Having a sunroof in your car is an open-air luxury that used to actually be an option in new cars. Nowadays, it seems like every car, even in its base form, now comes with a moonroof and what’s even better is that many automakers are incorporating panoramic moonroofs in many of their models. However, did …
Having a sunroof in your car is an open-air luxury that used to actually be an option in new cars. Nowadays, it seems like every car, even in its base form, now comes with a moonroof and what’s even better is that many automakers are incorporating panoramic moonroofs in many of their models. However, did you know that they can “explode?”
That’s right, sunroofs and more specifically, moonroofs, are prone to exploding. And if you own one of these 10 car models, then there is a higher chance that your car’s moonroof could potentially explode.
How does a car’s sunroof “explode?”
While it probably sounds like a really weird concept, a sunroof “explodes” when it randomly, and spontaneously, shatters while you’re driving. The reason why this phenomenon has been called an explosion is due to the loud “bang” that the glass makes when it shatters. According to Global News, the issue could be from contaminants inside the glass, which cause the glass to shatter due to “internal stress caused by high temperatures.”
Consumer Reports reported that the moonroofs are susceptible to damage because the glass bends and warps over time as the car goes over bumps and dips. The structural rigidity of the car is tested every time it’s driven over uneven pavement, which puts more stress on the moonroof than on the windshield and side windows.
These 10 cars are more likely to be affected by the exploding sunroof issue
By now, you could be wondering about your own car’s sunroof. Fortunately, Global News listed the cars with the most complaints of exploding sunroofs. The top 10 are as follows:
Hyundai Santa Fe: 37 complaints
Nissan Murano: 19
BMW 3 Series: 13
Kia Sorento: 10
Mazda3: 9
Toyota RAV4: 9
Nissan Rogue: 9
Ford Focus: 8
Ford Edge: 6
Hyundai Elantra: 6
There are plenty more complaints from other makes and models, however, we wouldn’t want you to worry too much. Consumer Reports stated that sunroofs exploding happen less frequently than tire blowouts. But if it does happen to you, then it looks like you’re on your own as far as getting it replaced.
What are automakers doing to remedy the situation?
It doesn’t look like exploding sunroofs is a big enough issue to warrant any recalls from any of the automakers. That’s good, considering that means that it doesn’t happen enough to cause too much concern, but that does mean that you will be paying out of pocket for the repairs unless your car still happens to be under warranty.
Among all of the complaints of exploding sunroofs, there have been 36 reported injuries from them. Fortunately, none of them are too serious and there are no reported deaths. The only main cause for concern is that moonroofs are now getting much larger, which could result in even more “explosions” in the future. And if a massive panoramic moonroof exploded, there’s no guaranteeing that there wouldn’t be any greater injuries.
Volkswagen, Hyundai recall cars with shattering sunroofs
Drivers have experienced random sunroof glass explosions in the Volvo S40, Honda Accord, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-9, and Chrysler 300M, www.carcomplaints.com reports.
Manufacturers believe that the exploding sunroofs are caused by environmental factors, like changes in the temperature or debris hitting the glass. But drivers who have had their sunroofs explode are maintaining that it was a random occurrence due to a safety defect or poor engineering.
The biggest concern when it comes to sunroofs is the risk of being ejected from the vehicle in a rollover crash. According to the IIHS, rollover crashes only make up about 3% of all car accidents.
Having a large window or opening above your head typically seems less safe – but the truth is that in most scenarios, you face no additional risks from having a sunroof or moonroof.
Plaintiffs Jacob and Jessica Beaty allege in their complaint that Ford sold and leased these vehicles without disclosing that the panoramic sunroofs could spontaneously shatter, causing broken glass to rain down on drivers and passengers, even though Ford was aware of this dangerous defect.
But, just because it's not a common occurrence doesn't mean it can't happen. In fact, a recent Consumer Reports investigation indicates that certain sunroofs do indeed explode. And, unfortunately, the number of spontaneously shattering overhead windows is steadily growing.
How does insurance protect a sunroof or moonroof? Generally, glass damage, including damage to a moonroof, is covered under comprehensive car insurance coverage or auto collision coverage. Comprehensive coverage may apply if your sunroof is damaged unexpectedly, such as from a tree falling on your car or a hail strike.
If you can safely drive yourself back home, cover the sunroof opening and take your vehicle into an enclosed garage if possible. If the vehicle is unsafe, unusable, or you are too far from safety, call a tow truck. They can transport your vehicle to a shop where your sunroof can be correctly repaired.
However, researchers who have conducted crash tests for the federal government and road safety groups like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have found that vehicles with sunroofs are just as safe as vehicles with steel roofs.
A sunroof is a glass or metal panel that's installed in the roof of a car, truck, or SUV that slides open or pops up to allow light and air into the interior cabin. A moonroof is typically a clear or tinted glass panel that slides between the roof and the headliner and is often tilted open to let in the fresh air.
A sunroof is worth it if you want to enjoy additional natural light and air in your car's cabin and don't mind the drawbacks. For example, you'll have to clean and maintain the sunroof. On top of that, the panel and its components could become damaged over time and require replacements.
During the hottest summer months, the added glass can cause the interior of the car to become warmer than cars without a sunroof. In the coldest winter months, condensation from the window may cause moisture to drip into the cabin.
In fact, a recent Consumer Reports investigation indicates that certain sunroofs do indeed explode. And, unfortunately, the number of spontaneously shattering overhead windows is steadily growing. At Only 1 Auto Glass, we're here to help you stay well informed and safe while driving.
Crash tests have not shown that cars with panoramic sunroofs are any more dangerous in an accident, but having a large glass panel that opens does increase the chances of being ejected from a motor vehicle in a serious collision.
Sunroofs come in several different types, but all of them can let water into your vehicle if they wear out or get damaged. Fortunately, some easy, inexpensive sunroof maintenance techniques can keep your sunroof in good shape.
Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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