Driver Side Rear Quarter Panel Window Exploded

[NorCal Driver]

Quick report on a negative experience with window strength in the R1S. I purchased my new R1S brand new one month ago. Have really enjoyed the experience. Yesterday on a hot day here in Califoria, I used the app's climate setting to wake up the AC. I walked out to the car five minutes later, and opened up the back door on the drivers side to put away my backpack, closed the door and the back window on the drivers side exploded outward!

I sent Rivan service photos of the damage and videos of the event from Gear Guard. They let me know that Rivan was not at fault and this didnt fall under warranty because the window was "previously damaged, and that the pressure in the car plus that previous damage were the trigger." They sent the attached photo markup as proof. How they are defining those circles as evidence of previous damage that occured prior to this event makes no sense to me.

My takeaway from the experience, 1) try to always park in shade (totally doable right..), (2) never use climate preconditioning in the app, and (3) always be as gentle as possible closing the door that the car will tell me is still open when I try to drive away.

The things you don't expect to need to learn when you buy a $100,000 car described as rugged and ready for the outdoors.

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[shamoo]

This is a difficult situation since they're going on your word. The photos do appear to show prior damage and/or an impact.

It wouldn't hurt to go to a physical Rivian service center to have them look. Going by photos alone is difficult and I find it odd they would just dismiss it so quickly from a photo.

If you do handle this via your insurance provider, the positive is you can likely claim this under your comprehensive coverage. Comp claims do not increase or impact your rates. If you have a low deductible for comprehensive ($200-500), even better.

 

[NorCal Driver]

The photo markups were sent to me by the service center. I sent the the video of it when it happened and photos from multiple angles. This was the photo they sent back as evidence. Fairly frustrating for a car I have only had for a month. Thanks for the tip on the insurance claim.

 

[CharonPDX]

Do you have any photos of that window from before the incident? If you've only had it for a month, perhaps you took photos at delivery or something?

The "prior damage" seems awfully flimsy considering the window shattered - how can they tell just from those photos what was "prior damage" and what occurred as a result of the shatter? Those circled bits don't even look like "damage" to me.

 

[electruck]

The circle with the arrow does appear to highlight impact damage. perhaps a stone bouncing up from the road, debris ejected from a lawn mower, kid with a bb gun, could have been anything at any time. Between the heat and closing the door, yeah, I can absolutely see the glass shattering for reasons beyond Rivian's control (ie, not related to a manufacturing defect).

 

[windblowlc]

From my point of view, it's hard to imagine a window exploding without prior damage. It's kind of difficult to dispute their finding. Seems like insurance coverage is your best bet. Good luck!

 

[crashmtb]

From my point of view, it's hard to imagine a window exploding without prior damage. It's kind of difficult to dispute their finding. Seems like insurance coverage is your best bet. Good luck!

I've had a window "explode" like this on a very hot day. Not on a rivian. But still.
This sort of thing is what insurance is for. Zero percent chance any manufacturer would warranty it.

 

[EVDan]

I am a contractor and work with glass everyday, tempered (which is what that is) is incredibly strong, but can also just explode with no warning at all. I’ve had it happen several times especially when it is hot out

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

When I read your title I thought your body panel exploded.

 

[KenCar]

Sorry this happened to you. There are several posts on this site, created by people who had windows shatter. I wish Rivians had thicker stronger glass.

The seal on my left rear door is especially strong. Often, the door won't fully close if all other doors and windows are closed. I know this is due to a pressure spike as the door closes. As a result, I routinely open the driver door before closing my rear door. Better safe than sorry.

Another option is to use the "vent" button in the App that opens all the windows about an inch.

I agree with Shamoo's suggestions.

 

[CANCERDOC]

More and more vehicles using inexpensive Fuyao glass now. Including Rivian.

 

[Greg Chick]

The circle with the arrow does appear to highlight impact damage. perhaps a stone bouncing up from the road, debris ejected from a lawn mower, kid with a bb gun, could have been anything at any time. Between the heat and closing the door, yeah, I can absolutely see the glass shattering for reasons beyond Rivian's control (ie, not related to a manufacturing defect).

Ok, point taken, but has this ever happened with other auto glass? is this a recognized and documented thing in the auto glass industry? does a subject matter expert for autoglass support such a thing as having a significant history ?
As a SME myself in a different industry I find it easy to accept other industry consensus based expert opinions. Get one, that will end the non expert opinions.

 

[electruck]

Ok, point taken, but has this ever happened with other auto glass? is this a recognized and documented thing in the auto glass industry? does a subject matter expert for autoglass support such a thing as having a significant history ?
As a SME myself in a different industry I find it easy to accept other industry consensus based expert opinions. Get one, that will end the non expert opinions.

yes, it absolutely can and does happen. a simple Google search backs that up with both expert explanations and individual examples.

https://adventureautoglass.com/exploding-car-windows/
https://avenueautoglass.ca/4-risk-factors-for-spontaneous-auto-glass-shattering/
https://only1autoglass.com/Blog/ent...ontaneously-shatter-5-things-you-need-to-know
https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/r...ows-raise-safety-concerns-what-do-happens-you

 

[mkg3]

...The things you don't expect to need to learn when you buy a $100,000 car described as rugged and ready for the outdoors.

This is a fallacy many people fall into. Just because something costs a lot or that its very expensive, expectations against mishaps are somehow it should be protected.

Regardless of the cost of the vehicle, window should not explode just because there is a temperature gradient between the inside and the outside. While pressure is a function of temperature, along with density, the robustness of the glass should tolerate this condition, since its tempered and has a safety factor built into the glass.

The edges with circle most likely happened as the result of the blow out, just the same as the cracks along the door frame on the right hand side of the picture.

Often times, these service advisors are taught to question and deny claims without any expertise. The glass should be replaced and analyzed for factory defect by the glass manufacturer to prevent future occurrence, worse against potential injuries from glass fragments. A potential recall subject.

Regardless if the vehicle costs $30K or $300K it should not happen and be covered if the vehicle is within the warranty period.

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