Lawsuit Investigation into Exploding, Shattering Sunroofs

Last Updated on October 13, 2022

Important Information

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are no longer investigating this matter. The information here is for reference only. A list of open investigations and lawsuits can be viewed here.

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At A Glance

This Alert Affects:
Anyone whose panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattered.
What's Going On?
Attorneys are investigating whether class action lawsuits can be filed on behalf of people whose sunroofs spontaneously shattered, blew out or exploded.
What Brands Are Under Investigation?
Subaru, Mercedes, BMW, Hyundai, Nissan, Audi, Volkswagen, Acura, Honda, Ford, Infiniti Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Toyota, Volvo, and Chrysler, among others. This list is not exhaustive.

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether class action lawsuits can be filed on behalf of people whose panoramic sunroofs exploded.

It is believed that a design defect may be causing the cars’ sunroofs to shatter spontaneously – and that this problem is not limited to one make, model or even manufacturer.

Hyundai and Kia have already been sued over the issue, but it is believed that additional lawsuits could follow.

What Started the Lawsuit Investigation?

Attorneys started looking into the possibility of class action lawsuits after reading through the hundreds of complaints that were submitted to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding sunroofs that spontaneously exploded or blew out.

The NHTSA is reportedly investigating the complaints and a number of companies have already recalled some of their vehicles. Unfortunately, attorneys suspect that certain models and model years may be getting left out of the recalls, leaving some drivers with little recourse should their sunroofs spontaneously explode.

How a Class Action Can Help

We believe a class action lawsuit could help drivers find an industry-wide solution to what’s seemingly becoming an industry-wide problem.

If these cases can be filed and won, consumers may be entitled to compensation for repairs to their panoramic sunroofs. Furthermore, the sunroof problems are reportedly putting drivers at risk for serious injuries and accidents – and a successful class action lawsuit could require the car makers to adequately disclose and repair the alleged defects.

What Companies Have Been Sued Over Exploding Sunroofs?

Kia and Hyundai, among others, have been hit with class action lawsuits over the exploding sunroof issue. We believe additional lawsuits could follow due to the wide range of vehicles reportedly affected by the problem.

Reports of exploding sunroofs have been lodged against the following car makers and attorneys are now investigating whether any or all of these companies can be sued.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive.

  • Subaru
  • Mercedes
  • BMW
  • Hyundai
  • Nissan
  • Audi
  • Volkswagen
  • Acura
  • Honda
  • Ford
  • Infiniti
  • Kia
  • Lexus
  • Lincoln
  • Mazda
  • Toyota
  • Volvo
  • Chrysler

What’s Causing the Sunroofs to Spontaneously Explode?

It has been reported that car manufacturers are under increasing pressure to make cars with better fuel mileage and, as a result, are using thinner glass and lighter materials for the frames surrounding the sunroofs. It is believed that this design may be what’s putting the cars at risk.

Hundreds of Complaints Sent to NHTSA, Reported Online

Hundreds of complaints have been sent to the NHTSA and posted online regarding exploding sunroofs.

Some of these complaints can be read below [sic throughout]:

“I’m driving home from work in my e90 335i cruising at normal highway speed when out of the blue I hear a BANG!!! Sounds like a…gun shot and I know instantly my sunroof is gone. It was closed at the time, I wasn't passing under an overpass…and there is no sign of a rock or any other foreign object hitting it.”
E90Post.com Forums
“We were driving around 70mph in the HOV lane of a highway with our dog in the back seat. Sudden explosive noise (I thought we were shot at) and then our back sunroof exploded all over the dog.”
Driver of a 2013 Mini Cooper Countryman in Arizona, CarComplaints.com
“Not even 20 mins off the car lot with a 2010 gen 3 IV prius, our sunroof explodes. Glass every where…the dealership wont replace, and the insurance wont either because there was no ‘accident.’”
PriusChat.com  
“I experienced an explosion of the tilting portion of my panoramic sunroof. The car is a 2012 Toyota Venza. No cars or trucks or overpass was around me when I heard the explosion. I have 2 parallel jagged lines going across the glass. I took it to the dealer but they said it was not possible to explode on its own and it must have been a rock so I have to go through my insurance. I'm frustrated that I have to pay $250 deductible that I know was a manufacturing defect after I researched and found hundreds with the same experience.”
Driver in Virginia, ToyotaNation.com
“I was driving along, everything was good...then all of a sudden BAM!!! Huge explosion…I opened the little thing that exposes the sunroof, and to my surprise, it turns out the glass of the sunroof exploded into a million little pieces!!!”
JeepForum.com

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