Cracked windshield on leased vehicle

Of course, just as I am about to return My lease Spark EV to the dealer I get almost a full length crack from top to bottom of the windshield.
Called a local place, they quoted me $200 plus tax, I specifically asked them if the new windshield will be EXACTLY like the one i had. Come to pick it up, nope, the new windshield doesn’t have the black “patch” behind the mirror, so there is nothing to attach that plastic cover, which they nicely just placed in my glove compartment.
I could not just leave the car there, had to pick it up. So now I am not sure if the inspector will end up dinging me for the windshield, if yes for how much.
Found that OEM windshield at the dealer is $675 and change.
Any ides what are my options?
Thanks,

was the local place a dealership?

If the mirror is attached properly and no functionality is lost, I would bet the lease inspector will never notice it.

No it was just an auto windshield shop

Mirror is attached properly, but at the very top of the windshield there is a little circuit board of some sort, I think the guy said it’s a moisture sensor for the interior idk
But it kind of looks obvious and ugly, of course if you pay attention to it.

That’s probably going to be an issue - I’ve known many lease turn ins to get dinged for non OEM replacement parts.

Can they ding me for the full $675? I found another local shop that SAYS, he has the matching to OEM part for $375
Sigh,

I would return the car to the shop and tell them you need it fixed properly.

+! on this…(20)

Yes they can ding you for it - they often will too.

Ask the lease return person at your store, they will have a better idea on what to do.

2 Likes

I would have your lease inspection and see what is noted and then respond accordingly.

Yes, but at that point it’s too late, isn’t it? If they hit me with over $600 bill at that point what are my options?

What is your insurance deductible? Maybe too late, but I always consider windshields when I set this. What good is insurance if not for this exact reason?

I have a $1k deductible because otherwise premiums are outrageous. I called them hoping it’s covered without dipping into deductible, nope :frowning:

Ask for the price difference. A lot of times, the difference is smaller than people assume.

Also, what happened with the shop that did the windshield replacement? Seems you don’t plan to take the car back to them? Each car has different windshields depending on options. They need to always check the VIN to determine the right one for your car. They clearly failed there. I would check yelp to see if they care about their reputation. I would make them fix it. There are many ways to twist their arm to make it right.

Unless your end of lease inspector is not doing their job, you will be dinged for a non-oem windshield.

lol @ OP for taking the car back with a windshield that isn’t the same as the one they took out. You get what you pay for OP. You should go back to them and demand your money back or have them fix it.

Yup… like other members said- gotta replace it.

Most insurance companies do not replace with OEM windshields. Leasing companies do not always require OEM windshields at turn in. I have turned in non OEM on 2 BMW’s, and a GM in the last couple of years with no issues at all.