Rivian R1T Windshield Chips / Cracks Issue?

[MSU-Rivian]

In 40 years of driving I've only had one cracked/chipped windshield across a dozen vehicles. I've had 3 chips in the front windshield on my R1T in the last 90 days. Is anyone else having issues? Is this a known issue? Could it be the angle, too fragile glass structure ,etc. For reference I took delivery in January of 2023. Thank you.

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[txtravwill]

It seems pretty normal. Are you coming from cars with a more sloped windshield? The R1T isn't flat like the Hummer per say, but it is flatter than a sportscar, sedan, and some non-truck vehicles. That or just bad luck also a bit. Haven't had any here as try to not follow too close, especially certain vehicles that are higher and throw rocks more.

 

[Birdowin]

I've had rock chips in other vehicles. I got my first in my Rivian the other day and took it to Speedy Auto Glass and they have a system that not only repaired it but rendered it invisible. They do a great job but don't wait too long or they will start to expand.

 

[SSteveEV]

There have been other complaints made here about the glass being more fragile. You're not alone sadly

 

[KubotaTed]

I (actually my wife) just got a rock chip on the R1T. It’s slightly larger than the size of a quarter, but not by much. Has 3 small veins to it. I’m hopeful that it can be repaired, because I selfishly don’t want the hassle of replacing the windshield.

However - IF I do have to get the windshield replaced, am I correct in thinking that I would have to take it to the service center to get it ”calibrated”? I know that my wife’s old Q7 as well as my F-150 needed this calibration step. I’d really like to avoid that.

 

[Khaneric]

I have 3 repaired cracks and countless chips in my glass after a year and 3 months.

 

[Killer95Stang]

It's not only Rivian... I've never had a cracked windshield in 30 years of driving. Rivian gets me a rental while my R1S is being serviced... and bam... big rock chip in the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 rental car. Not sure if enterprise will just handle it, or if I have to use my insurance. My insurance already said they repair or replace free of charge if enterprise brings it up.

 

[Riviot]

Fuyao!

 

[KubotaTed]

I presume that if you get a new windshield, that you have to take it to a customer service center for "calibrating"?

I just got a chip, which grew into becoming a long crack, yesterday. Looks like I'm headed down the path of windshield replacement. Given that I have the radar/mirror hardwired mod done, I'm not all that excited about that whole area being disrupted.

 

[Inhisname]

I (actually my wife) just got a rock chip on the R1T. It’s slightly larger than the size of a quarter, but not by much. Has 3 small veins to it. I’m hopeful that it can be repaired, because I selfishly don’t want the hassle of replacing the windshield.

However - IF I do have to get the windshield replaced, am I correct in thinking that I would have to take it to the service center to get it ”calibrated”? I know that my wife’s old Q7 as well as my F-150 needed this calibration step. I’d really like to avoid that.

That is where I took mine to be safe since this is a newer vehicle, not sure if companies like SafeLite have the windshield or know at this time how to calibrate it correctly? Didn't even call them because of it being so new. I will tell you that it's about $1800. I have windshield insurance so my deductible is $50 out of pocket... BUT I was told it will go against my insurance.. which sucks!

 

[AO_Pete]

Lol. As I'm typing this, the SafeLite guy is here repairing a rock chip. First repair I've had to do since moving here in 2008. Our deductible is (by choice) $1k on all the cars, including the windshield, so much better to get it repaired.

 

[mabowden]

Lol. As I'm typing this, the SafeLite guy is here repairing a rock chip. First repair I've had to do since moving here in 2008. Our deductible is (by choice) $1k on all the cars, including the windshield, so much better to get it repaired.

Have you ever tried to use the rainx rock chip repair on amazon? Right out of highschool I repaired rock chips as a job with a professional set, and that little thing isn't half bad. Did a great job on the last rock chip we got on my wifes car.

https://www.amazon.com/Rain-X-600001-Windshield-Repair-Kit/dp/B00IPS4APU/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=rainx+rock+chip&qid=1687358829&sprefix=rainx+rock+,aps,256&sr=8-1

I keep one on hand now that I have the rivian. I haven't gotten a chip yet that goes all the way through, but I'm constantly repairing surface chip damage.

This glass is FRAGILE!

 

[AO_Pete]

No, but I might next time. My 'thing' with the Tesla's is so many punctures, to the point where it felt like I was Norm from Cheers when I went to Discount Tire for the repairs. Eventually I just got my own repair kit as it's faster and less waiting around, so might end up doing the same for the windshield.

 

[KubotaTed]

That is where I took mine to be safe since this is a newer vehicle, not sure if companies like SafeLite have the windshield or know at this time how to calibrate it correctly? Didn't even call them because of it being so new. I will tell you that it's about $1800. I have windshield insurance so my deductible is $50 out of pocket... BUT I was told it will go against my insurance.. which sucks!

You raise several great & valid points. My only hang-up is that I have installed the power tap into the rear-view mirror that I really don't want to go to the customer service center for install - just in the event they don't like what I did. I realize that going to Safelite will result in me still having to go to the Rivian CSC for the calibration step. Not ideal, but couldn't really think of a suitable solution for me.

 

[jakef801]

I got a very violent and startling rock impact from a motorhome going in the opposite direction on a 2 lane highway last week while towing my boat. Definitely the worst rock chip I've had in all my years of driving - I've had countless rock chips. It was likely a marble sized rock. I couldn't see where the impact was, but I knew it had to have caused some damage. I pulled over and saw that it hit on the lower, center portion of the windshield. I felt it and there was glass dust on my finger and I knew it was going to require repair. Within 2 days, the chip caused full blown cracks all across my windshield. Rivian SCs are the only place you can get windshield replacement as they are the only ones to stock them and to be able to do calibration of cameras/sensors after new install. I called Rivian and, even though the SLC, UT SC was booked out for some time, Rivian moved me to "emergency/hazard" status and allowed me to bring the vehicle in immediately. I took it in late last Friday and it's supposed to be done today. I will have to pay Rivian $1800 directly, then submit to my insurance company.

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