About this problem
Large panoramic glass roofs are made of tempered glass that can shatter suddenly while the car is driving or even parked. A tiny chip at the edge, frame stress or a defect in the glass can cause the whole panel to burst. Owners report a loud bang and glass falling into the cabin. Some carmakers have extended coverage for this.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Nissan Murano since 2012, 82 (8.1%) describe sunroof shattering, the second most reported problem we track on the Murano. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2014 and 2015 model years, and the 2012 drew the most, with 20. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 18,000 and 74,000 miles. No recall covers it, so repairs are usually paid by the owner once the warranty ends.
What owners report
Murano owners report the panoramic sunroof glass shattering while driving or parked, often with a loud bang and no sign of impact. The 2012, 2014 and 2015 models drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
The glass is replaced, sometimes under warranty or goodwill. Some owners keep the shade closed to catch glass if it breaks.
Typical cost: A replacement panel costs about $1,000 to $2,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Sunroof glass broke for no apparent reason. This happened in september 2015; car had been parked in the sun, followed by a thunderstorm. We discovered water coming in around the sliding interior sunroof panel and subsequently found sunroof glass shattered."
2012 Nissan Murano, 39,000 miles
"Front sunroof shattered spontaneously. A rock did not hit it. The 10,000 pieces are so tiny that they didn't show up in the photo I took. They are still in place in the roof of my car."
2014 Nissan Murano, 79,500 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Before you buy a Murano
- Look closely at the sunroof glass for chips or cracks.
- Open and close the sunroof and shade.
- Check whether the glass has been replaced before.
Questions
Which Nissan Murano years have sunroof shattering?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2014, 2015 model years. The 2012 drew the most, with 20 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 39,000 miles, and half reported it between 18,000 and 74,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A replacement panel costs about $1,000 to $2,000.