Vehicle Manufacturer's Position Statement On Windshield Replacement

Special OEM Windshield Technology

Looking for information on special OEM windshield technology? OEM Windshield Replacement Network has you covered. Contact us to learn more or check out the information on this page.

Nissan with Non-Reusable Rear-View Mirrors

Nissan is regarded as an industry leader infusing advanced technology into its windshields. This means that an OEM glass replacement is strictly recommended.

According to Nissan Motor Company, their automotive glasses have critical safety roles, providing ocular clarity and structural rigidity to the vehicle.

Nissan North America strongly recommends against using aftermarket or recycled glasses. That’s why their warranty only supports genuine Nissan or OEM parts, and the use of aftermarket parts could void your warranty.

Subaru and the EyeSight Feature

Subaru, also joins the list of companies that support OEM replacement, especially among Subaru vehicle lines equipped with EyeSight technology. EyeSight is a breakthrough driving feature that helps get drivers out of harm’s way by providing assistance through alerts when it detects impending danger on the road.

The EyeSight technology can apply brakes in certain situations to avoid a collision. Due to this feature, road accidents involving vehicles equipped with EyeSight have demonstrated a reduction in rear-end collisions by as much as 85% and pedestrian injuries by 35%.

The use of aftermarket windshields on EyeSight-equipped Subaru vehicles may affect the performance of these safety systems. There is a possibility that the lower quality or non-compatible glass materials of aftermarket windshields can disrupt the camera’s visibility. Likewise, the incompatible distortion could result in inaccurate EyeSight operation due to incorrect measurements and estimates of incoming objects. This all means that your safety will be compromised instead of fortified.

Mercedes-Benz and the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)

The luxury car brand, Mercedes-Benz, has been at the forefront of OEM replacement of all parts, including windshields. The position of the carmaker remains strong with regard to the use of OEM windshields, as aftermarket options could not account for the complex electrical components in the vehicle’s features. This could interfere with the electrical connections and cause the electronic systems to stop working.

Additionally, Mercedes-Benz is one of the car manufacturers that uses the Advanced Driver Assistance System or ADAS, which is a system designed to improve driving safety and is used by several automakers. The technology includes several features such as park assist, lane-departure warning, cross-traffic alert, heads-up displays, surround view, and collision avoidance.

With ADAS, drivers don’t have to look down at the dashboard as often, so they can focus more on the road. In the past, ADAS was offered as an upgrade for some high-end cars like Mercedes-Benz. However, this feature has become a standard feature for many manufacturers, even for their base models.

The ADAS technology connects the windshield to the rearview mirrors, meaning that a windshield replacement will likely also involve replacing the rearview mirrors. According to Mercedes-Benz USA, or MBUSA, all repairs, including the replacement of windscreens, must be completed by a certified technician using genuine Mercedes-Benz parts. Why? Because replacement is not only limited to glass installation but also involves recalibrating the onboard electronic systems, ADAS, rain sensors, cameras, heating elements, and antennas. More often than not, these recalibrations are not accounted for by aftermarket glasses.

Honda Cars Head-Up Displays

Many modern Honda vehicles are fully equipped with a Head-Up Display, or HUD, that helps drivers constantly keep their eyes on the road by projecting critical information on the windshield to avoid looking down on the dashboard. The displayed information includes speed, navigation directions, and incoming calls. Also, the HUD typically comes with Honda Sensing® Technology, which is a safety feature that includes the Honda Sensing Suite, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), the Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR).

Considering the complex integration of several technological systems connected to the windshield, an aftermarket replacement is likely not a wise choice for some Honda models. Honda Cars released a statement regarding OEM windshield replacement, according to which aftermarket parts may look almost similar in design, curvature, and fit, but important features like the driver-assist may not work correctly during certain circumstances. That’s why they strongly advise using only OEM replacement parts, including the windshield.

Moreover, systems like the Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Collision Mitigation Braking System, and Road Departure Mitigation may either use a camera or a combination of a radar and a camera that could potentially not work correctly for your safety if the windshield is replaced with a non-OEM aftermarket glass.

Honda Cars further stressed that some of their models might use acoustic front side-door glass for sound isolation on some trim levels, and anything beyond the OEM fitment and glass standards could increase the cabin noise while reducing the effects of the acoustic glass. Basically, Honda demands an OEM windshield replacement, along with an OEM replacement of side glasses on some models like the Honda’s RLX Sport Hybrid and Honda Accord.

When the choice presents an OEM alternative, the best way to ensure you are getting “factory-installed” glass quality is to check the monogram on the glass. The monogram contains critical information you need for your windshield replacement. This includes the brand of the vehicle, where the glass was made, the DOT (Department of Transportation) number, the safety test certification, and the distribution of the glass to certain countries.

Mazda Genuine Parts

Every Mazda vehicle is built with quality factory parts that are designed and engineered to perform together seamlessly, providing an optimum level of performance, safety, and durability. Mazda North American Operations recommends that all collision repairs are performed using Mazda Genuine Parts.

That is because Mazda Genuine Parts have been made from the same blueprints as the original. Every single part is guaranteed to perform and wear the same as the day the vehicle was built. Mazda North American Operations does not recommend the use of aftermarket parts for any Mazda maintenance or collision repair. These aftermarket parts are generally made to a lower standard in order to cut costs.

Aftermarket parts also lack the testing required to determine their effectiveness in vehicle performance and safety. Without access to original manufacturing specifications, their fit and finish can also be dramatically different. Only Mazda Genuine Parts purchased from an authorized Mazda dealer are specifically covered by the Mazda warranty. The original warranty could become invalid if aftermarket parts contribute to the damage of original parts. Even lease-end charges can be affected if the replacement parts fit poorly.

Mazda North American Operations will not be responsible for any subsequent repair costs associated with the vehicle or part failure caused by the use of parts other than Mazda Genuine Parts purchased from an authorized Mazda dealer.

GM - General Motors - GMC - Cadillac

Genuine GM Collision parts are new parts made with the same materials and construction methods as the parts with which your vehicle was originally built. Genuine GM Collision parts are your best choice to assure that your vehicle’s designed appearance, durability and safety are preserved. The use of Genuine GM parts can help maintain your GM New Vehicle Warranty.

Aftermarket made by companies other than GM may not have been tested for your vehicle. As a result, these parts may fit poorly, exhibit premature durability/corrosion problems, and may not perform properly in subsequent collisions. Aftermarket parts are not covered by your GM Warranty, and any vehicle failure related to such parts are not covered by that warranty.

Infiniti

The original parts used on an INFINITI automobile are designed and built to provide optimum fit, function, safety, and structural integrity. For this reason, INFINITI does not approve of the use of aftermarket, When collision repairs are necessary, INFINITI strongly recommends that any repairs be performed by an experienced professional using the INFINITI body repair manual and genuine OEM replacement parts designated for use on the specific INFINITI vehicle being repaired.

Genuine OEM replacement parts are developed to deliver the same fit, function, safety, and structural integrity as when the vehicle was originally built. Parts of the vehicle are designed to work together as a system, and we do not know whether or how integrating aftermarket parts into these systems will impact crash performance. The safety of our customers continues to be our number one priority. Vehicle lease agreements, such as those offered by INFINITI Financial Services, may stipulate that ONLY Genuine OEM replacement parts be utilized for collision repairs to the vehicle.

INFINITI would ask that repair facilities consider this when repairing a lease vehicle. Parts Warranty INFINITI’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and Limited Warranty on replacement parts do not apply to any parts other than genuine original equipment parts. INFINITI will not be responsible for any subsequent repair costs associated with a vehicle and/or part failure caused by the use of parts other than genuine OE part

FCA - JEEP - Chrysler - Ram -Dodge - Fiat

Only Authentic Mopar® Glass is designed, engineered, manufactured, and tested to the FCA US LLC internal and government-mandated standards and is the only equivalent to the originally installed glass. FCA US LLC does not approve of or recognize glass replacement procedures where Authentic Mopar Parts are not used for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, and FIAT® brand vehicles.

Any repairs performed not using Mopar Replacement Glass and not following published repair guidelines and procedures may expose current or future vehicle owners and occupants to unnecessary risk. FCA US LLC vehicles, systems, and components are engineered, tested, and manufactured to help protect vehicle occupants. They are engineered based upon both government-mandated and internal corporate requirements relative to Durability, Noise Vibration & Harshness (NVH), and Vehicle Safety. Authentic Mopar Glass characteristics include and are not limited to Glass coatings that provide UV protection and in-cabin heat reduction.

Aftermarket variants often may not be equipped with reflective technology. This technology optimizes air conditioning performance and can improve fuel economy. Glass may be equipped with enhanced acoustic dampening technologies integrated into the glass assembly. Aftermarket glass may not be equipped with this variant, which may result in the increased wind, road, and engine noise in your vehicle’s cabin. OE Works with various advanced driver safety system electrical components, including cameras, rain sensors, antennae, and heating elements.

Aftermarket glass may not support the function of complex electrical components and could interfere with your vehicle’s electronic systems, resulting in unintended operations or disabling the system function. Suppose your vehicle’s windshield has a forward-facing camera (typically integrated with the rearview mirror assembly). In that case, the camera must be recalibrated after the windshield has been installed. Glass components are also often a part of the vehicle’s structural assembly. Using Mopar authorized removal and replacement procedures, including advanced adhesives specific to each model, helps ensure that the car remains as designed.

Aftermarket glass manufacturers may represent their products as Original Equipment Equivalent, or OEE. No supplier is authorized to utilize FCA US LLC tooling, test equipment or Intellectual Property in the development or production of aftermarket glass. Aftermarket windshields are often made with materials that do not adhere to FCA US LLC performance standards.

Hyundai/Kia

DOES NOT RECOMMEND THE USE OF AFTERMARKET OR OTHER NON-ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT OE PARTS. Hyundai /Kia vehicles, along with Hyundai Genuine Parts, are designed and manufactured to meet Hyundai’s exacting engineering specifications and to help protect vehicle occupants in collisions. Hyundai Genuine Parts, including all elements of Hyundai’s occupant restraint system, are installed on Hyundai vehicles when they are tested to ensure they meet the U.S. government’s collision safety and crash protection standards. Hyundai Genuine Parts help to ensure occupant protection and vehicle integrity.

Use of aftermarket, or any alternative or other non-original equipment parts for the repair of any collision damaged vehicle may negatively affect vehicle crash worthiness and occupant safety during a collision and is not recommended by Hyundai.

Audi

To maintain Audi’s rigorous quality and safety standards, Audi provides collision repair centers with the following important information regarding collision repair and parts replacement on Audi vehicles. Audi auto glass plays an important role in the safety of the vehicle by providing structural rigidity, ocular clarity, and integration with advanced vehicle technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and heads-up display. Audi of America recommends the use of original equipment (OE) glass for replacement and Audi of America procedures for repair and replacement.

Ford

Ford Motor Company vehicles contain many state-of-the-art features that enhance occupant safety and the driving experience. Windshield and side glass play an integral role in the performance and functionality of these features. During repairs that involve glass removal and replacement, it is critical that the vehicle be restored to proper operating condition. The original glass used on Ford Motor Company vehicles is designed and built to provide enhanced fit, function, safety, and structural integrity. The quality, performance and safety of aftermarket replacement windshield and side glass may not meet.

The Ford Motor Company’s specifications and may result in safety features not functioning properly and reduced customer satisfaction in the performance of their vehicle. For these reasons,

Ford Motor Company does not approve the use of aftermarket windshield or side replacement glass. Only by using Ford Original Equipment Carlex and Carlite replacement glass can you be confident of the fit, function, safety, and structural integrity of the repair. • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as Lane-Keeping, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Braking, Evasive Steering Assist and Auto High-Beam Headlamps use images from a camera mounted to the windshield. Windshields equipped with cameras have integrated camera brackets that allow for precise attachment and positioning of the camera and are designed to have optical quality that is compatible with the camera. Aftermarket windshields cannot duplicate the precise location of the camera attachment brackets and often contain distortion that adversely affects the camera’s operation, which can result in improper ADAS system operation. • Head-up Display (HUD) uses digital light projection technology to display driving information such as speed, driver assist features and navigation onto the windshield. HUD windshields are specifically designed and manufactured to eliminate secondary HUD images.

Aftermarket glass often does not meet the same stringent specifications as genuine Ford glass and can result in poor quality HUD performance. • SoundScreen® acoustic windshield and side glass are engineered with acoustic dampening technology within the glass layers to reduce road, wind, and other exterior noise to maintain the quiet interior ride of the vehicle.

Aftermarket glass often does not include this technology and will result in increased road, wind and other exterior noise and can cause voice recognition performance issues with the SYNC voice-activated commands feature. All vehicle diagnostic testing, including pre/post scanning, module programming and system calibrations is to be conducted using required Ford diagnostic software and recommended hardware.

During windshield and side glass replacement and performing collision repairs requiring repair to the front and/or rear window channels, it is important to utilize Ford Motor Company OEM repair procedures to ensure complete proper repairs are performed. HUD windshields, windshield glass equipped with a camera bracket and windshield glass equipped with adhesive moldings must be replaced anytime the original glass is removed from the vehicle. Calibrations associated with windshield replacements must be completed in order for the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems to function correctly. Failure to follow the Ford Motor Company OEM repair procedures may result in improper repairs and vehicle safety systems not functioning correctly.

Volvo Car U.S.

The Volvo windshield is an integral part of our vehicles. Not only does it provide for an undistorted view, it serves as a critical structural component of the vehicle. Volvo Cars USA LLC requires all windshield replacements on Volvo vehicles be performed according to Volvo standards at an authorized Volvo facility, using only Volvo Genuine Windshields and adhesives. Due to many variants of aftermarket windshields available, it cannot be verified these windshields are being manufactured to exact Volvo specifications.

When windshield replacement is required, Volvo requires using only Volvo Genuine Windshield and installation materials, so as not to compromise any structural integrity, nor any Volvo safety systems that are dependent on the windshield, such as optical, distance and radar-based systems. Proper installation of a Volvo Genuine Windshield through a Volvo Center ensures proper recalibration as well as, operations of the windshield dependent safety systems and provides the correct structural integrity in the event of a collision. In addition, using Volvo specified adhesives will ensure proper bonding of the windshield to the vehicle’s body providing the same strength qualities as if assembled at the factory, providing a minimal safe drive-away time once installed. Volvo Genuine Windshields are manufactured to the same specifications as the windshield originally installed in vehicle at time of assembly, offering perfect fit, exact tolerances, and maximum precision.

Aftermarket alternatives may not meet these exact specifications and may affect the car’s passive safety technology, active safety functions as well as the overall rigidness of the body. The windshield is vital for the function of vehicles autonomous safety systems. Example: the ASDM (Active Safety Domain Master) is located inside the upper edge of the windshield, as such, the camera and radar in the ASDM are used in conjunction with other systems to enable the safety functions. These systems are sensitive to optical and geometric tolerances, i.e. glass thickness and materials of the windshield. The vehicle safety systems require vehicle specific programming which are based on several variants, in which, demand extremely stringent optical tolerances to function as intended.

Using aftermarket variants that don’t meet Volvo Car’s stringent specifications may compromise the function of said systems.

Vehicles with Multi-Dimensional Heads-Up Display are engineered to ensure clear viewing of the projected image. The Manufacturing process for these windshields differ from a non-H.U.D. windshield. Installing the wrong windshield could result in redundant images of the projected information and overall functionality.

Calibration of the camera and radar unit (ASDM) is required after windshield replacement. Volvo systems are required to ensure correct functionality. Aftermarket services may find it quite difficult to properly re-calibrate stated systems.

Warning! The windshield is part of the vehicles collision protection. Always use genuine PUR adhesive kits! These are selected and tested by VOLVO and are the only ones for which VOLVO Car Company will take responsibility for the result.

Utilizing only genuine Volvo Car parts will ensure vehicle safety, performance and residual value. Volvo Cars genuine parts are designed and manufactured to specifications. These design and manufacturing processes maximize safety, performance and reliability.

All Volvo Cars glass are essential to safe control of the vehicle. These parts are designed to work with other vehicle components to keep occupants safe in an accident.

BMW - MINI

Vehicles with heads-up display, requires a special OEM replacement windshield.

Toyota - Lexus - Scion

Toyota states that systems that could be affected if Toyota genuine parts are not used are:

Lane Departure Alert System
Forward Recognition Camera System
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System
Pre-collision System
Automatic High Beam System

If an aftermarket glass is installed, there is the possibility that the black ceramic border may not allow the camera to see through it properly. In addition, the aftermarket glass may be missing the brackets necessary for mounting the camera. Many of the newer models are now equipped with a forward recognition camera, which is part of the adaptive cruise system. When the windshield is replaced, the camera unit will need to be calibrated.