In October 2018, Ford issued a new recall for the Mondeo because of a possible panoramic sun-roof drop-off. The blue oval has previously announced a similar recall for their Tourneo Connect and Transit Connect models. We have also recently reported that Volkswagen is to recall over 700,000 Tiguans and Tourans with a panoramic sun-roof due to moisture penetration and the risk of short circuit in connection with their indoor ambient lighting – read more here.
These two cases have happened in a quite short time period and so it occurred to us to search our archives to find out which other car makers may have problems with their sun-roofs. And surprisingly, the list is not that short. Let’s begin with the Fords:
Ford Mondeo (22. 8. 2017 – 14. 12. 2017) – The glass adhesive layer of the tilt/slide sun-roof could delaminate. As a result, the glass panel could become loose or even detach during the vehicle´s operation.
Ford Tourneo Connect and Ford Transit Connect (4. 10. 2013 – 14. 7. 2014) – There is a possibility of poor adhesion between the panoramic roof glass panel and the vehicle´s body. This could result in the glass panel separating from the vehicle
Volkswagen Group
Neither the above-mentioned problems with Tourans and Tiguans are the first appearance for the VW Group. Due to the problematic sun-roof, the Audi A8 (2007-2008) and Volkswagen Phaeton (2007-2008) were also recalled in 2016. The problem even occurred with Bentley´s Continental Flying Spur (2007 – 2008). For the same reason, the Audi A8 was also recalled in 2013 – The glass sliding roof may suddenly break, causing the monolayer safety glass to break up into small pieces – says the Rapex report.
Another problem may occur with the MY 2016 Skoda Superb. The sun-roof could cause crushing injuries when it is closed with the key because the closing force is too high. The same risk is a threat with the Volkswagen Passat produced between March 2014 and February 2016. The front panel of the sun-roof may become detached and fall on to the road with Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii made in January and February 2016.
Other Manufacturers
Among the other producers that have had recalls due to the sun-roof in the past, we can mention the following models: Opel Adam (IV. – X. 2013), Toyota Avensis (VIII. – XII. 2013), Renault Espace (until 14. 12. 2015), and the Land Rover Discovery (MY 2012 – 2013).
If you not sure there’s an active recall for your car, you should get in touch with an authorized dealer or workshop that’s been officially authorized to perform repairs on behalf of the manufacturer. Manufacturers offer unlimited time for those repairs, meaning that even second or third owners can still get a recalled vehicle fixed at no charge.
Update May 2019: Problems with the sunroof electric motor may also occur with the Hyundai i30 produced from September to November 2018.
Currently 5157 Recalls