Should the supplying dealer replace a cracked windscreen on my wife's 2008 Fiat Panda?

My wife bought a new Fiat Panda in November 2008. In November 2009, it was apparent that water was leaking into the car and soaking the passenger side carpet. The local Fiat agent adjusted the door seal, to no avail, and then re-fitted and re-sealed the windscreen, which solved the problem of water ingress. Now, six months after the windscreen was refitted, it has cracked from about four inches above the bottom offside corner down to the bottom of the screen, and then right across to the nearside edge. There is no sign of any impact damage to any part of the windscreen. The dealer says that neither they nor the windscreen fitting company will pay for the cost of replacing the windscreen and that "these things just happen for no apparent reason". Is this a reasonable stance for the dealer and windscreen company to adopt, or should they pay for the cost of replacement?

Asked on 12 July 2010 by Captain Mike

Answered by Honest John
Tell the dealer okay, and on the basis of the facts, let the small claims track of the county court decide.
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