2013 Hyundai Sonata: sunroof shattered

Filed Feb 16, 2023 · Visibility · LA

The glass on the top of the car (sunroof) spontaneously exploded on the interstate at a speed of 70 mph. The hole on top of the car was about 16-20 inches in diameter and the entire sheet of glass on the sunroof was cracked. As the driver, the spontaneous shattering of the roof could have caused serious bodily harm because the glass would have quickly flown into the vehicle due to high speeds and the high volume of glass. I did not open the sunroof to inspect it; thankfully, the sunroof was closed at the time of the spontaneous shattering. I did exit the vehicle after pulling over to inspect and get photo evidence of the damage to the vehicle. The exterior temperature was 74 degrees with minimal airflow inside the vehicle (the interior temperature was 70-73 degrees). There was no rain, hail, or other weather incidents. Few vehicles were around and none had debris coming out. No bridge, streetlight, or other objects were above. The vehicle is currently in this state with a hole in the roof. The problem has been reported to the manufacturer and photo proof is available. It is also available for inspection upon request and will be inspected by the dealership. There were no warnings, messages, or other notifications.

Filed Aug 6, 2022 · MS

While traveling on interstate, while untouched and with shade closed, sunroof made a loud explosion noise and shattered. The temperature yesterday was in the 80s in south Mississippi. This is a safety hazard as it is optional to drive with the sunroof shade open or closed. It just so happened that I had the shade closed during my drive yesterday. Should I have had my shade opened, there would have been shattered glass flying throughout the vehicle while the car was moving at 70+ mph. I also have a car seat in the rear which I am grateful no glass got into. There were no warning signs that this was going to happen, there were no flying objects. The traffic was actually very light with the nearest car being +200 feet away. I contacted Hyundai and my insurance regarding the incident. The insurance USAA offered repairs through a 3rd party with $500 comprehensive deductible. Hyundai inspected, confirmed incident occurred due to heat, and referred to glass shop with no repair solutions due to car being out of warranty. No rental or loaner car offered from either company. Another safety hazard here as it has rained nearly every day this summer, and the car is now at risk for being accessed by wanderers. Technician at Hyundai dealership did offer to cover sunroof with tape which I accepted. Incident occurred on 8.5.2022 at approximately 9:45 am in Gulfport, MS

Filed Oct 26, 2020 · 98,000 miles · IN

I was driving at a normal highway speed of 60 miles per hour on a smooth road and following another car approximately 1/4 mile ahead with nothing overhead when my sunroof spontaneously exploded. I had the sunshade closed at the time.

Filed Apr 18, 2019 · 42,500 miles · MA

While driving I hit a pot hole and my sun roof glass broke

Filed Sep 10, 2018 · Body · 115,000 miles · CA

The glass sunroof exploded for no reason.. I was driving 9/5/18 about 5pm, no one in front of me, nothing overheads, and I heard a loud sound (like a bullet) didn't see anything around me, the windshield looked fine, but the glass sunroof had shattered. Thank goodness the inside roof liner was closed and the shattered glass did not fall on my face or into my car.

Filed Apr 5, 2018 · 42,200 miles · AL

I was driving approximately 45 MPH on a city street in a consistent forward motion when suddenly the panoramic sunroof over the front drivers area exploded upwards. I will mention, that I was not behind or beside another vehicle nor was I traveling underneath anything.

Filed Mar 10, 2018 · Visibility · 81,000 miles · IL

On 2/19/2018 while driving on the highway my sunroof spontaneously exploded. There were no prior indications of problems and no warning. It was not below freezing, it was raining(I wasn't using it), and there was no falling debris of any kind. It sounded like a gunshot went off by my face. Had this happened to an inexperienced or insecure driver it could not only cause a highway collision but fatalities. I believe there is something wrong with the structural integrity or possibly the chemical makeup of the glass used which makes it susceptible somehow(the entire sunroof was gone, 90%+) however the cause is unknown at this time. I pulled over immediately to think and make sure I was unharmed, then called my hyundai dealership and drove straight there. The dealership put in a repair order which at first was denied by hyundai. I called hyundai customer service department and started a case. Within a few days hyundai approved the second attempt and repaired the vehicle at no cost to me. However if this happened once I believe this could happen again and I would like a recall issued or at the very least investigated. This is a public safety issue.

Filed Nov 8, 2017 · Body, Visibility · 68,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 hyundai sonata. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the sun roof exploded and caused glass to enter the vehicle. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

Filed May 28, 2017 · Visibility · 69,000 miles · OK

Driving southbound at 70 MPH on a straight section of a major interstate in my city at approximately 1:25 pm, the sunroof glass shattered for no apparent reason with a sound similar to a shotgun. Almost lost control of the vehicle due to the sound. Did not see any road hazards flying through the air. Shade was closed so all glass stayed above myself and other occupants. Outside air temperature was 94f and sunny. Photo taken to document as soon as it was safe to pull over.

Filed Jul 22, 2016 · 68,000 miles · TX

My sunroof has exploded twice in the past 18 months. The first time I was driving down the expressway when I heard what sounded like a gunshot. Shortly after, I realized my sunroof was shattered with glass falling into the vehicle. The noise almost caused me to swerve onto traffic in the other lanes. Of course, hyundai said it wasn't covered under warranty. The 2nd time which happened yesterday, I came to work and parked where my vehicle remained all day. I even strolled by my car during lunch as I hopped into my friend's vehicle and saw no damage. My car sits in my assigned parking spot right outside my office window at our local armory. When I got into my vehicle last night and drove off I could hear what sounded like dirt/gravel from the tires but soon realized it was glass from the sunroof. The car was stationary all day. Now hyundai is telling me that I am responsible for the damages again. Not acceptable.

Filed Jul 13, 2015 · Body · 25,574 miles · FL

Locked unoccupied vehicle was parked outside in a clear open area and panoramic glass roof spontaneously shattered.

Filed Oct 25, 2014 · Visibility · 23,000 miles · AR

Tl-the contact owns a 2013 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 62 MPH, there was a loud noise and discovered that the sunroof exploded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000. Djr