Windshield Not Sealed Properly. Leaking water

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ardy95

Member
Joined
Jan 5, 2015
Messages
5
Hello All .....
I was trouble free for 3 years and all of the sudden my world is crashing down.... own a 2013 leaf. in our(Gilroy, California) recent winter we encounter a really heavy rain episode for almost 2 days of constant raining and at time heavy rain. So one day when my son was driving, this is during this heavy storm event, I was sitting in the front passenger sit and noticed that my slippers are getting wet, with curiosity i Pushed my finger into the mat and of my god my index finger the top 1 and 1/2 band of finger got submerged in to the water....

I couldn't believe it..... I took my Car to the Dealership (I also had a different issue right around the same time - http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=23640) to see hopefully take care of it. Well what do you know after $150.00 of labor cost I was told that the sealant on the windshield wasn't set properly and I had to replace the window.... and this could be a cost of up to $700.00. And of course the warranty is out because I have 56K on the car.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7K3cfGtE5NedHFkdGpsNjJYUE0/view?usp=sharing

You know folks this is so unfair, because this issue always has been there, bad craftsmanship, it just took the recent rain event to materialize it. it would probably be hidden if we didn't had this much rain. This is just not fair.....after $300.00 both my issues are still there and the dealership and Nissan is probably laughing to the bank....... and by the way if you Nissan staff are reading don't be scared to chime in..........
 
If you don't want to pay to have it professionally repaired, then you may get lucky and have success with this product:

https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-81730-Flowable-Silicone-Windshield/dp/B000BKEBO0

You'll likely need some sealant too, as you may have to pry loose some weatherstripping depending on where the leak is:

https://www.amazon.com/3M-08008-Black-Weatherstrip-Adhesive/dp/B00063X38M/ref=pd_sim_263_6

I have never done this on a Leaf, so decide carefully if you are willing to go it alone to try to repair it.
 
FYI, had a quick look at my Leaf and I'm guessing it would be tricky to do this well as the upper edge of the windshield is pretty seamless.
 
Thanks laozzy, I really do appreciate the comment and the solution......

For now when it rains I am placing a tarp on the windshield,

My issue right now is that I think this is an manufacturer defect, And the defect should be treated differently than an warranty item. So If I am right I should be able to have NISSAN correct the defect. A windshield is not an mechanical item. if Installed correctly it should work until it breaks or has some damages to the windshield itself.

It's just bad business.....
 
Call the EV Support Line (877-NOGASEV) and talk to them about it. They may be able to help getting it handled as a defect. Since it is out of warranty, the dealer is not likely to be helpful, unless told to by Nissan.
 
We had this problem in out '15 Leaf S when it was delivered. The dealer reinstalled the windshield, and that solved it.
 
Hello All,

I just wanted to loop Back and report to all The status of what I did..... Thanks Baustin.....for providing the Nissan Phone Number.......

To clarify this thread as to the issue, The leakage of the windshield(Passenger Side) was due to manufacturer processes. how ever that happened I don't know. but the cause of it was lack of enough sealant material between the windshield and the car frame. This was confirmed by the dealership, I did make a point to the dealership to put the wording in the write up.

The car warranty was out due to millage being above 55K. I think as consumers we shouldn't loose site of the difference between warranty items and manufacturer defects. A defect may show it self up during the warranty and all will be hassle free, but if it shows up after warranty it may take some steps to proof that it is in fact that....A defect may be dormant but never the less it is a defect, meaning the car was not assembled to it's allowed tolerances.. Point being I really do appreciate the suggestions set forth by forum participants to pay for this out of pocket, but the thought of purchasing a car with such defects was the thing that really bothered me. Fixing the issue would just pass the cost to the consumer in which mind you I have already paid when i purchased the car.

Having said that Nissan has agreed to pay %80 of the cost for replacing the windshield and having it installed correctly in their authorized dealerships. They have contacted the dealership I took the car in and worked out the details with them. The initial cost estimate from the dealership is $800.00. I think this is much more reasonable than pay out of pocket from a third party....... This way any immediate future problem would need to get resolved by the dealership.

Thank you all.
 
Well, I'm pleased to see that you have gotten at least some financial burden relief, regarding your problem.
IMHO, this is just another example of "American workmanship". My 2011 (assembled in Japan) is almost 6yrs young; and I haven't had a single problem with any part of the car, except greater than expected traction battery capacity deterioration, of course.
My next car may well be a Chevy Bolt, but certainly not the first year model.
 
My next car may well be a Chevy Bolt, but certainly not the first year model.

Aside from the Bolt's seat quality control issue, there is at least one report of a seat bolt left loose and falling out, plus some photos of bad body panel misalignment.
 
derkraut said:
... My 2011 (assembled in Japan) is almost 6yrs young; and I haven't had a single problem with any part of the car, except greater than expected traction battery capacity deterioration, of course. ...
The anecdotal build quality of the original 2011 from Japan seems to be the only bright star from being an original purchaser... Me, also hoping the components hold out... Also on the lookout for a qualified LEAF enthusiast mechanic who can be there to support over the years... My own vintage 2011 has minimal cosmetic wear and tear, nicely tinted windows and leather interior... Continuing to run with a range of 30 miles or more per charge, it will fill it's intended purpose as a short hauler transporter...

A leaking windshield from the factory is pretty weak sauce... While NISSAN might have had no legal obligation, and the appreciation of the OP is noble, Nissan should have fully stepped up in this case... Just sayin....
 
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