Exploding Sunroof? What? I Didn't Ask for that Feature

An exploding sunroof is not something you want to think about happening, let alone actually experiencing it – especially if you’re driving down the road when it happens. But it’s been happening more and more. And many manufacturers are installing even bigger sunroofs than they have in years past, making it an even bigger concern.

Exploding Sunroof? What? I Didn’t Ask for that Feature

How Often Does it Happen?

In an October, 2017 Consumer Reports (CR) article, CR indicated that 859 Americans have filed complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) since 1995. However, 71 percent of those reports have taken place since 2011.

Thankfully, no serious injuries or deaths have occurred as a result of these exploding sunroofs, but there have been minor injuries.

What’s Being Done to Address it?

While the NHTSA has taken over 800 reports on the matter, they haven’t yet changed their standards and expectations for vehicle manufacturers. They do note that the manufacturers are aware of the complaints and that they have the responsibility to develop safe vehicles. The NHTSA feels that it shouldn’t take pushing from them for manufacturers to look into and resolve the issue.

So the answer is – nothing, nothing is being done to resolve the issue. Which leaves the vehicle owner on their own to make the repairs to their vehicle, which doesn’t come cheap – especially if your sunroof is bigger than the “standard”.

Which Brands are Affected?

Consumer Reports found that over 200 models and 35 brands make up the list of complaints filed. Here are the top five brands and models with the most reported issues of exploding sunroofs since 1995:

Manufacturer:

Hyundai: 119
Ford: 83
Nissan: 82
Kia: 78
Scion: 72

Models:

Scion tC: 71
Hyundai Veloster: 54
Kia Sorento: 43
Nissan Murano: 28
Kia Optima: 25

The chances of your sunroof exploding is low, but if it does happen, Consumer Reports offers this advice:

Document the extent of damage: take pictures and video after you’ve taken care of any injuries. Also, take note of the weather conditions and the possibility of an object causing the breakage.
File a report with the NHTSA, the more reports they receive, the more likely they are to put strict guidelines on manufacturers. Visit their website or call their hotline at 888-327-4236.
Contact the manufacturer and the dealer where you bought your car (if this applies) and find out what they will do to resolve the problem. Just don’t accept the first “no” you receive, press on and you may find your sunroof repaired at no charge.
If you can’t get the manufacturer or dealer to budge, contact your insurance company, they may be able to help change their minds or will, at least, cover some of the cost – if not all of it.