Concerns Arise as Honda HR-V Owners Encounter Unexpected Rear Glass Explosions”
The experience of having a rear Honda HR-V glass that opens is often associated with a sense of adventure and utility, as illustrated by images of a Toyota 4Runner with a surfboard peeking out. However, the allure of such a feature takes a significant hit when rear glass starts to spontaneously explode, a predicament faced by some owners of the current-generation Honda HR-V compact SUV.
Honda HR-V
Despite the Honda HR-V earning an impressive near-perfect five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, a closer look at the user-submitted complaints on the same safety page reveals a concerning trend. A total of 416 complaints have been registered, a stark contrast to the mere eight complaints for the equivalent Subaru Crosstrek. The majority of HR-V owners report instances of the rear glass shattering, exploding, or imploding without warning.
Incidents have been documented both while the vehicles were parked and in motion, often accompanied by a loud noise that could be highly distracting for drivers. The severity of the issue is underscored by an ongoing class-action lawsuit in Pennsylvania. Honda acknowledges the problem and attributes it to a specific cause.
According to Honda, the rear-hatch glass breaking is associated with the use of the rear defroster. An investigation revealed that during the assembly process of certain vehicles, the sealer used to secure the rear glass comes into contact with the heating elements of the defroster. This contact creates a hot spot, weakening the glass over time and leading to spontaneous breakage.
Despite the evident safety concern, Honda has not yet issued a recall. This stands in contrast to the proactive approach taken by the automaker in recalling 98 units of the 2023 CR-V due to improper seatback frame welding. Honda assures HR-V owners that a voluntary product update campaign will be initiated, estimating its commencement in April or May of 2024. The delay is notable, considering that a dealer communication from Honda to NHTSA addressing the problem was issued as early as May 2023. In the interim, affected owners are advised to contact their dealers or Honda customer service at 800-999-1009 to coordinate potential repairs.
