U.S. sunroofs frequently face "self-explosion" incidents, raising safety concerns for large-glass roof panels
According to a report by the US automotive magazine “The Auto Wire” on September 2, there have been nearly 500 reports of sunroof breakages on US roads since this year. Since 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recorded nearly 2,800 related complaints from 17 automakers and over 200 vehicle models, but no large-scale recalls have been initiated yet. There have been no confirmed cases of sunroof breakages leading to traffic accidents or serious injuries. Most modern car sunroofs are made of tempered glass, which is strong, but they can break entirely if internal stress is unbalanced or if they suffer local damage. Causes include road debris, uneven surfaces, temperature changes, and long-term vibration. With the popularity of large-size sunroofs, experts from the American Automobile Association point out that larger glass areas are more susceptible to road impacts, and the US infrastructure rating is D+. Data shows that more than 50% of cars in the US now have sunroofs. Both China and the US have established relevant safety standards, but the US prefers a self-certification model for manufacturers. The frequent occurrence of these complaints may indicate that existing standards are insufficient to cover large-size glass roofs...