My '05 OBW now features a newly-cracked windshield. I'm pretty sure I heard it "pop" right after I switched-on the wiper blade heater for just the second time, and I was on the dealer's lot within 5 minutes before the several checks (cracks) could propagate much. The origin seems to be right on one of the heating element traces, at a "fork" in one check. The dealer was quick to say "stonechip". I say "bull" !! Although that is certainly a possibility, I don't believe it. The apparent breaksource is under the blade! Tho' there's a chance a stone hit that spot while the blade was moving, that's not likely. I apply "Rain-X" extensively for the express purpose of not having to run the front wipers when I'm at road speeds. The dealer could feel a "catch" at the breaksource and declared that is evidence that the glass was damaged, but in fact you can catch your fingernail almost anywhere along the several checks. I believe that's evidence of relaxed uneven stress, which is probably a result of uneven/incomplete tempering. (I worked for Corning Glass, and part of my responsibilities included breaksource analysis, but what do I know?) Also - there is absolutely NO visible evidence of bruising or crushing of the glass where the dealer alledges the stone hit.
Has anyone heard of or experienced anything similar? I have an appointment with the Subaru adjuster and I'd like some history to help me fight this battle!
TIA...