Hyundai is recalling more than 62,000 Sonata sedans and hybrids following reports that sunroofs are detaching. Although no accidents have been reported yet, there’s no doubt that a sunroof flying off a car in high-speed traffic could be quite dangerous for other drivers.
The voluntary recall affects 2015 and 2016 sedans and hybrids with panoramic sunroofs that were manufactured at the automaker’s Alabama plant. Hyundai received several reports earlier this year of sunroof panels detaching when owners tried to close the sunroof.
It looks like the problem stems from a wind reflector that might not be well attached, making it possible for the sunroof to detach if a driver tries to force the sunroof closed or opens and closes it repeatedly, according to a report from Hyundai to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
If you think your vehicle might be one of the affected models, Consumer Affairs reports that you can contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151 (recall number 152). Hyundai is also expected to contact owners. If your car is one of the affected models, you should be able to get your wind deflector repaired on a dealership free of change. The recall should begin by early December.
In the meantime, it’s a good idea to avoid using your sunroof, which shouldn’t be too difficult as the weather gets colder. It’s also a good idea, as always, to drive defensively and watch out for debris on the road.