Is my windshield covered under Ford warranty?

Windshield coverage under Ford warranties is generally limited. In most cases, a windshield is not covered for routine damage such as chips or cracks caused by road hazards; coverage may apply only if the windshield itself had a manufacturing defect discovered within the warranty period. Always verify your exact terms with Ford or your dealer using your VIN.

Understanding what Ford’s standard warranty covers and excludes

The Ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty typically covers most factory-installed components for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Glass coverage is not a separate, universal line item in this warranty, and damage from common hazards is usually excluded. Defect-related coverage is possible only if the windshield defect existed at the time of manufacture or installation and is discovered within the warranty period.

• Manufacturing defects in parts and workmanship are generally covered for 3 years/36,000 miles.


• Damage from road hazards (like stones) or wear and tear is typically not covered by the standard warranty.


• A windshield that cracks or chips due to an external impact is usually not covered unless there is a documented manufacturing defect.


• Whether glass coverage applies can depend on your specific Ford Protect plan or extended warranty option, if you purchased one.

Conclusion: The standard warranty prioritizes major systems; glass coverage is limited and usually hinges on a defect rather than ordinary damage.

Exceptions and how defect coverage works

There are rare circumstances where a windshield might be covered, but they are limited. If the glass has a genuine manufacturing or installation defect that is discovered within the warranty window, Ford may cover replacement or repair. Normal windshield damage from impacts does not fall under this category.

• If the windshield showcases a defect present at manufacture or installation and is reported within 3 years/36,000 miles, coverage could apply.


• If there was an installation error that caused premature failure and is identified soon after service, some coverage may apply.


• Damage due to external forces, vandalism, or improper maintenance typically falls outside warranty coverage.

Conclusion: Defect-based windshield coverage exists but is not guaranteed; confirm with your dealer using your VIN and service history.

What to do if you have windshield damage

To determine coverage and arrange repair or replacement, follow these steps. Note that insurance or separate glass protection can also influence how you proceed.

• Check your warranty booklet or the Ford Owner portal for your exact coverage terms, including any glass riders or add-ons.


• Contact your local Ford dealer with your VIN, mileage, and service history to confirm coverage and obtain a written estimate.


• If you have auto insurance with glass coverage, file a claim, as many policies cover windshield replacement with little to no deductible.


• Ask about Ford-approved glass replacement options to ensure compatibility and quality.

Conclusion: The quickest path to clarity is to verify your policy with Ford or your dealer and to consider insurance options if applicable.

How to verify your exact warranty status

Warranty terms can vary by model year, trim, and region, so rely on official sources for your vehicle.

• Locate your VIN in the driver’s door jamb or on your vehicle documentation.


• Review the New Vehicle Limited Warranty terms (3 years/36,000 miles) and any glass-specific exclusions or riders.


• Use the Ford Owner portal or contact your dealer to pull up your warranty status by VIN.

Conclusion: Always confirm with Ford’s official resources to understand your precise coverage for windshields and glass.

Summary

Windshield coverage under Ford warranties is limited. The standard New Vehicle Limited Warranty typically excludes routine glass damage from road hazards, and only defect-related coverage for windshields is possible if a true manufacturing defect is discovered within the warranty period. For most drivers, windshield issues are handled via auto glass insurance or optional glass coverage rather than the base warranty. Always verify your exact terms with Ford using your VIN and consult your dealer for a definitive answer.

End note: This article aims to inform current guidance; always refer to official Ford documentation or your dealer for the most accurate, up-to-date details for your vehicle and region.

What is the Ford windshield warranty?

Ford does not cover windshield damage from road hazards under its standard new-vehicle warranty, but it offers an optional extended service plan called Ford Protect WindshieldCARE that covers minor chips and cracks in the front windshield for up to eight years. This plan is available on new and used vehicles at the time of sale and covers repairs with no deductible. The standard new-vehicle warranty may cover windshield damage if it is due to a manufacturing defect, but this is not for impacts from road debris. 
Ford Protect WindshieldCARE (optional plan)

• What it covers: Minor chips and cracks from road hazards in the front windshield. 
• Key features:
  • No deductible. 
  • Up to eight years of coverage. 
  • No limit on the number of claims. 
  • Repairs can be done at your home, office, or the selling dealer. 
• What it does not cover:
  • Stress cracks. 
  • Cracks longer than six inches. 
  • Damage from hail, vandalism, or neglect. 
• Availability: Can be purchased for both new and used vehicles, but only at the time of sale. 

Standard new-vehicle warranty

• What it covers: Only windshield damage that is a manufacturing defect. 
• What it does not cover: Damage caused by external factors like road debris, which is the most common cause of windshield damage. 
• Coverage period: Damage from use/elements may be covered for the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, according to the 2021 Ford Warranty Guide. 

Are car windshields covered under warranty?

No, standard extended warranties generally do not cover windshields because they are considered wear-and-tear items from road hazards. Windshield damage is typically covered by a separate comprehensive auto insurance policy, which often includes low or no deductibles for glass repair or replacement. Some new car warranties may cover windshields if there is a manufacturing defect, such as a crack that appears without external impact. 
What is covered

• Manufacturing defects: If a windshield cracks due to a defect (like improper installation or a structural flaw), it may be covered by the new car's warranty. 
• Insurance: Comprehensive auto insurance is the most common way to cover windshield damage from road debris, vandalism, or collisions. 
• Supplemental plans: Some companies offer separate windshield protection plans as an add-on to a main warranty or insurance policy. 

What is not covered

• Road hazards: Standard warranties and most extended warranties will not cover cracks or chips caused by rocks or debris. 
• Wear and tear: Windshields are considered a wear-and-tear item, so damage from normal use is not covered by a typical warranty. 
• Damage from accidents: Damage resulting from a traffic accident is usually handled by the collision portion of your insurance, not a separate glass plan. 

What to do

1. Check your new car warranty: See if it includes a specific clause for manufacturing defects that could lead to a windshield issue. 
2. Review your auto insurance policy: Look for "comprehensive" or specific "glass" coverage to see if it includes windshield repair or replacement and what the deductible is. 
3. Consider a supplemental plan: If you don't have insurance coverage, look into getting a separate windshield protection plan from an auto glass company. 
4. Repair small chips immediately: If you have a small chip, it's often covered by insurance (sometimes with no deductible) and can be repaired, preventing it from spreading into a larger, more expensive crack. 

Who pays when a rock hits your windshield?

Generally, you are responsible for your own windshield damage, as it is often difficult to prove where the rock came from. However, another driver or company may be held liable if you can prove they were negligent, such as if the rock fell directly from their unsecured truck bed, rather than being kicked up from the road by their tires. In most cases, you would file a claim with your own insurance's comprehensive coverage. 
If the rock was kicked up from the road

• This is the most common scenario, and it is generally not the fault of the vehicle that kicked up the rock. 
• Who is responsible: You are. You will need to file a claim with your insurance company, and the damage will likely be covered under your comprehensive policy. 

If the rock fell directly from another vehicle

• This is more likely to be the case if the rock came from a vehicle like a dump truck that was hauling gravel or other debris. 
• Who is responsible: The other driver or company could be liable, but it can be challenging to prove. 
• What you need to do:
  • Try to get the other driver's information and a police report. 
  • Gather evidence, such as video footage from a dashcam, which clearly shows the rock came from their vehicle. 
  • You may need to prove that the rock was not just kicked up from the road, but fell from the truck directly, or that the truck was carrying an unsecured load. 

How to handle the damage

• Contact your insurance company: This is the most common and straightforward way to handle the repair. 
• Check your policy: Comprehensive coverage may cover windshield repairs with no deductible, and it may not raise your premium. 
• If you try to get the other party to pay:
  • You will need strong evidence to prove their negligence. 
  • You can file a claim with your own insurance, and they may pursue the other driver or their insurance company for reimbursement. 

Does Ford replace windshields?

Yes, Ford windshields can be replaced by dealerships or certified auto glass companies, and Ford offers the Ford Protect WindshieldCARE program for minor repairs under certain plans. While dealerships can arrange the replacement, they often outsource the physical installation to independent glass companies that use either OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or approved high-quality aftermarket windshields. 
How to get a windshield replaced

• Through a Ford dealership: A dealership can facilitate the replacement, often by contacting a certified glass company to perform the work, according to AutoNation Ford Tustin and Flash Auto Glass LLC. 
• Through an auto glass company: Companies like Safelite and other certified auto glass providers can replace windshields for any Ford model, often with mobile service options. 
• Using OEM vs. aftermarket glass: Ford recommends using OEM windshields, especially for vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), to ensure proper function and fit. Some companies can source OEM glass, while others may use high-quality aftermarket options. 
• Through insurance: Windshield damage is typically covered by comprehensive auto insurance, though you may have to pay a deductible. 
• Using Ford Protect WindshieldCARE: This plan specifically covers the repair of minor chips and cracks in the front windshield at a participating dealership. 

Important considerations

• Vehicle recalls: Check for any recalls that may affect your vehicle's windshield, such as the 2024 Ford F-150 recall for issues with windshield adhesive. 
• ADAS calibration: If your vehicle has ADAS features, ensure the installation company is certified to calibrate the system after the windshield is replaced, notes Flash Auto Glass LLC. 
• Insurance coverage: Contact your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage and deductible for glass replacement.