Driver Side Rear Quarter Panel Window Exploded

[tate16t]

My Tesla glass roof developed a crack across from one side to the other. Tesla was unable to identify any external impact and replaced the entire glass roof panel at no cost to me. The work order stated the crack was created due to stress.

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[electruck]

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.

un-damaged glass will tolerate normal temperature and pressure gradients. but, once damaged, even a small chip creates a stress concentration and frequently leads to material failure.

 

[mkg3]

un-damaged glass will tolerate normal temperature and pressure gradients. but, once damaged, even a small chip creates a stress concentration and frequently leads to material failure.

This is true for non-auto tempered glass. There are DOT regulatory standards that require glass not to fail even with a small chip. That's what the safety factors and the laminate tolerances ae for.

It is expected to withstand small foreign object debris damage.

 

[electruck]

This is true for non-auto tempered glass. There are DOT regulatory standards that require glass not to fail even with a small chip. That's what the safety factors and the laminate tolerances ae for.

It is expected to withstand small foreign object debris damage.

it's actually true for all tempered glass which is intentionally used for side and rear windows precisely because tempered glass shatters into small pieces which reduces injury (tempered glass is much stronger than un-tempered glass but still far from impervious to damage). the DOT requires laminated safety glass for the front windshield to ensure high impact resistance and safe shattering.

damage, even to tempered glass, causes a stress concentration which can lead to the type of failure experienced by the OP.

 

[Robot Overlord]

I was stationed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a year 2003-2004. Out summer temps were frequently over 105F. Many of us drove new Chevy Tahoes and we had to leave the windows cracked open to vent them to prevent exploding windows - which did happen on some of our hottest days if left buttoned up in the brutal sun.

 

[Greg Chick]

I was stationed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a year 2003-2004. Out summer temps were frequently over 105F. Many of us drove new Chevy Tahoes and we had to leave the windows cracked open to vent them to prevent exploding windows - which did happen on some of our hottest days if left buttoned up in the brutal sun.

When I liv ed in Az. I left windows open as well. Wise regional knowledge.

 

[CampfireWisdom]

I’m no expert, but something clearly damaged the window prior to the event. I would not have even asked Rivian to cover that. Come on, man… QQ

 

[DogPound]

I have had a ford explorer sunroof that was closed, while driving down a highway explode outward. Sometime glass has an internal flaw, frame is tweaked, or acts of random gremlins. Too bad that Rivian didn't do you right since it's a month old truck, but insurance is there for a reason. I have two R1's (22 T, 23 S) and twin 14yo boys. They slam the doors like they are trying to kill something all the time and no exploding glass yet. Hope it works out in the end.

 

[Dave Cundiff]

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.

SME = Subject Matter Expert?

Thanks, @Greg Chick, for your contributions to this forum!

 

[Greg Chick]

SME = Subject Matter Expert?

Thanks, @Greg Chick, for your contributions to this forum!

Yes, another is, "IE", Industry Expert", simililar but different. The AHJ has criteria for the threshold and the AHJ is, Authority Having Jursdiction. Often the AHJ is the State, like in my case, they have paid me as such. Sometimes the City is the AHJ, but if it is Fire Related, the State Fire Marshal rules. My area is / was not automotive, but the pecking order is similiar.

 

[Dave Cundiff]

Fascinating! DM sent. Thanks!

 

[lefkonj]

My teenage sons always slam the doors never seen this happen before very interesting.

 

[electruck]

My teenage sons always slam the doors never seen this happen before very interesting.

that's because slamming the door isn't the root cause.

 

[crashmtb]

Yes, another is, "IE", Industry Expert", simililar but different. The AHJ has criteria for the threshold and the AHJ is, Authority Having Jursdiction. Often the AHJ is the State, like in my case, they have paid me as such. Sometimes the City is the AHJ, but if it is Fire Related, the State Fire Marshal rules. My area is / was not automotive, but the pecking order is similiar.

It's important to consult the AHJ's SME for the correct TLA or there will be a SNAFU PDQ

 

[Greg Chick]

It's important to consult the AHJ's SME for the correct TLA or there will be a SNAFU PDQ

WTF, OMG UR correct.

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