Hey guys,

Not sure if anyone else has had this problem (I saw this thread, but it doesn't look like the same kind of cracks):

I noticed these cracks in my headlights tonight and have no idea where they came from. I don't seem to have any other damage from rocks, etc. anywhere else, and these cracks are both along the top part of my headlights. Even stranger, the headlights are smooth to the touch, as if the cracks are *inside* them.

What could've caused this to happen? And might it be covered under warranty?

Thanks so much for any feedback.

 

That looks like UV degradation of the plastic. Do you leave the car sitting out in the sun for long periods of time?

 

No I don't. Although it is certified pre-owned, and I suppose it's possible I didn't notice this when I took delivery of it.

 

Agree it's Sun damage

 

Is that like stress fractures from the inner plastic expanding and contracting in the sun?

 

A dealer in my area warranted the replacement of my headlights after some prior moisture buildup had formed during the previous owner's care and ultimately stained/etched water spots into the inner globe which drove me crazy. It's all I could focus on when I'd approach the car from the front. Very expensive if you have to bear the cost out of warranty. They may feel that these stress/heat cracks are unsightly enough to warrant replacement as well.

 

I have the exact same cracks, but guessed that they could have been stress cracks due to a low-speed impact (like a parking lot bump). Like the OP's, there are no cracks on the surface, just around the edge on the inside. My '15 is about 7 months out of warranty, so they will probably be staying as is, unfortunately.

 

Thanks for the responses.

I've never had a car's headlights crack due to "sun stress." Maybe it's silly of me to think that shouldn't really be a problem?? If it is due to the sun, then either the previous owner left it on the street, or we're talking about the headlights cracking after I left it out in the sun for a few hours here or there. I park it in a garage at night and if I drive it to work, but I drive it out to places and necessarily have to leave it in the sun, cause... it's a car.

I've got a service appointment with my dealer in a couple weeks for the fuel filler neck issue that they tried to fix under the TSB, unsuccessfully, and I mentioned the headlight cracks when I called to make the appointment. I'll report back as to whether or not they're willing to repair them under warranty...

 

A few hours here or there in the sun wouldn’t be an issue. The previous owner parking the car in an uncovered lot at the office every day would have done this.

 

If the headlights are that vulnerable, then maybe my plan to buy an F-Type just got scuppered. I live in Las Vegas and my employer does not have covered parking.

 

You could always install Headlamp Protection Film on any car you get (not just a Jaguar...)

XPEL and WeatherTech are well-known brands.

 

+1.

 

I wouldn't let this stop you from buying an F. The issue is likely far more uncommon than you think. Remember, this forum is comprised of a minority of the owner pool. You can always buy a daily beater that's more suited to spending hours sitting in an open lot.

 

I've had my S vert in Vegas for 5 and a half years and no cracks in lights. If heat was the reason theyu would have shattered this week!