IllustrationSunroof spontaneously exploded. While driving at approximately 35 miles per hour on a smooth, relatively level, paved road, the sunroof spantaneously exploded. The elevation above sea level was less than 200ft, and the outside temperature was in the mid 30s. The sunroof was not hit by an object. The explosion sounded like a g…
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Sunroof spontaneously exploded. While driving at approximately 35 miles per hour on a smooth, relatively level, paved road, the sunroof spantaneously exploded. The elevation above sea level was less than 200ft, and the outside temperature was in the mid 30s. The sunroof was not hit by an object. The explosion sounded like a gunshot, and we truly believed that our car had been shot at. The incident occurred in good weather in day light conditions. Had this incident occurred on a highway, at night, or in adverse weather conditions, this event could have easily resulted in a serious accident. It took approximately 10 minutes for us to realized that the explosive sound had come from the roof of the car. Our insurance company, Allstate, covered the cost of a new sunroof minus a deductible. I have learned from online research that exploding sunroofs are not uncommon, and that NHTSA has been investigating them for several years. We trust our government to establish timely standards to ensure public safety. NHTSA needs to take timely action to stop this phenomenon. Inaction has the potential to cause public harm, and would be a failure of the DOT to do its job ensuring public safety.