Wiper problems of the 2016 Mazda CX-5 - part 2

On multiple occasions, when temperatures are 25 f or lower and it is snowing, it is impossible to keep the windshield clear of ice. While driving at normal speeds 25 to 50 mph on local roads and highways, the snow would melt on contact with the windshield, refreeze, and the wipers would freeze solid and not make contact with the windshield over a large part of the glass directly in front of the driver and front seat passenger's eyes. No change was noted when the car was idling at stop signs or red lights. We had to stop every several minutes and use a scraper to remove the windshield ice to see safely. This condition makes for very difficult and dangerous winter precipitation driving. Ironically, we bought this all-wheel vehicle mainly for just this type of driving in snowy mountain areas where we drive frequently. The car was taken to the dealer and inspected under warranty. The technician inspected the defroster and wipers and said everything was working properly and there is nothing they can do to improve the situation. We don't know what to do as the care does not preform under the exact winter conditions we primarily bought it for.

Purchased 2016 Mazda Cx-5 in June 2015. Within two weeks, cracked windshield. Two months later, second cracked windshield. Two months after that, cracked windshield. Two months after that, cracked windshield. Now. . . Another two months later, I will be on my 4th windshield. When these crack, they create high glare and blinding moments when sun or headlights catch that crack. There is a manufacturing or design issue with this product. And also an accompanying safety issue. I only noticed these cracks after the vehicle had been sitting. Recourse?.

After one month of ownership, a crack developed in the windshield from the top, center. The crack extended down to the center of the windshield creating a large oblong oval. There is no evidence of being hit by road debris. The Mazda service center confirmed this and declared it a manufacturer defect. It has been over 5 weeks and I am still waiting for the replacement windshield to arrive. The issue appears to be rampant enough that new windshields are back ordered with no indication of when it will be available.

The car was parked over the weekend in a very secluded county location (no other people around). I noticed a large crack in the front windshield two days later when I next used the car. There are no visible chips on the glass. The crack spread outward from where the rear view mirror is attached. I believe this is a factory installation or defective part issue.

The windshield easily chips and cracks. There have been numerous complaints about this issue and Mazda seems to do nothing about it. It is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt or dies.

While driving on the highway, we noticed a crack that began at the bottom center of our new Cx-5's windshield. There had been no impact by a rock or anything else. It began at the very edge of the windshield, and went upwards. We were on a weekend trip, and there was no nearby Mazda dealer. Over the miles the straight crack grew into question mark shape about 10" high. Arriving at our destination, the dealer claimed there was a tiny impact mark exactly underneath the wiper blade. I was not able to see anything except the crack, and I know there was no impact of any type. This was a Friday, and the dealer said the glass couldn't be there until the following week -- by which time we would have returned home -- so we drove home a couple of days later and spoke with the dealer who sold us the car [note that it was about 3 weeks old -- practically new]. Our dealer [north point Mazda, in sherwood ar] also claims there is an invisible impact mark. Of course, with an impact, they avoid all responsibility. Looking at this database, there seem to be a lot of people in the same situation as mine -- new Cx-5 owners developing a mystery cracked windshield. This is expensive glass -- it has sensors for the wipers, etc. And now the glass is on backorder, so will take a month to arrive! over the miles the crack has grown in size, and has also branched out. I wonder when my new vehicle actually becomes unsafe to drive? Mazda says it's not their problem, and their service manager and general manager have both declined to even return my call. Clearly they aren't proponents of service after the sale! hopefully the rest of the car holds up better -- we really like it except for the giant, multi-branch windshield crack that we now have to live with for another month! of course, north point Mazda won't be getting any more of my business. . . . Updated 07-16-15.

Glass cracked from top, middle portion of windshield glass, no apparent sign of rock chip. Spread immediately into viewing area. Concern for overall safety and integrity of glass. Advised by dealer to contact insurance, advised by insurance it's a $500 deductible. Online research has led me to believe that this is a manufacturer defect as it has high numbers of complaints.