The Split-Tailgate Glass Dilemma on Acura's Sport Coupe Crossover
Owners frequently post on enthusiast boards about the dramatic two-pane rear layout, which defines the sloping liftgate profile but presents serious visibility and replacement challenges. Instead of a single rear windshield, the power liftgate uses an upper sloped panel paired with a vertical lower "extra-vision" window beneath an integrated dividing spoiler. If road debris or an impact shatters either pane, identifying which section needs replacement is the first hurdle. The upper glass carries NAGS part number FB24445 (dealer part 73211-SZN-A01), while the vertical lower pane is cataloged under NAGS number FB24446. Both panels come finished from the factory with dark privacy tint and solar control glass, meaning an aftermarket replacement must match that exact heavy shading to maintain the seamless look against the vehicle's dark pillar garnish.
Defroster Grids, Radio Antennas, and the Panoramic Roof Transition
Replacing the tailgate glass requires careful attention to the complex embedded electronics and neighboring body panels. The upper back window directly abuts the fixed panoramic glass roof, leaving virtually no gap along the top edge of the liftgate. Integrated printed radio antenna grids share surface space with the primary heating elements on the upper pane. Unlike standard vehicles where heating lines are confined strictly to the main rear window, this setup incorporates independent electric defroster grids on both the upper sloped glass and the lower vertical glass pane to combat the cabin's blind spots in freezing weather.
Because these crossover bodies saw exceptionally low production numbers across their four model years, replacement glass panels are notably scarce in local distributor warehouses. Once I confirm that the correct upper or lower piece has arrived from my supplier, I can generally be at your location roughly an hour after booking your appointment to handle the installation. Both panes are permanently urethane-bonded directly into the metal shell of the hatch, nestled right against the center crossbar that houses the backup camera and third brake light.
Glass Identification for the Liftgate
| Glass Section | NAGS Part Number | Embedded Electronics | Factory Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Rear Window | FB24445 / FB24445YPN | Defroster grid & on-glass radio antenna | Solar control privacy tint |
| Lower Extra-Vision Pane | FB24446 / FB24446YPN | Secondary electric defroster grid | Solar control privacy tint |
Can the upper and lower back glass panes be replaced separately?
Yes. Although they form a continuous visual line across the rear hatch, the upper sloped window and lower vertical pane are entirely separate pieces of glass. They are bonded independently to the liftgate structure above and below the center crossbar, so damage to one pane does not require replacing the other.
Why is there no rear wiper on the replacement glass?
The vehicle was manufactured without a rear wiper assembly or washer nozzle on either the upper or lower glass. The extreme aerodynamic slope of the hatch was intended to shed water naturally at speed, which means neither aftermarket panel includes cutouts or mounting holes for wiper hardware.
Do aftermarket replacements include the antenna lines?
Yes, correct aftermarket panels matching NAGS FB24445 feature the factory-style printed radio antenna grid and solder points on the inner surface of the upper pane, alongside the horizontal heating grid lines for the rear defogger.
