Panoramic Roof Safety

The auto industry as a whole needs to establish stronger safety standards for so called panoramic sunroofs without waiting for regulators.

Panoramic roof safety.

Time could show that drivers grow tired of any added maintenance and are less likely to buy another vehicle with a panoramic sunroof. Both recalls arose from the possibility of the panoramic sunroofs flying off vehicles. While the rubber seals do keep the majority of the water out panoramic sunroofs rely instead on water drainage channels within the roof of the vehicle to keep the moisture out. These drainage points can sometimes clog potentially causing the drainage channels to overflow and leak water into the cabin.

But the rise of panoramic sunroofs has also precipitated a rise in consumer complaints about the safety issues they pose namely a reduction in vehicle rollover strength and the danger of spontaneously shattering glass. Why some are concerned about the safety of panoramic roofs news outlets and sources like consumer reports have warned drivers about the risk of exploding or detaching sunroofs the risk of exploding is caused by a high degree of stress placed on the large span of tempered glass. Kia exploding sunroofs prompt nearly 200 driver complaints.