Moisture Inside Headlight Issue With Stealership

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Mar 29th, 2019 9:50 pm

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Mar 29th, 2019 1:27 am

Jared77 [OP]: Newbie; Mar 25, 2019; 19 posts; 1 upvote

Mar 29th, 2019 1:27 am

Moisture Inside Headlight Issue With Stealership

I recently picked up a new 2018 Mazda 3 from the dealer. The next day a mechanic noticed moisture inside one of the headlights and told me to talk to the dealer as it would eventually damage the lamp after the warranty ends and I would end up having to pay for another one.
Got to the dealership, my salesman talked to one of the mechanics and they said that there's moisture inside because new headlights aren't completely sealed. That puzzles me because there is no moisture inside the other headlight. They also said that condensation is normal and won't damage the headlight over time.
Water and electrical products don't mix well lol so right now I'm thinking of about going back and demanding they fix it as its under the 3 year bumper to bumper warranty, or go to corporate. I'm new to this so I'd love to know your thoughts on this situation and what I should do next. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Here's images of the 2 headlights

https://imgur.com/UziG0ZH
https://imgur.com/a/Sf6pjcw

13 replies

Mar 29th, 2019 3:46 am

ronthan: Jr. Member; Feb 6, 2018; 122 posts; 36 upvotes

Mar 29th, 2019 3:46 am

Keep an eye on it. It should dry out after a day or two. If not, demand for a replacement.

+1

Mar 29th, 2019 6:14 am

vkizzle: Deal Expert; Aug 22, 2011; 38889 posts; 25487 upvotes; Center of Universe

Mar 29th, 2019 6:14 am

That's normal.
When you see water pooling inside, that's when it's not normal.

+2

Mar 29th, 2019 6:19 am

WMPCOT: Deal Addict; Apr 26, 2013; 4058 posts; 4005 upvotes; Toronto

Mar 29th, 2019 6:19 am

I'm going to have to disagree that this is normal, I have never had it happen to any of my cars new or old. To further my point my friend purchased a brand new pilot and had this issue on one rear light and they replaced it for him.

+5

Mar 29th, 2019 7:27 am

soxboy90: Newbie; Dec 23, 2012; 69 posts; 50 upvotes

Mar 29th, 2019 7:27 am

vkizzle wrote: ↑ That's normal.
When you see water pooling inside, that's when it's not normal.

Completely agree. It's normal to have some condensation from time to time. If it accumulates until it pools, that's a problem. It should always dry up eventually, usually doesn't take long.

+1

Mar 29th, 2019 8:30 am

cellsell: Sr. Member; Aug 4, 2004; 656 posts; 509 upvotes

Mar 29th, 2019 8:30 am

same question I had before while picking up the new truck.. yes.. it is not uncommon to see that especially if your car was on the lot for sometime.. once you start driving and turn the lights on, those should disappear within 1 week.

Mar 29th, 2019 8:38 am

Chrno: Deal Addict; Aug 24, 2007; 2660 posts; 2802 upvotes; Ottawa

Mar 29th, 2019 8:38 am

Headlights has weeping/venting tubes behind it to allow for some air circulation within the housing. If possible, check to make sure that all the tubes are pointing downwards if possible. If the condensation doesn't clear up in a few days and the water starts pooling, take it back to the service center.

+1

Mar 29th, 2019 8:41 am

CanadianLurker: Deal Fanatic; Sep 9, 2012; 6152 posts; 5279 upvotes; Oakville, ON

Mar 29th, 2019 8:41 am

Jared77 wrote: ↑ I recently picked up a new 2018 Mazda 3 from the dealer. The next day a mechanic noticed moisture inside one of the headlights and told me to talk to the dealer as it would eventually damage the lamp after the warranty ends and I would end up having to pay for another one.
Got to the dealership, my salesman talked to one of the mechanics and they said that there's moisture inside because new headlights aren't completely sealed. That puzzles me because there is no moisture inside the other headlight. They also said that condensation is normal and won't damage the headlight over time.
Water and electrical products don't mix well lol so right now I'm thinking of about going back and demanding they fix it as its under the 3 year bumper to bumper warranty, or go to corporate. I'm new to this so I'd love to know your thoughts on this situation and what I should do next. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Here's images of the 2 headlights

https://imgur.com/UziG0ZH
https://imgur.com/a/Sf6pjcw

Explanation provided by dealership is correct.

Mar 29th, 2019 8:44 am

sickcars: Deal Guru; Mar 13, 2004; 13505 posts; 5128 upvotes; Ontario

Mar 29th, 2019 8:44 am

This is normal on new cars. I have seen it many time and had it on my brand new car & my parents. After a few days it goes away and I have yet to see it again.

0_o
<_<
>_>
New Furnace/AC Time?

Mar 29th, 2019 9:08 am

booblehead: Deal Expert; Jul 30, 2007; 32376 posts; 19768 upvotes; Toronto

Mar 29th, 2019 9:08 am

I say it’s normal. I had experienced this personally on many euro brands (with xenon headlights). Issue should be cleared up in about 1-2 months time

Mar 29th, 2019 6:58 pm

Jared77 [OP]: Newbie; Mar 25, 2019; 19 posts; 1 upvote

Mar 29th, 2019 6:58 pm

sickcars wrote: ↑ This is normal on new cars. I have seen it many time and had it on my brand new car & my parents. After a few days it goes away and I have yet to see it again.

Thanks for the help. Would you happen to know why one builds up moisture while the other doesn't?

I washed my car today and it came back briefly but is now gone.

Mar 29th, 2019 8:32 pm

sickcars: Deal Guru; Mar 13, 2004; 13505 posts; 5128 upvotes; Ontario

Mar 29th, 2019 8:32 pm

I'm not to sure but the only thing I can think of that going from cold to hot temperatures during the shipping phase will cause that and to fully remove all the moisture you need to run the headlights probably for a few hours to fully dry it (since newer headlights dont get as warm as the old ones)

If it does not go away after a few weeks or a month and you drive the car regularly for a good amount of time (not just very short trips) then at that point I would go back to the dealer as it could be an issue with a seal around the headlight.

Jared77 wrote: ↑ Thanks for the help. Would you happen to know why one builds up moisture while the other doesn't?

I washed my car today and it came back briefly but is now gone.

0_o
<_<
>_>
New Furnace/AC Time?

Mar 29th, 2019 9:14 pm

SquadG: Deal Addict; Oct 2, 2013; 3107 posts; 3478 upvotes; Montreal

Mar 29th, 2019 9:14 pm

In Ford warranty guide, it says 50% of the inside has to be covered in droplets. I can't see your pictures so I can't tell.

Mar 29th, 2019 9:50 pm

Ecsta: Deal Addict; Jan 17, 2009; 4250 posts; 4569 upvotes; Toronto, Ontario

Mar 29th, 2019 9:50 pm

Normal for VW's as well FYI. The back of the headlights there's a little vent so park somewhere sunny for a few days and it'll clear up.

Lots of people panic and freak out, but unless there's a pool or water or you get bulb/dashboard errors they won't/shouldn't replace it.

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