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Old 01-04-2012, 04:31 PM   #1
RuinerXL
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WR Blue Pearl

Question Brand New 2012 WRX - Condensation in Headlights

Just bought the car last Friday and last night discovered condensation in both headlights on the car. The car has not been garaged and it has been cold outside. That said, in my experience, any sort of moisture is not acceptable in headlight assemblies, especially not on a brand new car.

I am aware of the official bulletin from Subaru from back in 2007 regarding the fact that the headlights are now vented, but I have read conflicting statements across various forums, ranging from dealers refusing to work on the cars based on the bulletin to owners getting new headlights under warranty.

After researching, I'm still not sure whether this is a problem or if it is normal. I appreciate any input/opinions on this...thanks, guys!
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Old 01-04-2012, 04:55 PM   #2
jay25RS
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Can you post a picture of the condensation? It might not be too bad or it might be bad. I know that I would freak out on a brand new car but maybe it is an acceptable level.
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Old 01-08-2012, 01:08 AM   #3
2011WRX32
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I have the exact same problem on my 2011 wrx.... It pisses me off!!!!! But on some days my headlight assemblies look perfect. An I tried to have my dealer change it under warranty and they won't because that's apparently how they are they say. I think it's total bull**** but I guess we need to just deal with it :/
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Old 01-10-2012, 07:40 PM   #4
slimfit
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150% normal. It sucks but it happens to most people, just depends on the weather. The worst part is that I'm starting to get water spots inside the lens!
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Old 01-10-2012, 10:44 PM   #5
2011WRX32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by slimfit
150% normal. It sucks but it happens to most people, just depends on the weather. The worst part is that I'm starting to get water spots inside the lens!
Dude that's what I got on the one side..... The other is a light fog/haze that clears up for the most part. But overall it's friggin annoying. Poor design there.
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Old 01-10-2012, 11:38 PM   #6
synolimit
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its a known cause, gotta deal with it. SOA denis warrenty work because they said its normal and posted a bulletin not fix it or take claims on it.
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Old 01-11-2012, 02:27 AM   #7
furiouswrx
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pics please. you'll need them to show the dealer the problem.
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Old 01-11-2012, 04:15 AM   #8
synolimit
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^^^ read the post above. They will tell you to get lost.
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Old 01-12-2012, 08:54 AM   #9
guygettnby
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Quote:
Originally Posted by synolimit View Post
^^^ read the post above. They will tell you to get lost.
agreed! my dealer said the same thing, its normal and SOA wont let us do anything about it because it is a normal issue that goes away when the lights heat up.
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Old 01-12-2012, 10:03 AM   #10
WRXTIM
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My 2009 wrx started doing this during the 1st month I owned it. I don't know what happened, but it no longer does it anymore. I've never seen them fogged up ever again. Not sure why it stopped, but hopefully yours will stop too.
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Old 01-12-2012, 04:38 PM   #11
caB3rn
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Condensation is normal because the housing is vented to deal w/ expansion when the lamps heat up. It will dry up when you use the lights. But over time the housing will develop a film that will make it look like there is a cloud inside - this is when you take it to the dealer. My '10s head lamps was replaced by SOA a few months ago.

GL dealing w/ SOA or your dealer, bring up the issue when you're in for a major service - it puts them in a spot to help you out
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Old 01-13-2012, 09:55 PM   #12
2011WRX32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by caB3rn
Condensation is normal because the housing is vented to deal w/ expansion when the lamps heat up. It will dry up when you use the lights. But over time the housing will develop a film that will make it look like there is a cloud inside - this is when you take it to the dealer. My '10s head lamps was replaced by SOA a few months ago.

GL dealing w/ SOA or your dealer, bring up the issue when you're in for a major service - it puts them in a spot to help you out
Well the dealer around my area sucks.... It's prestige Subaru in turnersville, nj. Nothing but a bunch of pricks over there.
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