Dealer Installed Window Tint Issue

So, I bought a 2022 TRD OR about 6 weeks ago, and the dealer had already put on window tint before I bought it. A couple weeks after I picked up the truck, I stared to notice bubbles forming in both front windows. I called the dealer, and they said the tint has a lifetime warranty, just bring it in and they will fix it. They replaced the tint a week ago, and now I am already seeing bubbles in the replacement tint. There are far fewer bubbles than the original tint, but I want a brand new truck to look 100% perfect.

I know the dealer would try to fix it again, but the issue is it’s about an hour and fifteen minute drive to the dealership where I bought the truck. PITA to go over there again, and who knows if it will be right this time.

Here are my questions for the forum members:

1. The dealer says I need to take it to them, since they installed it. Since the truck is basically brand new and under warranty, any chance my local dealership 5 minutes down the road would fix it for me without charging?

2. The bubbles aren’t that bad this time around, but I’m nervous about them getting worse over time. Am I being overly anal, and should I just deal with it?

 

Tints are never perfect and the bubbles will get worse

 

The tint is not from Toyota and therefore not part of your truck's factory warranty. Sounds like the installing dealer offered you a lifetime warranty, but there's no way your local dealer will fix the first dealer's tint without being paid.
Seems you only have a few options...
- Live with it as-is.
- Let them fix it again.
- Ask for them to remove it and credit the tint cost.

 

I would see if they will remove the tint and credit the money back for the tint, you may have better luck going to a tint specialty shop, that said I would not expect a lifetime warranty from a tint specialty shop.

 

And....... it's highly likely that they subbed out the work. Tint isnt normally a dealer skill set.

*I* would ask for removal and a refund, then take it to a shop close to you. Get a lifetime warranty with Llumar product and enjoy.

 

That simply isn't true.
The quality of the installation and the materials used will dictate the end product.
I've had perfect tint on number of vehicles.

 

It is probably cheap dyed tint and a crappy installer. They gave you a lifetime warranty betting it would be fine for a few years and then you would just change it out on your own dime when it starting bubbling or fading.

Get a refund for it and go get Llumar or Xpel ceramics with a real lifetime warranty. I have had both and never once an issue with their tint. Worst case they don't refund it, but I would still get it taken off and have some quality tint installed.

 

+1, my truck has perfect tint not a bubble on it after 2 years.

 

Considering they probably tacked on 5x what a reputable shop would have charged I would take it back and have them redo it

 

I had Llumar ceramic tint installed by a local tint shop 6-7 months ago and there is not one bubble on any of it. If it's decent materials installed by someone who knows what they are doing you shouldn't have bubbles.

 

I would ask the dealership to give you a credit so you can have it done at a specialty shop. My truck came with dealer installed tint. It didn't look bad, but it wasn't dark enough. I took it somewhere else and got a much darker tint. it's been on for almost a year, and there are zero bubbles in it.

I think you're local to me, so if you need a recommendation for a shop, let me know. Which dealership did you buy your truck from?

 

yes it is

Ran a garage vinyl/tint shop for 20 yrs in NYC seen it ALL. 4.8 Stars Google.

1000+ installs. Mainly 3M, Motoshield, and Lumar ceramic. Show me a perfect tint. Bubbles will manifest around lower cut trim, you really need to take doors apart to cover entire glass and use a non-saponifying spray at all times. Zero chance the dealer did either. Know more than 99% people on this forum in regards to tints. Perfect tint doesnt exist. Period. Show me perfection.

I call 100% BS. It will bubble eventually unfortunately. Ask me anything. Willing to be proven wrong!

If you dont drive your car and keep it in climate controlled garage maybe you have 3-4 yrs. People saying their’s are “perfect” are same ones with McDonalds bags on passenger floor and Cerwin Vega 15watt 18” subs.

#coldtruth

 

lol…are you just saying things? It’s the opposite of what you said. You can even make a tint perfect with a shitty product. It’s all about the installer.

 

Huh?

To be clear a perfect tint doesnt exist meaning some people arent capable of noticing flaws but after a couple years 99% people will. This guy is noticing the minutiae…it will only get worse for him.

I will find flaws in your “perfect tint” in a matter of seconds. I will put 500 dollars down for anyone who wants to challenge this. And a “clean” install doesnt last. What do I know? Clearly very little.

OP can listen to whoever he wants but Im speaking experience of 1000+ vehicles (over 2k individual windows personally). I Know his type Im the same way. Trying to temper his expecatations not pick a fight. Go ahead and take it back a third a fourth a fifth a sixth time….

 

I mean honestly dude, my two front windows were tinted about 6 years ago and are flawless to this day. I've got a tint strip on my windshield as well that looks as good as the day it was installed. I don't know what else to tell ya.

No Cerwin Vegas in my rig either.

 

I see what you mean bro, but we don’t live in a perfect world. Per his description, I think he’s noticing much more than tiny bubbles. We always think we wipped it super clean, but trust me, NOT.

 

Same. I've had mine 5 years and I can't tell the tint isn't part of the glass. I do know the shop took the doors apart and actually pulled the glass out to install it. It was 100% dry and usable (didn't have to not roll the windows down for a week) the day I had it installed.

 

Well a pic from the OP would stop any more splitting of hairs. My guess by his tone, his raptor lights, his bronze wheel lol..is they are microscopic.

Solution….every time he goes back for service get the tints redone….lifetime warranty baby!

 

I would ask for a refund of the charges, for the tint and go elsewhere. There are reputable tinting businesses out there, that will stand behind their work. A tint shop by my house has been here for about 40 years and they offer a lifetime warranty. No questions asked.

Back in the 80’s, when I was a pimple faced teenager, I had a little window tinting business. I have not tinted windows in probably 35 years, but I’m sure it’s pretty much the same. The guy installing the tint has to know what he’s doing.

The windows have to be squeaky clean, before you apply the tint. You can’t get them too clean. The tint needs to be trimmed and applied very carefully. Otherwise, it can pick up dust or lint, from anything it comes in contact with. Any bubbles should be removed, with a small squeegee, during the application process. After application, park the car in the sun and don’t lower your windows, for four days.

Back in the 80’s, I always used 3M brand window tint. That was the best, back then. Today there is probably something much better. I’m not even sure if 3M still makes tint.

 

I'm going on 10 years on my tint, no bubbles or anything like that. But the shop that did it does PPF on all the Lambo's, McLarens, Porsches in our area. They don't bother with tint unfortunately anymore.