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Exploding Sunroofs!

41 messages,  Last post on Nov 14, 2009 at 8:52 AM

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What is this discussion about? Lexus IS 250, Toyota Avalon, Cadillac STS, Volkswagen New Beetle, Infiniti G35, Mazda CX-7, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Saab 9-3, Jeep Liberty, Coupe, Hatchback, Sedan, Wagon, SUV

#32 of 41 Infiniti FX35 Exploding Sunroof by dano29 Sep 08, 2009 (5:55 pm)
Add my 2007 Infiniti FX35 to the list of vehicles with exploding sunroof. While driving home to Canada the sunroof exploded like a shotgun. We pulled over and discovered the big hole in the sunroof. Infiniti won't talk to me about warranty, only that it is not covered. The initial sunroof replacement was C$1,400 and now there is an additional $3,700 ($5,700 total damage) required to remove glass from between the roof and the inside panel. I am getting nowhere with Infiniti on the warranty so I am beginning small claims court proceeding here in Alberta. Very frustrating.
#33 of 41 saab 9-3 sunroof by robbie567 Sep 08, 2009 (8:48 pm)
my saab 9-3 was at the mechanic, i received a phone call explaining that my sunroof had shattered. When i asked what the hell this meant the mechanic explained that my sunroof had shattered outward, but remained intact except for a few small peices. Anyone else have this happen to them Replies to this message: howardru (Sep 09, 2009 3:05 am) pat (Sep 09, 2009 5:36 am) howardru (Sep 09, 2009 6:02 am) and 1 more...
#34 of 41 Re: saab 9-3 sunroof [robbie567] by howardru Sep 09, 2009 (3:05 am)
Replying to: robbie567 (Sep 08, 2009 8:48 pm) Perhaps you should check the SAAB message board.....   This is the Mazda CX-7 board.... The chances of a CX-7 owner, also being an owner of a Saab 9-3 are miniscule.... Replies to this message: pat (Sep 09, 2009 5:36 am) howardru (Sep 09, 2009 6:02 am) pat (Sep 09, 2009 1:33 pm)
#35 of 41 Re: saab 9-3 sunroof [howardru] by pat HOST Sep 09, 2009 (5:36 am)
Replying to: howardru (Sep 09, 2009 3:05 am) Sorry, no, this is not a Mazda CX-7 board. Please look at the top of the discussion to see the vehicles this conversation includes. In fact, it includes any vehicle with an exploding sunroof, whether listed or not, since only up to nine vehicles may be listed at a time. Have a look at the Saab 9-3 "board" and you'll see this discussion appears there as well.   As with the other posters here, Robbie's actual experience was terribly unfortunate, but his post is welcome in this discussion. Replies to this message: howardru (Sep 09, 2009 6:02 am) pat (Sep 09, 2009 1:33 pm)
#36 of 41 Re: saab 9-3 sunroof [pat] by howardru Sep 09, 2009 (6:02 am)
Replying to: pat (Sep 09, 2009 5:36 am) When I look at the top of this page, it says You are here: Make Index Mazda CX-7   That says Mazda, CX-7 which is the make and model I navigated to.   Says it on the bottom of my page too.   If people want to populate the forum with off-topic models and cars, then so be it. Being the moderator, it would be more effective as a research tool to keep the members focused on the MAKE as indicated on the You Are Here page... Replies to this message: pat (Sep 09, 2009 1:33 pm)
#37 of 41 Re: saab 9-3 sunroof [howardru] by pat HOST Sep 09, 2009 (1:33 pm)
Replying to: howardru (Sep 09, 2009 6:02 am) You are missing the What is this discussion about? line in the header at the top of the page. You can list any of those make/models and find this discussion there (did you check the Saab 9-3 link I gave you?). If you display the discussion from any of those page lists, that particular vehicle will show up where you are seeing the CX-7. In other words, this discussion belongs to all of those models just as much as it belongs to the CX-7.   We have many discussions that encompass more than one make/model and this is how we manage it. I am sorry if you don't find it to your liking, but it's been this way for many years and it's not likely to change.   Rather than you and me continuing to disrupt this topic with this subject, please feel free to email me directly, or else to use the Help link to find the Contact Us page.   Thanks!!
#38 of 41 Re: Mazda CX-7 sunroof explode [mmmitc] by aerbland Oct 01, 2009 (10:01 pm)
Replying to: mmmitc (Sep 08, 2009 8:33 am) I have a 2007 Mazda 3 and the same thing happened to me last week. I was driving down the interstate during a warm day and I also heard air coming in via the sunroof cover and opened it to find a huge hole in my sunroof glass, the whole thing shattered. Any luck with Mazda?
#39 of 41 Now I am even happier that I waited 3 months for my car by doindmath Oct 28, 2009 (2:43 am)
...so I could not have a sunroof! I really just wanted more head room...
#40 of 41 Exploding Sunroof.... WHY?? I'll tell you. by brianwitty Nov 14, 2009 (8:52 am)
Exploding sunroofs are not a manufacturer defect. They only happen when the sunroof is closed and the windows are rolled up. Car manufactureers have gotten very good at making the cabins airtight so the inside of the car will remain at the same cabin pressure as when the car was sitting still. Now when you are driving down the freeway at 65-70 miles per hour the air rushing across the top of the car creates lift (bernoulli effect). If you are driving against the wind you can add the wind speed to your traveling speed and soon have pressure differences like you might see in a tornado tearing the roof off of a house. The specific day's barometric will also be a factor. Anyway the glass is literally sucked upward and breaks equalizing the pressure. The immidiate change in pressure stops the upward suction, and the remaining glass falls in your face. Side windows, windsheilds and rearglass do not have the same ammount of pressure on them because of the aerodynamic shape of the car. Sunroofs are positioned close to the windshield where the air traveling over the car still wants to travel in an upward direction. So- it is not a manufacturer defect, but it is a design flaw. Sunroof cars should be have a pressure equalizer much like modern airliners do. Or at least move them back on the roof a few inches (but thats not as much fun. right?) I haven't done the math, and dont plan on it, but my theory is that the tinted wind diffuser on the front of many sunroofs (that help deflect the wind from entering the car when the roof is open) probably makes the upward pressure worse when the roof is closed. Wow- feels good to actually use some of that college physics I studied so hard for. Studied Physics/aerospace - work in real estate! LOL Anyway I saw how many people were commenting about exploding sunroofs, but didn't see any answers provided.

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