[AutoDaily] The MLTM(Minitstry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs) and the KATRI(Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute) have been investigating the defects on the panoramic sunroofs from all manufacturers and will report their findings in October.
 
The panoramic sunroof vehicles sold in the country is being identified as a 400,000. If the findings turn out to have serious defects, like causing driver safety or violating the safety standards, they will have to implement recalls on the effected models. If this happens this will create huge ramifications for the industry.
 
The KATRI said that they have been investigating cars which are manufactured domestically and abroad. They are trying to figure out what the main structural defects to the panoramic sunroofs are.
 
Right now they believe the defects to the panoramic sunroofs are coming from insufficient standards on the tempered glass that have been known to break while people are driving.
 
The MLTM, consumer agencies have received over 20 reports of panoramic sunroofs breaking. Some other car groups have also been receiving the same reports as well.
 
The domestic car models with a panoramic sunroof include the Hyundai YF Sonata, Grandeur, Veloster, Tucson, Santa Fe, Kia Sorento R, Sportage R, K5, K7 and Renaultsamsung SM5. All these models have sold over 400,000 vehicles. Import manufacturers BMW and Nissan which also sell panoramic sunroofs on some models will have at least five of their models investigated.
 
The KATRI said once their findings are released and if there are defects in all models or specific models, manufacturers will probably service the defective panoramic sunroofs in one of two ways. First would be to replace it or they might reinforce the tint and coating.
 
Equipping a car with a panoramic sunroof during production on average costs 1.0~1.5 million won, but some higher-end models will cost even more. So, recalling the cars will work but 70% of all the models would have to replace the panoramic sunroof because a tint and coating will not fix the problem. So this will be a very costly recall if it happens.
 
 
By Lee Sangwon.
(translate by Lee Jeonghwa)