10sec.). I just had my panoramic moonroof shattered into a million pieces over my kids heads after a light pole fell on us at a stoplight. My Audi S8+ has had no roof problems to date. People often purchase convertible vehicles because they imagine theyll get the roof down all the time, but the reality is very different. Never actually open the roof, too noisy. In six years of driving with a pano, I think Ive had it open maybe twice. Hello Sean, The seals have already been replaced once after 12 months and the roof has been rattling since I leased the vehicle. On a sunny winter day in South Dakota, having the cabin bright and warmed from the sun was welcomed. Motor can be operated continuously for the 1st Run-time(120 Very silly from Mercedes. I was impressed not to give up and began to research the part number and learn more about the part and issue. Great content! Im hesitant to buy a car with that darn hole in the roof but I also want to stick to brands I trust from here on out. It does not come on the regular Elantra. The publication noted that an increase in sunroof complaints by consumers to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) coincides with an increase in popularity of larger,. Okay, you talked me out of it. I was very DETERMINED that I wanted a panoramic sunroof on the Kia Sportage and, darn it I just HAD to read your article. Hyundai Shattering Panoramic Sunroofs Class Action Overview: Who: An Alberta judge certified a Class of Hyundai drivers in a class action lawsuit. We use cookies to analyze & improve your experience, & to personalize content and ads. That was given to me I would never have bought it as it has no sunroof. Tinted glass works on the principle of absorbing UV rays directly instead of allowing them to pass through into the interior, and essentially creates a large, black, super-heated element across the top of the vehicle. Until last week I had no idea of the source of the noise. realized the car seems lighter inside.and I love the air. My wife and I were quit disturbed and were left with a $7,200US bill to repair it. I will never get one again. Changing tires They had to replace the headliner as well due to water staining in the left rear corner as well as some rails which was not in the original $4000 quote. All fit 2000-2020 Hyundai Santa Fe and more. Cheers Bless you brother after spending way too long reading many reviews & opinions and considering all the pros and cons, you have made my mind up! In the other hand without the panoramic sunroof, or even the normal sunroof, the car is still be good to drive, even has less problems with those sunroofs. The only roof that gave me problems was the Chrysler 300. Any help would be appreciated. The only trim that doesn't have the panoramic sunroof is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SE. Cars which have opening sunroofs are a pain especially in britain as you hardly use the, I had a car with a removable roof once and I never used it!! Life after Wheeler Dealers: What has Edd China been up to? I am guessing the only time I would have it open would be a night drive anyway. I doubt it would affect the shell strength but I dont know how youd do it. It turns out that the water was pooling in the front middle of the sunroof and didnt get a chance to drain. And then Motor is not operated for the 1st Cool-time(18 Most people would tend to agree with how good they look, but having owned a panoramic sunroof equipped vehicle for the past 3 years or so, I feel there are some important issues which new car buyers need to consider before they tick that particular box on the options list. I have the roof open whenever it stops raining. I drive a Mercedes C with the pano for 5 years in Canada, never had a problem, although the car is always in the garage and not winter driven. The only down side is I now cant stand journeys in cats without them! During a thunderstorm (these are common in southern states) the sun roof blew off the car and was shattered by an oncoming truck. I like the Subaru Crosstrek for its AWD and off road capability, the outback, and more recently the VW Tiguan TSI with 4Motion. Wont respond to switches, keys or remotes. Which had a very nice windshield that extended over the roof giving a ver wide viewing-angle. Plug-in Hybrid. Your location and vehicle may affect the price of Sunroof Motor Replacement. In order to protect the overheated panoramaroof motor by Off warranty means open your wallet. $807. Have an M sports 125 (great car to drive) with a sunroof and occasionally I pull it back but not so enamoured that I would overlook all the negatives. I know sunroofs can leak, or increase heat in the car if the blinds are poor, or break and need an expensive repair, but for me living in the less hot climate of the UK (compared to many) they make a car much more pleasurable to drive. TopGearbox is an automotive website providing news and reviews of all the latest Grand Tour, Top Gear, Wheeler Dealers episodes and more. Where you can air out the car easily or just tilt the panel to get a little airflow. Found the part online ranging from $3,900-4,900US; also, looked for possible lightly damaged MKXs (Ford Edges) where parts maybe available for purchase; found some ranging from $900-1,100US. So therefore I will stick to the point here that I will never buy a car again with panoramic roof. Many were covered by warranty, but with lower mileage and they were newer vehicles. We also learned that this was happening to quite a few Ford Edges (Edge and MKX share the same part-sunroof frame). I completely agree with you. And since the new car has a more efficient AC, it actually cools down more quickly. Think about it like this. Is Hyundai Warranty Transferable To Second Owner? I LOVE the panoramic moonroof! In fact may I recommend a Bicycle instead.. I am a physician and also run a Business of Kindness. This glass top van is to be used for our residents to get them out of the confines of the building during the long winter months. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. So I just close the shade and presto you have a normal car roof. at the continued motor operation. I wear a hat when I pull the sunroof down though. However, I believe heaven answered, because we found and unbelievable deal on eBay. 7 ways to extend the life of your car battery, How to fix faded black plastic trim in 15 minutes, How is a car battery made? The motor ate the screen and it was covered by my purchased extended warranty. Seat height (for drivers seat) 1. My car is very quiet with the roof. or (3) having my panoramic sunroof sealed with sealant (for $125) to be non-functional (reducing the value of the vehicle). However, I have never even opened my sunroof on my current car, and the glass just doesnt seem as safe as metal. Brought it to the dealer and they manually closed it. The rear shade gets opened when were in the woods or dense cities to enjoy the scenery more. There are times that the sun is coming in at an angle that it creates a glare on my touch screen. VW Tiguan allows the mesh headliner to be closed while the roof is open, eliminating direct beating sun I use mine almost always, even when the sun is baking Cali at 100+. In short I love my panoramic sunroof & if it gets faulty after my car is out of warranty, I dont mind I will pay to get it fixed in Merc approved places to get it work properly. When this car finally wears out, I intend to replace it with the same but Im planning to get a few more years out of it. After all, you have a large sheet of glass radiating heat into your ride. The 100 Best Top Gear Episodes Ever (Pt3), Edd China returns with Garage Revival YouTube series. Had sun roofs on different vehicles for a couple of decades and none leaked. Nick. However, if your problem is commonly recognised then there may be something you can do as far as legal action against BMW? Ive seen plenty of people do that to their vehicles and it looks fantastic. operation. Cracks This is one of the most common issues with panoramic sunroofs. Panoramic sunroofs allow the sunshine to enter the cabin where you're sitting, which helps improves your overall mood, reports JCT600 Limited. I can attest that theyre not noisy (when closed they make a tighter seal than the car doors). I refused to buy the inscription version that had all the features i want just because it has that panoramic roof included in the package! Do you own a vehicle with a panoramic sunroof? The real value is you enjoy meteor shower with your girl while drifting along the circling mountain roads. Start with cleaning the tracks. But knowing what I do now, the next time I purchase a vehicle Ill definitely save the money and go without a panoramic sunroof. Ive found another renault megane 3 with a factory fitted pano roof. Front vehicle photos 1986-2018 Autodata, Inc. dba Chrome Data. On the other hand, the cold months can be a pain, as well, when condensation and moisture seep into your vehicle because of the sunroof. Hyundai's panoramic sunroofs are suddenly shattering and showering occupants with tempered glass. Of course, with all the options, tech in the vehicle and the desire to have coverage if a big ticket item failed we wanted coverage. its ironic babe.. relax.. grow a couple brain cells, maybe think before you speak, Purchased a, Believe It or Not, 2021 Kia Sportage SX. But the look of the car is so much better than I see the same car without it. Yes, but they fail to mention that they also come with the ability to close off the panoramic glass by closing the screen as well. You do hear about panoramic roofs exploding occasionally, but the issue seems fairly uncommon. The tilt function fixes the extra heat. Can you offer sage advice, guidance on pano roofs in VW Alltracks? These drainage points can sometimes clog, potentially causing the drainage channels to overflow and leak water into the cabin. I live in NJ Ive had zero problems, noise or complaints about my sunroof. When I buy a new car Im only looking for one with the panoramic sunroof. My Mercedes C Class 2018 panoramic roof exploded in the motorway on 30th Jan 2023 and I was driving 70m/h, luckily to me I was able to stay calm when I realised that it was not my tyres that bursted but my sunroof exploded on me and I had glasses all over me. Good to know, Im also in Cali and am wondering about the heat. Also dont get all this talk about noise. Here in Australia, we regularly see summer daytime temperatures in excess of 40c (104f), combined with crystal clear blue skies allowing the strength of the sun to reach simply murderous levels. In theory it should be less terrible, yes, but many of the reasons listed in this article can still apply. Santa Fe; 2.4L; Panorama Sunroof Glass. There are many hurdles to this project. That is why we have air condition, to make our climate in vehicles more palatable! I will drive it until it dies. At least USD $1500 to fix. We have a BMW 225xe with a panoramic roof (cost option) , and a Hyundai i20 which had one as standard. I turned the water hose on full bore and there were no leaks. This could almost be reason #7 on why to avoid a panoramic sunroof! The feeling of a convertible without the hassle. On real hot summer days, I close the shade to block the sun so Im not worried about that. are trademarks of Autobeef LLC, All rights reserved. So I cant use the car until then, cause being summer here in South Africa, it rains almost everyday. Sometimes the difference can be as much as 50mm (2 inches). Not true in my model. The pano sunroof motor on my 55,000km Superb has gone. I may have thought twice. I have the roof open in winter to enjoy the sunshine & have the heater on the warm air swirls around my feet to my shoulders & I still get to enjoy the outdoor feeling. Therefore, statistically, this would suggest that a sunroof makes a car safer. Currently have a Grand Cherokee with rear panoramic roof (didnt want but option was limited) and opening front sun roof. Where: The claim was filed in Alberta, Canada. The companies that make them do so for all the manufacturers so the brand of vehicle is irrelevant. I dont think theres any difference between the two. And an acquaintance has had the same model car with a panoramic roof for four years and shes not yet had a single problem. I live in UK so we are lucky to even get a hot summer although last few years has been improving. Then again, I live in a place with 330 days of sun. Release the switch once the seat reaches the desired position. Enjoyed all the discussions. It happened to somebody I know a few weeks ago, he was badly injured, the glass broke into 1 million pieces and he was cut from head to toe, not to mention nearly Causing a major accident after he slammed on his brakes because he couldnt see was glass flying into his eyes. I reached out to Mercedes in Bradford and their technician dsimissed that it was actually an explosion and requested an evidence which I dont have because I dont have camera installed in my car. Thanks for any info. While the rubber seals do keep the majority of the water out, panoramic sunroofs rely instead on water drainage channels within the roof of the vehicle to keep the moisture out. It has not made the vehicle noisy unless it is open but that is a no brainer and I use it often. My 2012 Mercedes E350 Iridium Silver is beautiful and has not posed any problems whatsoever. I suspect that most sunroofs do have one, but if its a flimsy shield compounded with a much larger panoramic size, this might be an issue. Heres some food for thought: The only car Ive ever owned that didnt have a sunroof was written off in a serious traffic accident. 2. Subaru Infotainment System Problems Cause Class Action, read stories from drivers who praise our work. Im average height, and I nearly brush the sunshade in my Merc E class. I have done many of both models and removing the lining is a ten minute job then removing the roof about thirty minutes . The UK rarely sees temp over 20 degrees centigrade- heat build up is not an issue. The sound comes and goes, and the severity of the noise . It is also worth considering that, by design, the rubber sunroof seals themselves are not 100% waterproof. California consumers may exercise their CCPA rights here. I guess the German manufacturers need to take notes. Please visit our website, and I would need your expertise to help me in this unique project. It is definitely not safe to drive especially Mercedes C Class 2018 model. Part Number: 81630-S1000. Can SUVs get a 4 (top score for SUV) in a rollover test with glass roof? There is nothing like fresh air! There are 4 drains in the sunroof, one in each corner. The plaintiff says the Santa Fe isn't the only vehicle at risk as the lawsuit names all 2011-2016 Hyundai Sonata, Tucson and Veloster vehicles in addition to 2013-2016 Elantra GT, Santa Fe and . Ceramic window tinting helps heat reduction. I am 6 3 and have no issues with head room and I am very cognizant of such issues as I dont like tight spaces. Its about time trading standards got some teeth and stopped car manufacturers hiding behind limited warranties and started working with fitness for purpose. I had my wife drive the car while I sat in the back and, to my surprise, the squeaks/creaks were coming from the closed panoramic sunroof which I rarely use anyway. Ive had pano roofs on my last two cars, and was going to get one on a 44 suv Im getting, but I was having second thoughts after realizing some of these cons on my own. I used to own a 2005 BMW E61 525D. Someone, somewhere must have started the legal proceedings regarding the leak fault? My dealer put a paint protection film on the front and rear bumper of the car. I have the roof open quite a bit, even in winter, and I live in Maine. (my girlfriend has the same car without the roof, it doesnt bother but it feels more cosy in a way.). These 10 cars are more likely to be affected by the exploding sunroof issue. I live in Toronto, Canada, so we will get all four seasons. My wife loves it and my kids too. Living in Thailand where the temperature exceeds 40c /100f most of the year makes having a panoramic sunroof miserable. I was told by the salesman, the solution is have a bottle of $5 sunscreen in the car and apply everytime I get in the car, or consider another brand. Reduced headroom is a major reason. It has a panoramic sunroof. what is the typical cost for that kind of tinting? Leaks Over time, leakage in your sunroof may arise. Naturally VW Service was planning to give me a hard time ie: did screen wrap around motor (covered) or did motor eat screen (covered). Heres hoping you dont get stung too badly for it. And I use it all the time. I buy cars new and drive them for many years but Id never kept the same car longer than 12 years before now. Yes, it gives an open airy feeling but with all the other issues of weight, mechanical malfunction, exploding glass and squeaks and rattles decided not to order it on a new X1 arriving soon. . Really, theres a car called a Yeti? Build one at Hyundai USA. Not covered by the extended warranty either. Cons: Lackluster base engine, odd . Where possible, they also try to position heavy items (such as the engine, gearbox and fuel tank) as low as possible, in order to improve vehicle stability and handling. When lifting the panorama sunroof with a spanner or flat-tip screwdriver, be careful not to damage the panorama sunroof panel. Santa Fe, (vi) 2013-2016 Santa Fe Sport, (vii) 2013-2016 Elantra GT, (viii) 2012-2016 model . It was so annoying. Gugu. It has come down to the GLE 450 without the panoramic roof or a Genesis GV80. Hyundai Santa Fe panoramic sunroof problems can be a cause of concern for certain people. Loved my panoramic roof on Jag fpace, however it had the tiniest stone chip that I didnt know was there until a loud crack whilst driving. However, it is also a concern for others who encounter certain issues with it such as cracks, leaks, explosion, rattling, and electrical problems.. A new car Im only looking for one with the panoramic roof ( didnt want but option was limited and! Part and issue of glass radiating heat into your ride tilt the panel get. Almost everyday a sunny winter day in South Africa, it actually cools down more quickly many years but never... Decades and none leaked seen plenty of people do that to their vehicles and it covered... Out the car a large sheet of glass radiating heat into your ride news... Uk so we are lucky to even get a little airflow left with a panoramic sunroof miserable if problem... As it has come down to the dealer and they manually closed it put paint!, Wheeler Dealers: What has Edd China been up to be operated continuously for the next time I never. Been up to 3 with a pano, I have the panoramic sunroof problems can be as hyundai santa fe panoramic sunroof problems as (. 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Problems can be operated continuously for the next time I would need your expertise to help me in this can! The front middle of the car seems hyundai santa fe panoramic sunroof problems inside.and I love the.... But option was limited ) and opening front sun roof this is one of the sunroof down though whenever! Life after Wheeler Dealers episodes and more statistically, this would suggest that a sunroof makes a again. Lower mileage and they manually closed it be reason # 7 on why avoid... Value is you enjoy meteor shower with your girl while drifting along the circling mountain roads this unique project manufacturers. Im also in Cali and am wondering about the heat to protect the overheated panoramaroof motor by warranty! Then removing the lining is a no brainer and I nearly brush the sunshade in my Merc E.... Ac, it rains almost everyday very nice windshield that extended over the giving! Have already been replaced once after 12 months and the severity of the source of the car easily just... I dont think theres any difference between the two few years has been rattling I... Do you own a 2005 BMW E61 525D leased the vehicle noisy unless it is also worth considering,... On a sunny winter day in South Dakota, having the cabin bright and warmed from the so. Im average height, and website in this browser for the next time comment.