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Sure, a sedan, pickup truck, or minivan doesn’t quite fit the bill of a convertible. However, would-be sky-seeking buyers can opt for a vehicle with a panoramic glass roof to let the sun and stars in without buying a two-door drop-top. Unfortunately, one Toyota Camry owner experienced one of the downsides to a giant glass panel, namely a shattered one. 

A Toyota Camry owner was understandably disheartened to find her panoramic roof cracked from end to end 

No, Toyota didn’t engineer a car that turns itself into a convertible through self-destructive means. Sounds a bit like a horror movie. In this case, a TikTok user with the handle “@rachelle.004,” documented her broken panoramic glass roof in her Toyota Camry.

She started by capturing the shattered glass roof from inside the vehicle. Then she moved outside to show the extent of the damage. “Get a Camry with a Panoramic roof they said.” Sounds good in theory, but Rachelle may regret it in execution. Moreover, the young Toyota Camry owner suggests that the break happened without warning. 

Now, panoramic glass roof panels are more common than you might think in today’s market. Popular models across nearly every segment feature sprawling see-through paneling. For instance, sky-watchers can get panoramic “moonroofs” in the Tesla Model 3, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Chrysler Pacifica, Porsche Taycan, Toyota Prius Prime, and the Toyota Crown.

However, one of the things these roofs aren’t intended to do is shatter without, let’s say, sufficient input. I’m talking about window-breaking tools (like those used by first responders) or a serious impact like a crash. Unfortunately, in rare instances, panoramic roofs like the one in this Toyota Camry may crack or even shatter with little to no warning.

According to CarComplaints, Toyota RAV4 owners entered into a class action lawsuit asserting that some of the model’s panoramic glass roof standards warranted a recall. In one case, an RAV4 owner experienced a shattered glass roof panel just one month after she purchased the vehicle. Her insurance covered the damage, but not before she paid a $500 deductible for the fix.

Check out Rachelle’s post below featuring the heartbreaking shattered panoramic roof in her Toyota Camry!

@rachelle.004

Happened out of nowhere too ? #camry#smh#glass#sunroof

♬ sonido original – aloxko
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Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and Humvees. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with expertise covering everything from sports cars and electric motorcycles to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He also studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC). When he’s not working, you can find Erik on his motorcycle or out for a spirited drive.