Sunroofs Are Nice, But Are They A Risk?
Panoramic sunroofs have become one of the most popular vehicle features in recent years, with manufacturers offering them on everything from compact sedans to family SUVs. But there is a safety concern that most buyers never think to ask about: there are still no specific federal regulations requiring a sunroof, whether open or closed, to keep occupants inside the vehicle during a crash. This is despite the fact that hundreds of people are injured or killed each year when they are ejected through sunroofs during accidents.
Just How Dangerous Are Sunroofs?
NHTSA data covering a decade of crashes found that nearly 300 people were killed and 1,400 injured when they were thrown from sunroofs during accidents, including ejections through both open and closed sunroofs. A subsequent analysis covering crashes from 2002 to 2012 found that approximately 230 people were killed and 500 were injured each year through closed sunroofs alone. The problem has only grown as sunroofs have become more common and physically larger.
As panoramic and dual-panel sunroofs have become standard offerings across vehicle classes, the surface area of unprotected glass above occupants has increased dramatically. A larger sunroof opening means a larger potential ejection point in a serious crash, particularly in rollover accidents where the roof bears significant structural load and occupants are subjected to lateral and vertical forces simultaneously.
Why Have No Regulations Occurred Yet?
When NHTSA established regulations to help prevent side window ejections, they considered extending those standards to sunroofs as well but ultimately chose not to, since sunroof ejections accounted for roughly 3% of total ejection deaths at the time. Instead, the agency focused its resources on side window airbags, which have significantly improved occupant protection in modern vehicles.
As of 2026, no specific federal safety standards govern sunroof ejection protection in passenger vehicles. In late 2024, NHTSA did finalize new anti-ejection glazing standards, but those rules apply only to over-the-road buses and motorcoaches, not to passenger cars or light trucks. The regulatory gap for passenger vehicle sunroofs remains open.
Some automakers have begun addressing sunroof safety on their own initiative. Manufacturers including Volvo and some Ford products have adopted laminated safety glass in their sunroofs, which is far more resistant to shattering and ejection than standard tempered glass. Hyundai has developed what it believes is the first sunroof airbag system. These voluntary improvements are encouraging, but they are not universal and buyers have no way of knowing what standard of glass is in a vehicle they are considering unless they specifically research it.
What Can You Do To Protect Yourself?
Until federal standards catch up with the reality of larger, more common sunroofs, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Always wear your seat belt. Ejections through sunroofs — whether open or closed — are far more common among unbelted occupants. A properly fastened seat belt is still the single most effective way to keep you inside the vehicle in a crash.
When shopping for a vehicle, ask specifically whether the sunroof uses laminated safety glass rather than standard tempered glass. Laminated glass holds together when shattered rather than breaking into pieces, providing significantly more protection against ejection. This question is worth asking your dealer and researching independently before making a purchase decision.
If you are involved in a crash and believe a sunroof defect contributed to your injuries or the injuries of a passenger, it is important to understand that you may have a claim not only against the at-fault driver but potentially against the vehicle manufacturer as well. Product liability cases involving defective auto components are complex and require experienced legal counsel from the start.
When You Need Legal Help
If you or someone you love has been ejected through a sunroof during a crash, speak to an experienced Colorado Springs car accident attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will be able to review your case and determine who the responsible parties are. If the vehicle or component manufacturer bears responsibility for a defective design, you may be able to pursue a product liability claim in addition to any claim against the at-fault driver. Understanding what damages you may be entitled to recover and acting within Colorado’s statute of limitations are critical first steps.
At Rector Stuzynski Law Firm, our Colorado car accident lawyers have the experience and resources to build the strongest possible case for our clients. Call us today at (719) 578-1106 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and ready to help.
