Exploding Sunroofs!

[flyrv9]

The December 2017 issue of Consumer Reports has an interesting article about exploding sunroofs on vehicles by several manufacturers. Apparently many of these failures are under normal driving conditions and some even with the vehicle parked. Toyota is one of the manufacturers listed; but no Toyota models are listed I can see. Hyundai has the highest failure rate followed by Ford, Nissan and Kia. Some of this is attributed to sunroofs getting larger over the years; but other than that no definitive cause has been determined.

So I wondered if any forum members here have had any problems with their sunroof shattering. There have been a few injuries; but no deaths or accidents. Replacement is rather pricy and dealers have been reluctant to cover by warranty.

We have had no problems on our 2013 SR5 and hardly use the sunroof. Being in Tornado alley, we often get sizable hail at times; I'd rather not even have a sunroof - but it's too late now!

 

[Quentin]

I seem to recall one guy posting about his moonroof shattering. It certainly isn’t very common around here, though.


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[LandCruiser]

 

[adio3x]

This just happened to a buddy of mine, except he has a 4th gen, happened while driving down the hwy. Also happened to my sister's GLK, but sitting at the top of a parking garage, parked. :noidea:

 

[Heavy_GD]

"exploding" sunroofs... let's all be dramatic about a glass shattering to sell media.

My favorite part is Kia trying to convince people its not their fault... haha

The automaker Kia told Consumer Reports the reason glass roofs shatter is "always road debris or projectiles, even in cases involving users who insist no road debris caused the breakage."

 

[philsey]

i seem to recall one guy posting about his moonroof shattering. It certainly isn’t very common around here, though.

+1 ....

 

[e60ral]

there are better reasons not to get a sunroof (head room, weight, it will eventually leak, etc...)

 

[philsey]

there are better reasons not to get a sunroof (head room, weight, it will eventually leak, etc...)

+1. No use. I was very pleased to find a new SR5/P without one, and it saved me money.

 

[Hadelson]

"exploding" sunroofs... let's all be dramatic about a glass shattering to sell media.

My favorite part is Kia trying to convince people its not their fault... haha

My son drives a Rav4 with a sunroof. Yup, exploding is good description. It blew out in many fine pieces all over the inside of the car. The issue is the layered application of the glass. A defect occurs either at manufacturing or from use. Over time, the temperature differences from extreme hot to cold weaken the defect. At some point, its hits determined stress thresh-hold and explodes. Not a fun experience having this happen just over your head and then have all the glass fragments flying around the car.

:hello:

 

[adio3x]

"exploding" sunroofs... let's all be dramatic about a glass shattering to sell media.

My favorite part is Kia trying to convince people its not their fault... haha

Agreed, Exploding is the right term. My friend said while it happened, sounded like a shotgun had gone off right by his head, literally happened without warning, almost rear ended the car in front of him.

 

[TacoRunn0517]

I've always been a fan of sunroofs. That being said, I know that not having means I have one less thing to maintain. My time and wallet will appreciate it haha.

 

[Heavy_GD]

My son drives a Rav4 with a sunroof. Yup, exploding is good description. It blew out in many fine pieces all over the inside of the car. The issue is the layered application of the glass. A defect occurs either at manufacturing or from use. Over time, the temperature differences from extreme hot to cold weaken the defect. At some point, its hits determined stress thresh-hold and explodes. Not a fun experience having this happen just over your head and then have all the glass fragments flying around the car.

:hello:

Agreed, Exploding is the right term. My friend said while it happened, sounded like a shotgun had gone off right by his head, literally happened without warning, almost rear ended the car in front of him.

Fair enough... glad everyone was safe after the fact.

 

[jrbpit]

I had a 2014 Chevy Cruze with a sunroof, and GM recalled them because they had so many shattering. Evidently the supplier used glass that was not up to spec.

 

[spacecityrabbit]

I know a couple of Caddys this had happened too. Dealer could never explain it.


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[JSparky]

I ran into a guy having his repaired on a full size GM pickup.. his went out coming down the Alcan highway though so that may have contributed to it.

 

[Quentin]

+1. No use. I was very pleased to find a new SR5/P without one, and it saved me money.

I’m addicted to the moonroof + rear glass both being open. I had an opportunity to order a TRD Pro for under dealer invoice last month through my work program and I decided not to because I didn’t want to give up my moonroof and KDSS. That new blue is so damn nice, though.


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[RUNTHAT]

Should I trade in my Trail for a Calvary TRD Pro w/ no sunroof? Two less things to worry about (KDSS and sunroof).

:fishing:

 

[lukeskywalker]

I think people without sunroofs just jealous. Even the TRD pro folks.

 

[Wild Duck]

Life is too short to worry about non issues, if your not 6’-4” or taller the sun roof is fantastic! And I’m not worried about it leaking either or my KDSS maintenance, if your worried about those things drive a VW bug. If you own it, maintain it. There are a ton of other way more complicated systems on even the SR5 units. My $.02


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[2flyfishin]

I think people without sunroofs just jealous. Even the TRD pro folks.

I drive a trd pro and you're right, I am jealous. Don't rub it in. That is the only thing I would change about my pro. I've even thought about ordering a pro from Canada to get a sunroof but thought that would be going too far lol.