— The alleged problems caused by Kia shattered sunroofs will possibly get attention in court as a proposed class-action lawsuit alleges the panoramic sunroofs explode.
The lawsuit alleges the shattering occurs so powerfully owners believe it was a gunshot that is followed by shards of glass raining down.
The following Kia vehicles are named in the shattered sunroof lawsuit.
- 2011-2015 Kia Sorento
- 2011-2015 Kia Optima
- 2011-2015 Kia Sportage
- 2014-2015 Kia Soul
- 2014-2015 Kia Cadenza
Plaintiff Noemi Caudillo owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza she was driving in June 2015, with the sunroof and sunshade closed. According to the lawsuit, Caudillo heard a loud bang and felt shattered glass falling from the roof. The sunshade was blowing in the wind and there was no evidence anything outside the Cadenza had struck the glass.
After taking the vehicle to a Kia dealership, Caudillo was told there was not a defect and a rock must have hit the sunroof. The dealer also suggested cabin pressure might have shattered the sunroof. Either way, Caudillo would have to pay for all repairs.
The sunroof lawsuit alleges Kia has known the panoramic sunroofs are prone to shattering because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation in 2013. Prior to that, Kia had performed its own investigation in 2012. The investigations are in addition to the 200 owner complaints that started flowing in between 2010-2011.
The plaintiff claims Kia has failed to warn customers about the dangers of the shattering sunroofs but continues to sell and lease vehicle unsafe to drive. The lawsuit accuses Kia of violating the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act and Unfair Competition Law.
The Kia shattering sunroof lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court Central District of California - Noemi Caudillo v. Kia Motors America, Inc., and Kia Motors Corporation.
The plaintiff is represented by the Girard Gibbs LLP.
