I have been to the dealership twice in the past year (once 3 months into ownership and once @ six months). Both times I complained about the tint (Installed by dealer) scratches on the windows getting progressively worse. Both times I was told "Acura is working on a solution"

I'm at the point now where it is getting difficult to see through the window in certain conditions (sun glare etc).

This is now a safety concern. Any suggestions?

PS - I know this has been discussed before, but I did a search on the word "tint" and got no useful results in this forum (problems and fixes)

 

This is a very big safety hazard. You should tell them since they are "still working on the solution" tell them to remove the tint for you at no cost. Good luck and be safe.

 

actually my plan was to give them a choice:

A) Fix it
B) Refund my money that I originally paid THEM to tint it and remove the tint.

 

There is no way to "fix" the tint that's there, it needs to be removed and reapplied. When they do reapply it they should install moleskin, which is a felt that they apply to the inside wiper on your windows. the felt serves as a buffer, keeping abrasives (like sand, dirt, etc.) from scratching the tint as it rolls up or down.

Search in the garage for moleskin ..

 

There is no way to "fix" the tint that's there, it needs to be removed and reapplied. When they do reapply it they should install moleskin, which is a felt that they apply to the inside wiper on your windows. the felt serves as a buffer, keeping abrasives (like sand, dirt, etc.) from scratching the tint as it rolls up or down.

Search in the garage for moleskin ..

 

damn ... sorry for the dup!!

 

Sorry, should have been more clear -- by fix I meant replace tint AND do whatever modifications are needed to stop it from scratching again.

 

Acura knows about the tint problems but refuses to provide a solution. I have spoken with the Acura Customer Service rep who basically told me it wasn't their problem (even though he admitted it was a design flaw with the design of the window) and he didn't care what the heck I had to do to fix it. One way or another, Acura told me that they were not concerned about finding a solution to what has become a growing problem. Last I checked, Acura designed and manufactured the car so any defects/design flaws ARE ACURA'S PROBLEMS LEGALLY. Overall, it was one of the worst experiences ever with a customer service department, and I am very disappointed with Acura. We have owned 3 Acuras, and this will be our last.

The dealership was no help either-- I have had my 04 TL tinted 2 times through my dealer, and now the dealer refuses to pay again because of course the tint shop tells the dealership it is a factory problem (which it clearly is). So now, I am waiting to hear back from my dealership in Houston...and as I would expect, I am getting nothing but the run around from them. I just want them to remove the tint and refund me my money, but that has yet to happen.

It's amazing that Acura and their dealerships would let a $200 tint job cost them what would have been a repeat customer. Very, very unimpressed with Acura, its dealerships, and its customer service reps.

 

Acura really has very little to do with it. Should be between you and the dealer. Window tinting is an after market option not provided or authorized by Acura therefore they are not involved. The windows do exactly what they are supposed to do without being tinted. The dealer subcontracts the job out to a local low bidder in most instances and charges you an additional markup.

I was told by a good local shop that the Acura dealer and most Japanese dealers order the cheap tint. The local BMW and MB dealers order better stuff. This might just happen in my city. The solution to having scratch free tints is all over this board and is not an Acura solution. I don't see the dealer sticking their neck out further by telling you to pay for another unauthorized modification. I suspect that the best you can do from the dealer is maybe get your money back. Choose your battles an know what you are asking for.

 

Ive had the same problem with my 04TL, but the dealer has replaced once and will continue to do so for scratches. they gave ma a 2 yr warranty- going in for oil chg soon and will have it addressed. i agree they use the "cheep" tint, i also have a 4 yr old yukon with no scratches because i had another company use high end tint. it's frustrating I know.

 

Are you referring to the driver and passenger windows? I have the same issue and it is the material (plastic) that Acura installs in the door panel. It is suppose to act as a type of squeegie, to wipe condensation. This material is hard and can catch dirt that adds to the roughness and can scratch the window.

I was told they can add a felt piece in the dooe panel, but will get messy or even worse in the summer when the glue holding it in place softens.

The recommendation I got "Avoid drive-thrus"... no drive thru Starbucks for me!

 

Horse hockey!!! If the felt is applied correctly .... ummmm it really is hard to do it incorrectly, it'll work just fine. I've had mine on for over a year now through the entire summer with no problems at all ..... get the moleskin