2012-2017 Veloster 3rd Door Glass: The Difference Between Tinted and Solar

Understanding the Veloster's Unique Third-Door Glass

The 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster stands out for its asymmetrical design, featuring one door on the driver's side and two doors on the passenger side. The small, rear passenger door—often called the third door—has a fixed piece of glass that does not open. This article specifically addresses this small, right-hand (passenger side) rear door window glass.

Symptoms of Failure

As a static piece of glass, "failure" is typically straightforward and visual. There are no mechanical or electrical components to this part.

• Broken or Shattered Glass: This is the most common reason for replacement. Breakage can result from impacts from road debris, accidents, vandalism, or extreme thermal stress (though the latter is rare).
• Deep Scratches or Pitting: Abrasions from side-swipes, improper cleaning with harsh materials, or sand and gravel can damage the glass surface, impairing visibility and appearance.
• Seal Failure: While uncommon for bonded glass, the urethane seal can theoretically fail, leading to water leaks or wind noise. This usually points to a previous, improper installation.

Buyer's Guide: Inspecting a Used 2012-2017 Veloster Side Window Glass

Buying a used OEM glass is an excellent way to save money, but careful inspection is key. The most critical factor for this specific part is ensuring you get the correct type: 'Tinted' vs. 'Solar'.

The Most Important Check: Tinted vs. Solar Glass

Hyundai offered two types of glass for the Veloster: standard tinted glass and optional solar control glass. They are not interchangeable. The part discussed here, with OEM numbers 83421-2V000 and 834212V000, is the standard 'Tinted' version. The 'Solar' version has a different part number, 83421-2V010.

1. Check Your Existing Glass: Before purchasing, look at the small black stamp (often called a 'bug') in one of the corners of your vehicle's original glass. It will have the manufacturer's information and should explicitly say 'TINTED' or 'SOLAR'.
2. Match the Stamp: Purchase the glass that matches your car's original equipment. If your car has 'SOLAR' glass, part number 83421-2V000 will not be the correct replacement. Solar glass has special properties to reflect infrared rays and reduce heat inside the cabin.

Physical Inspection Checklist

• Check for the 'Bug': Confirm the glass has the correct 'TINTED' stamp.
• Inspect for Scratches: Hold the glass up to a light source and check for deep scratches or widespread pitting that could affect visibility or aesthetics. Minor surface scuffs are often acceptable.
• Check for Chips and Cracks: Carefully inspect the edges of the glass for any chips or cracks. A small chip on the edge can spread and become a large crack after installation due to temperature changes and body flex. Reject any glass with edge damage.
• Examine the Sealant Residue: The back of the glass will have remnants of the old urethane adhesive. This is normal, but ensure the glass itself isn't chipped or damaged from the removal process.

Known Issues, Recalls, and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

While there are numerous recalls and TSBs for the 2012-2017 Veloster, none specifically address the third-door side window glass for issues like spontaneous shattering.

• Sunroof Recall: There was a significant recall (NHTSA #13V-051, Hyundai #108) for the panoramic sunroof glass, which could break due to being weakened during factory installation. This recall does NOT apply to the side window glass.
• Window Regulator Issues: Many owners report issues with the moving windows (front driver and passenger) due to failing window regulators, where the window may become crooked, slow, or stop moving entirely. This does not affect the fixed third-door glass, which does not have a regulator.

Replacement Overview

Replacing a bonded window like this is more complex than a simple bolt-in part. It requires cutting the old glass out and applying new urethane adhesive.

• Difficulty: 4 out of 5 (for DIYers without auto glass experience).
• Process: The process involves removing interior trim panels, using specialized tools like a cold knife or wire-out tool to cut the old urethane seal, cleaning the frame completely, priming both the frame and the new glass, applying a new bead of urethane, and carefully setting the new glass in place.
• Professional Installation: Due to the tools and materials required (especially the strong urethane adhesive and primers), professional installation is highly recommended for a leak-free and safe result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Technical Specifications & Part Numbers