Rear Window Explodes, No Clue Why?????

[younglefthander]

Needed to pull out my 2Dr Wildtrac a few feet to get into the attic, pulled forward inches and the glass exploded outward. I say outward cause there is glass all in the garage behind the Bronco left and right. Yes, there is glass in the cargo area but no glass anywhere in the back seats. I took pictures showing damage before opening the gate or doing any clean up. You can see the pulleys/structs exploded outward. Once I did open the gate, the bottom frame of the window fell. My Bronco stays in the garage, so I can't blame the Florida heat. In fact, it was last driven a week ago. I've gone thru every scenario possible to try to figure out if I did something wrong. Curious what other might have to say by looking at the pictures.

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[SuperDave150]

Leprechauns

 

[604Bronco]

There's been other reports of rear glass exploding too - Can probably find them by searching for them on here.

Hopefully nobody was hurt.

@Ford Motor Company

 

[Hdscreens]

Houston-We have a problem! I also remember others have reported the same issue.

 

[BlueWaffle]

Did you fart?

 

[Mad Max]

I'm thinking the glass took a whack before you moved it and there were micro fractures waiting for one more push. Moving the vehicle just gave it enough of a flex that it let go.

 

[Baja Bronco]

Did you have it tinted? I’ve read on other forums that tinted glass shatters more than untinted glass. I certainly don’t have any proof, just what I’ve read.

 

[younglefthander]

I'm thinking the glass took a whack before you moved it and there were micro fractures waiting for one more push. Moving the vehicle just gave it enough of a flex that it let go.

No hits on glass while I've had it. Only have had it 3 weeks now. If something like that happen then it happen on the dealer lot or in manufacturing.

 

[younglefthander]

Did you have it tinted? I’ve read on other forums that tinted glass shatters more than untinted glass. I certainly don’t have any proof, just what I’ve read.

No tint and no direct sun or heat from in garage. Plus, garage door open all day.

 

[Figmo]

The struts landing outward I don’t think is compelling. They are under pressure to lift the glass so anytime that pressure is relieved for whatever reason - outward is naturally where they will land. Every time. And, of course, pushing a fair amount of glass that direction with them.

Thinking rear glass alignment was off “just enough” so that a little bit of pressure is placed on the glass when closing the gate. Over time - it just gives way.

I’m going to assume you’ve never removed the top because certainly you would have mentioned that right off. So maybe it’s poor factory alignment? Especially given that others have had this same problem. Be interesting to compare build dates among those who’ve had this happen.

No way to be certain. But even if I’m right - what good is it? Doubtful Ford will own up to it.

 

[younglefthander]

The struts landing outward I don’t think is compelling. They are under pressure to lift the glass so anytime that pressure is relieved for whatever reason - outward is naturally where they will land. Every time. And, of course, pushing a fair amount of glass that direction with them.

Thinking rear glass alignment was off “just enough” so that a little bit of pressure is placed on the glass when closing the gate. Over time - it just gives way.

I’m going to assume you’ve never removed the top because certainly you would have mentioned that right off. So maybe it’s poor factory alignment? Especially given that others have had this same problem. Be interesting to compare build dates among those who’ve had this happen.

No way to be certain. But even if I’m right - what good is it? Doubtful Ford will own up to it.

Good point on the struts. It was built 9/23. Had 50 miles on it when I got it 3 weeks. Top has not been off. I'll get with Ford but either way, warranty or insurance, it will get fixed.

 

[MFP2241]

@Figmo is right.

The two top corners, where the struts are mounted, seem to be where the blowouts originated... you even still have a little "mountain" of glass in the middle.

Never heard of struts causing damage like this, but given the patten of the shatter and the direction of the broken glass, it seems like the struts are the most likely cause. Who knows what the glass was subjected to prior to you obtaining the truck.

 

[Lcubed]

the rear window is made from tempered glass.

a small imperfection (usually during manufacture or installation) will cause the glass to spontaneously unload from the manufactured stressed state to an unstressed state.

my aunt's new subaru's rear window exploded while parked at my mom's house. replaced by the dealer at no cost

 

[7spdbadlands]

I had something similar happen to me about 18 months ago. Had a pretty gnarly storm with high winds rip through SE MI. The wind pushing directly against the rear glass was enough pressure to get it to fold in on itself. Ford warrantied mine without any issues, took about 5 days to get the glass in and 2 days to get it fixed. Should have no problems warrantying yours, especially with how new it is. Most likely installed improperly from the factory, and it finally gave out

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