steel wool sounds a bit extreme... I'd try some other cleaners first, but be very careful with them and don't get anything on the paint.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/strange-oily-like-spots-when-running-windshield-wipers.446550/ ("IPOH" is isopropyl alcohol)

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-windshield-haze.441524/

I'd also replace the windshield wipers when you clean the glass. Whatever is on the glass may be on the wipers too.

 

Brad..Curious, who installed windshield? Apparently new ws is streaking like orig oem. To me looks like it could be safety issue. Sounds like your getting BS from dealer. Press issue with svc mgr...also can all toyo CR & file complaint...also can contact NHTSA. You shouldn't have to try & correct issue yourself, but? :dunno:


FWIW...film/streaking on ws reminds me of rain x if not properly applied. Anyhow, myself I'd probably try cleaning small area with glass cleaner or ? & see what happens. Yeah, odd sounding cause can only see streaking at night. Good luck on outcome.

 

Brad..Curious, who installed windshield? Apparently new ws is streaking like orig oem. To me looks like it could be safety issue. Sounds like your getting BS from dealer. Press issue with svc mgr...also can all toyo CR & file complaint...also can contact NHTSA. You shouldn't have to try & correct issue yourself, but? :dunno:


FWIW...film/streaking on ws reminds me of rain x if not properly applied. Anyhow, myself I'd probably try cleaning small area with glass cleaner or ? & see what happens. Yeah, odd sounding cause can only see streaking at night. Good luck on outcome.

As long as loblolly has bumped this I might as well add my 2 cents. Ditto Buffo's comment on Rain X applied improperly, and also when it starts to wear off. Also I would have the same concerns about Aquapel, particularly since I think dealers would be more likely to apply it than Rain X. FWIW, I use Rain X and usually don't need to worry about it wearing off since I constantly reapply it by having it in my spray bottle I use for cleaning my windows, and it is in my WW reservoir, (the orange stuff in the gallon bottle available almost anywhere car stuff is sold).

 

Bradley78727 - I know this is an old thread but hoping you could update on the windshield issue. I am having very similar problem w/ my 2017 RAV4. Have gone to the dealer twice - they cleaned it but still having the same problem. I took the car to an auto glass professional, but he was unable to help.

 

No idea what the real problem is, but replacing wipers is a cheap way to remove one possibility.

We had overspray (I think) from dealer coatings. I scrubbed multiple times with windex. Got most of it. They I clayed the window and it was much better.

 

The saga continues!!!

If you read my original post from back in September of 2018, I was complaining about my then brand new 2018 Highlander windshield having permanent streaks that I was unable to remove.

I received tons of suggestions. I tried various window cleaners. I did not try any of the "scraping" methods because I figured it was then on me if I messed it up even more! Although annoying, I ended up just living with it.

Since that time I have had to have the windshield replaced again due to rocks on the highway. Went to Safelite and had new OEM Toyota windshield installed. First time I had to use my wipers (new expensive wipers) the very same streaking appeared! I was so mentally drained from searching for solutions I just once again lived with it.

Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago. I finally took my Highlander in to have the windshield replaced that was cracked in a hail storm. I thought about using someone other than Safelite but after researching and reading reviews I wasnt confident I would be any better off. So back to Satellite I go.

Cut to the chase. Pick my car up and a couple of days later it's sprinkling when I leave for work. I put my wipers on and guess what? Yup, same streaks in windshield. If you are tempted to suggest it may be the wipers save your time. IT IS NOT THE WIPERS. I decide that enough is enough and after insurance paying $1,960. for a new windshield and calibration, I should have a CLEAR new windsheild! I go back to Satellite. The tech goes out with me to my Highlander. I spray the windshield with wiper fluid and turn on wipers. Tech says "yeah, I see what you are talking about. It's a defective windsheild". They decide that the solution is to order a windshield directly from Toyota instead of using the ones they have in inventory.

I go in last week and have the next new windshield installed. Yes, anyone with half a brain would have tested it before ever even leaving Satellite but Im thinking, ain't no way. Well guess what? Yup, same streaks on windshield. This time I got an added bonus. It not only has streaks but the glass is WAVY!

I had an appointment this morning to have the calibration redone, thinking that's why the cruise control was not working. After having the most recent windshield installed my check engine light came on. Codes don't seem to be connected to windshield. Separate issue. But someone here on the forum pointed out that when the check engine light is on....... THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. I disconnected my batter to reset and sure enough, the cruise control works.

I kept the appointment for this morning. When I went in I told them that we didn't have to do a recalibration, we had bigger issues. The tech went out with me again. He saw the same streaks that were in the previous windshield and he agreed that the glass was wavy! He went to talk with he manager about what to do.

He approached me in the waiting room to tell me that they are going to order a windshield directly from Toyota. I said, "wait a minute, that's what you said you were doing last week. This windshield isn't from Toyota?". He said no, it was from their inventory! There were other people in the waiting room and I know it's not the tech's fault so although it was very difficult I kept my cool. He is suppose to call me this afternoon to tell me when they can get in the Toyota windshield. I asked him to please make sure it's not the same Pilkington 242 that the others have been!

 

i cant stand the lies like that.

i went for an alignment and was told i need new LCA's. no worries, i can do that. so i did and brought the car back. they did the alignment and said it was all good. i asked for the printout and they told me the printer was broken. i said id come back when it was fixed so they can either give me a printout or i could just take a picture on the phone. (im not picky). there was some back and forth and they agreed.
i went back and it was different staff. they said the printer was still broken but i could just take a picture. im cool with that.
it took allot longer than expected. the tech came out and said the reason the rear was never adjusted was because the bolts were seized and needed to be heated.
thats weird, i was told the car was good to go and that everything was fine. if i didnt go back, i would have destroyed my new tires. and there would be nothing i could have done.
lying sacs of crap. they know that without a printout, people just have to believe them. they tried adjusting the rear but it was more work than they wanted to do and just didnt do it. they told me it was all good and would have sent me on my way.
i cant imagine how many people are driving around thinking their car is properly aligned.

 

Try some clay bar on the glass. If that does not work, I'd try CarPro Ceriglass using Rayon Polishing Pad on a Random Orbit DA. If not comfortable doing that, a professional detailer can help.

 

Came here to say the same thing. I stupidly thought that when I was staining my BACK YARD fence with an electric sprayer that there's no way overspray would hit my car... well, after several cleaning products later a clay bar and meguiar's quick detailing spray took it right off and my windshield was spotless. 10/10 would recommend.

Fast forward a year and we get a major rock chip while on a road trip and within 30min of driving it spread to the edge of the windshield. We got it replaced at safelight with OEM glass and it came back so wavy it made me nauseous to drive. The lane departure barely worked as well despite being calibrated. We went back and the tech was like no $!@$ that's bad. (don't know why he didn't notice it the first time ) They replaced it with another OEM windshield at no charge. Glass is smooth and lane departure works great (well, as good as before) again.

TLDR: Try clay bar, it will strip it bare. Get safelight to replace any wavy glass, they did mine for free.

 

I appreciate your advice and trying to help! I say that sincerely! But if I’m paying $1 960. I’m not going to be the one fixing the problem. Know what I mean?

 

Just saying. You get a new windshield installed, again, and it is the same, I'd resort to taking it into my own hands for a fix. Every time a new windshield is installed, you risk them scraping off the paint when they take the old urethane off. With that, you'll eventually get rust. So I'd limit the times a new windshield is installed.

 

So all this time I thought that Safelite was installing genuine Toyota windshields in my Highlander. I thought this because I insisted on OEM and it says TOYOTA right above Pikington 242. I went by Safelite today to talk with the manager. Long story short he told me he would get a Toyota windshield if that’s what I wanted after 2 defective Toyota Pilkington installs. I asked him what the difference was go to be. I asked if it would still have TOYOTA PILKINGTON on the windshield and he said no, it would just have Toyota because it’s made by Toyota. I said yes to order the windshield from Toyota, made by Toyota. A guy in the waiting room overheard my conversation and told me he was there because Safelite installed 2 wavy Pilkington windshields in his Hyundai. He was not happy!

 

So all this time I thought that Safelite was installing genuine Toyota windshields in my Highlander.

Toyota doesn't make windshields. It's made for them. There are 2-3 windshield manufacturers for Toyota. Pick one.

 

Toyota, like any auto manufacturer doesn't make anything, their suppliers do. However to be branded with the Toyota name it may go through a more stringent requirements in quality, composition, material, finish, etc. This is true whether its a windshield, wheel, engine sensor, blower motor, etc. The same product without the OEM logo might be sold if the OEM doesn't have agreements forbidding it but usually it will be a inferior (but often still usable) product. Pilkington is a well known automotive glass supplier in the US. I wouldn't be surprised if they supply safelight with both OEM Toyota glass AND non-OEM Toyota glass.

This isn't to be confused with "WIllfitters" aka copycats that make a product, claim to either be OEM or "Will fit Brand X". These are often low cost, inferior products. In one case I was testing a batch of Rubber Hood latches for Semi-Trucks and the OEM latch would break/tear once it was stretched over 13" the aftermarket latch that looked identical broke at <1.5".

Source: Me, 18+ years in commercial truck design and supplier sourcing.

 

Toyota, like any auto manufacturer doesn't make anything

There are many things the manufacture does make....engines, body-parts.

Products | Toyota Industries Corporation (toyota-industries.com)

 

thats wild but not surprising.

when we have a claim through geico, the body shop repaired the HL and did a "pre-handoff" inspection with us. The bumper fit like garbage. the corners flared out, the middle of the seams were sunk in, and it looked like it had been in a minor fender bender (after being repaired).
the shop told us that Geico only installs aftermarket parts. its only if the customer makes a complaint will they take the car back and install genuine parts. UGHHH another week of a rental car.

had an issue with safelite where they cut the top trim to fit the front windshield. (infront of the roof rack bars on both sides). they left a huge gap and it looked insane. the windshield also leaked. We filed a complaint and they said to leave it in the sun for a few days. when that didnt work, they told us they had to attempt to fix the leak before they could replace anything. Their fix was to load the inside top portion with sealant. spoiler, it didnt work. they had to install another windshield and replace the trim. idk where the trim came from but they said the trim from toyota cost more than the windshield. this was a few years ago and it was an 08 rav4.

i cant stand how companies install inferior parts in the hopes that the customer just accept it.

 

I think what’s important to remember is that car companies design their own parts (Or spec out parts in some cases). If they contract out the manufacturing of that part, the vendor must manufacture the parts using the OEM drawings. No matter who makes it, only OEM parts are gaurunteed to meet OEM specifications. This even holds true for windshields.

So your Aisin part may or may not be identical to the Aisin part with the Toyota logo on it. It’s likely the same but it must be if it is the OEM variant. I don’t see where Pilkington glass would be any different. It’s probably the same quality as “Toyota Pilkington” but there is no obligation for Pilkington to maintain the some specs on the glass if it doesn’t say Toyota on it (unless Toyotas spec is the same as DOT requirements).

 

“Toyota Pilkington” but there is no obligation for Pilkington to maintain the some specs on the glass if it doesn’t say Toyota on it (unless Toyotas spec is the same as DOT requirements).

In many cases it's actually cheaper to make ONE part of a higher quality then to make multiple parts of varying degree of quality. In all likelihood that Pilkington glass will meet or exceed the Toyota spec.

 

Had mine replaced with a “Toyota Pilkington 242” branded windshield at Safelite with no issues. Could be luck of the draw too…