Honda Requires OE Replacement Windshields for Some Models with Driver Assist, Safety Systems

Original Equipment (OE) replacement windshields are necessary for certain Honda and Acura models, according to the automaker. “While non-OE parts may look the same and fit in the same physical space on the vehicle, their use may present unforeseen circumstances causing the driver assist or other safety systems to operate abnormally or not at all,” according a statement by Honda.

“Driver assist systems and other safety systems on many late model Honda and Acura automobiles offer heightened safety and convenience for the vehicle driver and passengers,” officials write in the statement. “However, collision repair technicians must be aware of the issues created if other than OE parts are used to repair vehicles with these systems.”

OE windshields are needed for:

2013-2015 Honda Accord EX-L, Touring

2014-2015 Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L, Touring

2014 Honda Accord Plug-In, All

2014 Honda Civic Hybrid, All

2013-2015 Honda Crosstour EX-L

2015 Honda CR-V, Touring

2014-2015 Honda Odyssey EX-L, Touring

2014-2015 Acura MDX, Tech, Advance

2014-2015 Acura RLX, All

2014 Acura RLX Hybrid, All

2015 Acura TLX, Tech, Advance

2013 Acura ZDX, All

These models include one or more of the following systems: Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System and Road Departure Mitigation.

“Depending on the model or trim level, these systems either use a camera that’s mounted behind the rearview mirror, or a combination of that camera and a radar unit mounted in the front bumper grill. Installing anything other than an OE replacement windshield may cause these systems to work abnormally. Most specifically, the camera will not be able to aim properly,” according to Honda’s statement.

The 2014 Acura RLX and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD also requires an OE windshield replacement due to its head’s-up display (HUD) system, according to the automaker.

“The windshield is specially designed to correctly project the HUD image and must be replaced with a HUD windshield. Installing anything other than an OE replacement windshield may result in the HUD appearing as a double image,” Honda officials explain.

Not just windshields are affected by the new technology. Honda’s 2014 RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD requires OE sidelites.

“The model listed above uses acoustic front side door glass for sound isolation on some trim levels,” according to the automaker’s statement. “The glass has a sound insulation layer of PVB sandwiched between two layers of semi-tempered glass. Acoustic side glass is thinner than conventional side glass. … Installing anything other than the OE replacement side glass may result in a diminution of the vehicle’s cabin-noise reduction qualities.”

As vehicles become more sophisticated, recalibration and the use of OE glass to ensure the safety systems continue to work as designed after replacement have become increasingly hot topics in the AGRR industry.

“Glass not only is structural, but can hinder safety equipment [and keep it] from working correctly,” said Mitch Becker, technical instructor for ABRA Auto Body & Glass, during Auto Glass Week™. “The safety of the occupants are at stake if correct procedures are not followed.

“An incorrect windshield can result in huge safety system failures,” he noted.

In addition to using OE windshields and lites when required by the automaker, AGRR company owners should ensure their technicians are recalibrating any cameras mounted on or near the glass, as well, says Bob Beranek of Auto Glass Consultants.

“Any lane departure camera mounted to the glass or a part of the vehicle that we are altering, must be recalibrated by a dealer or certified calibration servicer,” he says.

To view Honda’s statement, click here.