Talk about a low-lift luxury to our family cars - today we are talking about sunroofs! We're seeing them in more vehicles than ever, bringing a luxurious and open feel to the interiors. They let in tons of natural light to the cabin, making the car feel brighter and more spacious. But as awesome as they are to enjoy, you might be wondering about any potential downsides, especially when it comes to safety in a collision – what happens to all of that glass?

It's interesting because questions about their safety come up all the time in my DMs and it’s not something I’ve ever discussed at length. I've gathered some very interesting insights and formed my own opinions on their safety in a collision. I think it's great that we're having these discussions and looking at safety from every angle.

Let’s get into it!

Panoramic vs. Traditional Sunroofs - There’s A Difference!

Did you know there's a difference between panoramic and regular sunroofs? While a regular sunroof is typically smaller and situated just above the front seats, a panoramic sunroof is a larger glass feature that extends over most, or sometimes the entire roof of the car. This offers both front and rear passengers an open, skyward view, making the interior feel brighter and more spacious.

Nowadays, panoramic sunroofs are becoming increasingly common and are likely what you'll encounter in newer models. They usually feature tinted glass to block UV rays and help keep the interior cool. Additionally, they often come with shades that can be adjusted manually or automatically to control light and heat. While some panoramic sunroofs are fixed and don't open, others can tilt or slide to allow fresh air to flow through.

It gives you and your passengers that “wow” factor, especially on scenic drives or long trips. I really enjoy them and so do my kids!

Are There Safety Concerns with Sunroofs?

First things first, everything about driving or being in a vehicle raises safety concerns. Sunroofs, particularly panoramic ones, do raise some safety questions, primarily about structural integrity in accidents like rollovers - but overall, the data and crash testing looks good.

Modern vehicles are robustly designed to address these concerns, adhering to stringent safety standards. Manufacturers reinforce the vehicle's frame around the sunroof to ensure that it can withstand significant impacts. This reinforcement helps maintain the car's structural integrity during accidents, particularly in rollovers where roof strength is critical.

While the risk of a panoramic sunroof breaking in an accident exists, the combination of reinforced structures and advanced glass technology has helped minimize safety concerns.

What If The Sunroof Shatters In A Crash?

If a sunroof shatters during a collision, what happens next depends on the type of glass it's made of. Most newer cars use laminated glass for sunroofs, which is great because even if it cracks, it holds together. This keeps big, sharp pieces from flying around, reducing the risk of serious injuries or ejection.

Should there be a collision or significant impact, the glass might crack under the force, but here's where it gets interesting: the cracked pieces stick to a plastic layer. This creates a spiderweb pattern of cracks that spread across the glass, but crucially, the shards remain bonded to the plastic. They don’t scatter or separate, which helps prevent injuries from flying glass and reduces the risk of passengers being ejected through the now-damaged sunroof.

Even if the glass is cracked, it still acts as a protective barrier, keeping the inside of the vehicle safe from more impact or debris. Even in a damaged state, laminated glass still provides important protection.

Alternatively, some sunroofs have tempered glass, which breaks into small, dull pieces that are much less harmful than sharp shards.

Both options are designed to protect passengers from shattered glass from the sunroof.

How To Protect Passengers In Cars With A Sunroof

When it comes to safety in cars with sunroofs, the best approach is to focus on what you can control! Sunroofs are generally built to be safe and are designed to resist shattering during crashes. What’s within your control? Always wear your seatbelt. Seat belts are vital—they significantly lower the risk of being ejected through the sunroof in a rollover accident. That is what we are truly trying to avoid.

Also, make it a habit to inspect your sunroof to double-check there’s no damage. And if you have a car with a sunroof, take some time to learn how it operates, including how to manually close it if the automatic feature fails.

How Often Do Panoramic Sunroofs Actually Have Problems?

Very rarely. While there have been reports of panoramic sunroofs shattering or having issues, it’s not something that happens often enough to be a huge concern. Automakers and safety organizations, like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) keep an eye on how these sunroofs perform in crashes, and most meet safety standards without any problems.

That said, there’s still a slight risk. In the rare case of a rollover, the glass roof might not protect you as well as a solid one. But it’s important to remember that major injuries from the sunroof itself are uncommon.

One other thing to mention, over time, sunroofs—especially larger ones like panoramic sunroofs—can develop problems such as wind noise or water leaks as the seals begin to wear out. While these issues aren’t guaranteed, they do happen and are something to keep in mind. Fortunately, if these issues do come up, they can usually be fixed by repairing or replacing the seals. All part of regular car maintenance!

Kelly's Perspective: Cars are already encased in glass, so there's no need to stress over the sunroof!

When it comes to panoramic sunroofs, they’re designed with safety in mind, so you can enjoy that spacious, open feel without too much worry. If you're interested in how your vehicle performs in crash tests—especially concerning the roof—check out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They conduct thorough crash tests and we have even been lucky enough to have them on The Carpool Podcast! Interestingly, sunroofs don’t rank high on safety concerns in family vehicles.

If you’re curious to learn more about IIHS safety testing on some of the top family cars on the market, check out my complete breakdown here.

Your car is already surrounded by glass, with windshields in the front and back and windows on each door. We don’t usually worry too much about the safety of those glass placements. For that reason and a few others, I believe sunroofs shouldn’t be a concern either.

That said, the most important thing you can do for your safety and your passengers' is to always, always, always wear your seatbelt. Make sure that all adults in the car are wearing their seat belts properly, and if you have kids in the car (and we know you do!), ensure their car seats are correctly installed and suitable for their age and size. This is crucial for protecting everyone in the event of an accident.

Do you have a panoramic sunroof on your family car? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest car-buying tips for families, check out my recent posts:

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