Horizonal, Distortion/Wavy Line on R1S Windshield Tint

[Rivian Blue]

Met a Rivian driver last weekend who shared her experience with me about an issue she had. So she had XPEL Prime XR Plus 70% on the front windshield of her Gen 2 R1S when she newly purchased it. After the install, she noticed a horizontal band across the entire windshield, right at eye level. The band distorts the view when you look through it, almost like a little wave.

Based on this, she took the car back to show the installer. He confirmed the issue and replaced the tint. She got the vehicle back and the line was still there - exact same place. Was obviouslya new tint, as she could see the water/bubbles that needed to dry out over the next few days.

She only had the car for about a week before she took it in for tint and never noticed any issues with the windshield. My husband also drove and did not notice any distortion lines.

She didn't have any idea about what she was dealing with, if it was a windshield defect or maybe the tint was somehow magnifying some sort of issue on the windshield.

Then she came across someone who had a similar issue with his but it developed over few weeks. The person shared his solution to her which she followed and everything worked out great.

So basically, the solution was that the installer only replaced the tint and it’s been fine for over almost a year now. Also, it sounded like it was defective film. She advised that anyone having a similar issue, should try a different brand if your installer will not honor the warranty. I haven't experienced this issue but I hope someone might find it helpful.