Reports of 'Rear Window Damage' Continue on Online Communities
Tesla Y RWD Model Manufactured in Shanghai, China
The mid-size SUV Model Y RWD (rear-wheel drive) from the American electric vehicle brand Tesla has become a subject of controversy as reports continue to emerge of rear windows shattering amid consecutive cold waves.
On the 20th, multiple posts appeared on online communities reporting sudden breakage of the rear windows of Tesla Y RWD models. Photos shared by netizens show the corners of the rear windows shattered as if subjected to strong impact, depicting damaged vehicles.
Vehicle owners who posted these reports unanimously stated that there was no external impact and speculated that the phenomenon appeared to be "spontaneous breakage," where tempered glass breaks on its own. Owner A, who shared CCTV footage, said, "After checking the CCTV, it just broke by itself," expressing disbelief.
Spontaneous breakage refers to the phenomenon where tempered glass breaks or shatters on its own without external impact due to certain reasons such as high heat or cold. This phenomenon is mainly reported in PC cases or shower booths that use tempered glass.
Tempered glass used in Tesla vehicles, shower booths, and similar applications is glass that has been reheated above its softening point and then rapidly cooled with cold air to increase its strength against breakage. However, due to these characteristics, spontaneous breakage caused by contraction and expansion can occur when the surrounding temperature changes rapidly, and such cases have been frequently reported.
The Y RWD is a mid-size sedan-style fastback SUV launched by Tesla in March 2020. The Y RWD model is produced in Shanghai, China. Netizens collectively noted, "The broken glass commonly used is from Chinese manufacturer F." Some raised concerns about quality control, pointing out that the glass used in the broken Tesla vehicles is Chinese-made.
In response, Tesla Korea has not issued any official statement. Drivers of the affected vehicles are suggesting that it might be best to avoid outdoor parking for the time being.
Meanwhile, the Model Y RWD, launched domestically in July, is equipped with a Chinese-made lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and produced at the Shanghai factory, drawing attention as a cost-effective Tesla model made in China.
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