2012 Focus exploding sunroof on local news

[dyn085]

Well, to further clarify I should have said laminated glass. I can understand side windows not being laminated as they would theoretically (in a random breaking instance) shatter and fall straight down, in the drivers lap in the worst case scenario. I would rather not have my moonroof falling across my face while going down the Interstate at speed.

[RonMaiden]

Window tint isn't going to hold the glass in one piece as I've seen tinted side windows shatter for the most part the same as untinted glass. Actual thick laminate would be different tho' but I don't think I've seen that done on a sunroof like the film that's for headlamps.

Still so unlikely to happen it just doesn't cross my mind.

[dyn085]

I don't understand your need to argue this, but I'm curious to see your supporting data that backs your claim that window tint would not hold the glass together in the circumstances provided.

I know tint won't make your glass bulletproof and if your car gets hit in the side by a train that glass will be everywhere. What we are talking about is a random 'explosion', whether caused by rock chips or weather or manufacture defect, etc.
Is it something I worry about? Much like you I do not. Simply saying that I would imagine that the manufacturers would choose to use laminated glass above the drivers head. To me that would just seem safer, especially when there are multiple incidences of moonroofs shattering while people are driving.

[RonMaiden]

I've seen tinted windows that have been broken and the tint doesn't hold it together;not arguing just stating my experiences for other to read.

[Minchkin]

When I google sunroof exploding, it is just a bunch of links associated with the Veloster. I doubt that the Focus has that big of an issue. And even if it did, I don't think that the roof would explode with such force that it would actually embed glass anywhere. And tempered glass is meant to break into the smallest peices possible so that it won't have the chance to make it deep into skin.

[IH84DZ]

Originally Posted by Minchkin

When I google sunroof exploding, it is just a bunch of links associated with the Veloster. I doubt that the Focus has that big of an issue. And even if it did, I don't think that the roof would explode with such force that it would actually embed glass anywhere. And tempered glass is meant to break into the smallest peices possible so that it won't have the chance to make it deep into skin.

Exactly.

I get a kick out of those who assume this is a defect. It happened across multiple vehicle lines and is concentrated in a particular area. It's obviously environment related and whether or not its a temp issue or a "rock" traction aid issue is TBD.

Also, Canada isn't the only cold place in North America so the lack of instances elsewhere make it hard to associate with cold.

I'd like to know how a defect in glass material, construction and sunroof mechanism design spans multiple vehicle lines

I'd also like to know why this wouldn't be an insurance issue

[Joeywhat]

Originally Posted by IH84DZ

Exactly.

I get a kick out of those who assume this is a defect. It happened across multiple vehicle lines and is concentrated in a particular area. It's obviously environment related and whether or not its a temp issue or a "rock" traction aid issue is TBD.

Also, Canada isn't the only cold place in North America so the lack of instances elsewhere make it hard to associate with cold.

I'd like to know how a defect in glass material, construction and sunroof mechanism design spans multiple vehicle lines

I'd also like to know why this wouldn't be an insurance issue

If anything it would be a supplier issue. I won't claim to know where every manufacturer gets their glass from, and if they use multiple suppliers, however it seems plausible that a supplier released some poor quality glass that ended up in several manufacturer's vehicles.

[IH84DZ]

Originally Posted by Joeywhat

If anything it would be a supplier issue. I won't claim to know where every manufacturer gets their glass from, and if they use multiple suppliers, however it seems plausible that a supplier released some poor quality glass that ended up in several manufacturer's vehicles.

This could be the case but until it's proven to be the case Ford, Hyundai, BMW, etc aren't going to volunteer a no cost replacement. Even from a customer goodwill standpoint it could be seen as an admission of "guilt" or admission of fault on their behalf. This is why unverified symptoms get no repair attempts.

I see no credibility whatsoever in a "safety" concern from this woman if she is willing to drive around with a sheet of plastic in lieu of a glass panel. If she was really concerned for her safety (or comfort for that matter) she'd have her insurance cover the glass and press the issue until someone figures out if there really is a supplier defect.

[mjd4277]

Originally Posted by IH84DZ

This could be the case but until it's proven to be the case Ford, Hyundai, BMW, etc aren't going to volunteer a no cost replacement. Even from a customer goodwill standpoint it could be seen as an admission of "guilt" or admission of fault on their behalf. This is why unverified symptoms get no repair attempts.

I see no credibility whatsoever in a "safety" concern from this woman if she is willing to drive around with a sheet of plastic in lieu of a glass panel. If she was really concerned for her safety (or comfort for that matter) she'd have her insurance cover the glass and press the issue until someone figures out if there really is a supplier defect.

That's IF the insurance covers glass. Insurance(and warranty policies for that matter) in Canada are different from here in the States. As previously mentioned,here in MA insurance companies have glass replacement with a $0 deductible(mandated by state law). They may not have that in her neck of the woods.

[misfire]

Originally Posted by BLRich1

I think she will have a hard time getting Ford to replace it unless it becomes a very obvious widespread issue. If not, its just a broken window and glass breakage is not covered under warranty.

exactly. She needs proof that its a defect and not an outside influence that caused the glass to break. For all we know, she could have been cleaning snow/ice off her car and broke it accidentally and tried to get it covered. if i were her, id just all my insurance company (would be $0 deductible for me) rather than wasting time on tv.

Originally Posted by elsolo

Ford could have fixed this for a few dollars, but rather they chose to screw the customer and now they are getting millions in free advertising on why NOT to buy a Ford.

ALL manufactures have warranties for a reason. If the auto manufacturers were to give things away to everyone that had a complaint, we'd be riding bikes due to the companies going bankrupt. i feel bad for the girl, but Ford needs proof its a defect to cover anything (small or big).



I hope she gets the idea to contact her car insurance for hopefully free help.