Airbag breaks windshield

chewy · 04-12-05, 05:06

My wife rear ended a driver who was looking for an address and stop immediately upon seeing the house number.

Airbags deployed on the 02 VW Passatt and on the passenger side, the airbag cover smashed the windshield...really pulverized the glass...resulting in small shards of glass all over the dash and front seats.

No one was hurt...but really taken back by the windshield breakage. Is this normal?

Thanks for your thoughts/advice

DaGonz · 04-12-05, 05:41

Yes it is normal. I've been to plenty of mva's with airbag deployment... all that had the passenger side airbags deploy had broken windshields.

The glass should have held together, though, as windshields are laminated (two layers of glass with a layer of plastic in between).

Perhaps the windshield in your Passat had a defect.

SpoiledMan · 04-12-05, 07:24

Yep, what Gonzo said.....

chewy · 04-13-05, 05:12

Thanks for the input...talked with adjuster and he said same thing...very common in certain vehicles.

Focusing on the positive...no one hurt. My insurance is sure to go up...going to make wife ride bicycle to work from now on!

TahoeZ71 · 04-13-05, 05:18

The windshield is a crucial part of the air bag system. It helps keep the airbag inside the car during an accident. That's why you don't take chance with cheap windshield replacement companies!