2021-2024 Nissan Windshield Cracking TSB NTB09-081K

Nissan Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) NTB09-081K addresses windshield cracking on various Nissan models from 2021 to 2024. This bulletin provides detailed guidelines for Nissan dealerships to determine if windshield damage, including Nissan Sentra windshield cracking, is covered under warranty or is the customer's responsibility.

The TSB clarifies that while Nissan North America (NNA) is responsible for manufacturing issues like distorted glass or cracks from improper installation during vehicle assembly, NNA is generally not responsible for damage caused by objects striking or scratching the glass, or by aftermarket window tinting.

Symptoms and Types of Windshield Cracking

Windshield damage can be broadly categorized into three areas, each with specific characteristics that help determine its origin:

• Cracks due to objects striking the glass: These are the most common types of damage. They often present as a "cone shaped break," "crush mark," or "star shape crack." These cracks typically originate from a distinct impact point. Factors like thermal stress, external physical stress (hand touch, wind force, vehicle vibration), or potholes can cause these cracks to spread from the initial impact point.
• Cracks due to a scratch in the glass surface: Glass can be easily scratched by harder substances like sand particles, hard metal, or even contaminated wiper rubbers. A small scratch can create a rupture in the outer glass surface, which may then develop into a crack due to thermal conditions, vehicle vibration, or wind pressure. These types of cracks are generally not covered under warranty.
• Distortion or cracks due to manufacturing issues: These are defects that occur during the manufacturing process. Examples include an "open bubble," "surface blister," or "adhesion chip." These types of defects are typically covered under warranty.

Diagnosing Windshield Cracking

Nissan dealers follow specific procedures to diagnose the cause of Nissan Sentra windshield cracking and other Nissan models:

• Impact Marks: For single cracks, technicians inspect the entire length for any impact marks. Even a tiny mark, less than 1 mm in diameter, can indicate an external impact. A magnifying glass (10X magnification) or a ballpoint pen can be used to find these subtle marks. If an impact mark is found, the damage is not covered under warranty. A single crack with no visible impact mark, especially if it starts or ends at the edge of the glass, may be considered for warranty coverage.
• Compound Cracks: Cracks that branch out are almost always caused by an impact to the glass, with the impact point located where the branching occurs. These are not covered under warranty.
• Cracks in the Middle of the Glass: Cracks that do not begin or end at the edge of the glass are also typically caused by an impact and are not covered under warranty.
• Scratches: Technicians will inspect for scratches in wiper paths or from metal objects/dirty towels. These scratches can lead to cracks but are generally not covered by warranty.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

Owners and technicians should be aware of the following critical information:

• "Nissan North America (NNA) is not responsible for damage to glass that is a result of objects striking or scratching the glass, including damage caused by the installation of aftermarket window tinting."
• "The claim may be debited if the part is not marked properly and/or missing the required digital photographs."
• "The claim will be subject to a claim debit if the part is not marked properly and/or missing the required digital photographs (via ASIST) to support identification of a warrantable defect."
• Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. If you believe a described condition may apply to your vehicle, do NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.

Repair Procedure Summary for Dealers

For manufacturing-related windshield cracking, dealers must follow a specific claims process:

1. Documentation: Prior to removing the windshield, dealers must take at least two digital photographs that clearly show the alleged glass defect. These photos must be kept in dealer records.
2. Marking: The damaged glass and any other components with "visible issues" must be marked using masking tape or a grease pen to highlight the damaged area.
3. Claim Submission: A Primary Failed Part (PFP) line claim is submitted using the following coding: PFP (1), OP CODE UG10AA, SYM FD, DIA 03, FRT (2). The applicable windshield part number (P/N) is referenced from the Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC), and the Flat Rate Time (FRT) from the Nissan Warranty Flat Rate Manual.
4. ASIST Submission: The new glass warranty form must be completed, and the digital photographs attached through ASIST for pre-authorization and glass part return requests.

Failure to properly mark the part or provide the required digital photographs can result in a claim debit.

Required Tools or Parts

While no specific part numbers are listed for the repair itself, the diagnostic process requires:

• A magnifying glass (10X magnification) for identifying small impact marks or scratches.
• Masking tape or a grease pen for marking damaged areas on the glass and components.

Owner Action

If you notice Nissan Sentra windshield cracking or similar damage on your 2021-2024 Nissan vehicle, it is important to contact your authorized Nissan dealer. They will perform the necessary inspection using the guidelines outlined in TSB NTB09-081K to determine if the damage qualifies for warranty repair. Do not attempt to repair the windshield yourself, as this could affect warranty eligibility.

NHTSA ID: 11001191