Why Are Nissan Sunroofs Randomly Exploding?

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Nissan sunroof with giant shards of glass missing

These days it's hard to find a car without a sunroof, so it's no surprise that there's more complaints about sunroofs than ever before. While sunroofs will rattle and leak just like any other window, what's truly concerning is reports of them randomly exploding.

Most exploding reports are about larger sunroofs, such as Nissan's panoramic sunroof which is an upgrade feature. This expansive piece of glass sounds really nice in marketing and looks great on a test drive, but there's a problem.

Glass is heavy → large pieces of glass are really heavy → really heavy can affect MPGs → MPGs are king. So to offer a panoramic sunroof, Nissan has resorted to using thinner glass.

Tempering Expectations ∞

Like side and rear windows, sunroof glass is tempered. Tempering is a process of rapid heating and cooling that strengthens the glass and creates a safer break pattern. If tempered glass breaks, you get small chunks rather than life-ending shards.

Tempering is a tricky process and particularly difficult on thin glass. There's reason to believe that automakers haven't perfected their tempering process.

Exploding sunroof lawsuit says Nissan's tempering is flawed ∞

A 2017 lawsuit filed in a California court says all 2008–present Nissan and Infiniti models are at risk of their sunroofs exploding because of Nissan's flawed tempering.

[The plaintiff] lays out the case about how the tempered glass is heated and then rapidly cooled, creating an outer layer of compression shrink-wrapped around the middle of the glass that is constantly pressing outwards. The tempering creates a stronger piece of glass compared to non-tempered glazing, but the glass can explode without warning if the compressed layer is compromised.

When CarComplaints.com asked four top university engineering professors what makes sunroofs explode, they said that imperfections in tempered glass will cause it to shatter under pressure.

Considering cars are more airtight than ever, the pressure is on.

Reports of Nissan Sunroof Problems ∞

ModelYearExplodedOther Problems
Altima2010leaked
2013rattles
2014Bang
Maxima2010Boom
Murano2011Crash
2013Pop
2014Bazinga
Pathfinder2013Smash
2014Crack
Rogue2012doesn't work
2013leaked
Sentra2012Boom

The "Rock Fell on it Excuse" ∞

Automakers like to blame sunroof explosions on owners or random rocks (that somehow shatter the glass from inside). Here's one reason they're wrong.

Lawsuits Regarding This Problem

Lawsuits about this problem have already been filed in court. Many times these are class-action suits that look to cover a group of owners in a particular area. Click on the lawsuit for more information and to see if you're eligible to receive any potential settlements.

Generations Where This Problem Has Been Reported

This problem has popped up in the following Nissan generations.

Most years within a generation share the same parts and manufacturing process. You can also expect them to share the same problems. So while it may not be a problem in every year yet, it's worth looking out for.

Further Reading

A timeline of stories related to this problem. We try to boil these stories down to the most important bits so you can quickly see where things stand. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts for your vehicle over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Heads up, Nissan owners! The sunroof in your vehicle might soon be coming down in a thousand little pieces.

    A lawsuit alleges that all of Nissan's factory-installed sunroofs (panoramic or otherwise) can explode without warning. This includes any vehicle since 2008.

    "Plaintiff Janelle Horne says she was riding with her husband and four kids in a leased Infiniti QX80 when the sunroof exploded like a shotgun, causing Mr. Horne to pull off the highway and see shards of glass everywhere.

    Yikes, that'll get your attention. Hopefully this lawsuit means Nissan will start paying attention too.

    The lawsuit only includes residents of California at this time, but similar lawsuits may be filed nationwide based on its results.

    keep reading article "Heads Up, Nissan Owners! That Sunroof Isn’t As Safe As You'd Hope"

OK, Now What?

Maybe you've experienced this problem. Maybe you're concerned you will soon. Whatever the reason, here's a handful of things you can do to make sure it gets the attention it deserves.

  1. File Your Complaint

    CarComplaints.com is a free site dedicated to uncovering problem trends and informing owners about potential issues with their cars. Major class action law firms use this data when researching cases.

    Add a Complaint

  2. Notify CAS

    The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) is a pro-consumer organization that researches auto safety issues & often compels the US government to do the right thing through lobbying & lawsuits.

    Notify The CAS

  3. Report a Safety Concern

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the US agency with the authority to conduct vehicle defect investigations & force recalls. Their focus is on safety-related issues.

    Report to NHTSA