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A panoramic sunroof on a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

If You Own One of These 10 Cars, Your Sunroof Could ‘Explode’

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.

The driver door is open revealing the white interior of the Dodge Challenger
1970 Dodge Hemi Charger R/T | Mecum

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.

A panoramic sunroof on a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
Panoramic sunroof | Volkswagen

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.

Related

What’s the Difference Between a Sunroof and a Moonroof?