NHTSA Complaint #10441492 — 2005 GMC ENVOY

THE REAR WINDSHIELD OF MY 2005 GMC ENVOY XL EXPLODED FOR NO APPARENT REASON TODAY. I LIFTED THE FULL HATCH (NOT JUST THE WINDOW SECTION) TO PLACE ITEMS IN THE BACK THAT I HAD PURCHASED AT HOME DEPOT. I PLACED A CAN OF PAINT, ONE BAG, AND A BAG OF SAND IN THE BACK - NOTHING THAT WAS NEAR THE GLASS OF THE HATCH. I THEN CLOSED THE HATCH WITH ENOUGH FORCE FOR IT TO CLOSE SECURELY, BUT NOT WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE. AS I WALKED TO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR TO ENTER THE CAR, I HEARD A LOUD POP THAT I THOUGHT WAS SOMEONE HITTING THE BACK OF MY CAR WITH THEIR VEHICLE. AS I WALKED AROUND TO THE BACK, MY REAR WINDOW WAS SHATTERED INTO A MILLION TINY PIECES. THERE WERE NO OBJECTS OR PEOPLE AROUND THE WINDOW CLOSE ENOUGH TO BREAK IT - IT JUST SHATTERED FOR NO REASON AT ALL! THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF ISSUES WITH REAR WINDSHIELDS, BUT I FOUND INFORMATION THAT DIFFERS ON LINE. FORTUNATELY, THE DEDUCTIBLE ON MY INSURANCE IS ONLY $200. HOWEVER, FOR OTHERS, I HAVE SEEN WHERE THEY HAVE HAD TO PAY UP TO $1500 OUT OF POCKET FOR THE EXPENSE BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO REPLACE THE WINDOW. THE COMPANY THAT IS COMING TO REPLACE IT SAID THE WINDOW ITSELF COSTS $937, NOT INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION. *TR