Hyundai Shattering Panoramic Sunroofs Class Action Overview:
- Who: An Alberta judge certified a Class of Hyundai drivers in a class action lawsuit.
- What: The lawsuit stems from panoramic sunroofs that shatter spontaneously due to an alleged defect.
- Where: The claim was filed in Alberta, Canada.
A class action lawsuit alleging that Hyundai fails to warn drivers about a defect that causes sunroofs in some of its vehicles to spontaneously shatter has been certified by an Alberta judge.
Associate Chief Justice J.D. Rooke certified the class action lawsuit that was filed by Hyundai owner Robert Engen, who alleges that the company has broken state and federal consumer protection laws in regards to the alleged defect in the panoramic sunroofs.
Engen says in the claim that when designing and promoting the panoramic sunroofs, Hyundai failed to meet engineering and manufacturing challenges, resulting in sunroofs being installed that are susceptible to spontaneous shattering.
Hyundai Knew of Panoramic Sunroof Defect
Hyundai knew that the sunroofs were shattering as early as mid-2012, he alleges, but failed to disclose that the sunroofs endanger drivers. He adds that the company either intentionally or negligently made false representations about the sunroofs and provided certain warranties when selling the vehicles – then went on to breach those warranties5.
He alleges that Hyundai breached the Sale of Goods Act and the Consumer Protection Act.
Hyundai argued that it could not have breached either act in relation to the drivers because there is no privity of contract between the company and drivers, the only privity of contract is between the drivers and individual Hyundai authorized dealers. However, Rooke rejected that argument and said the company did act as the seller of the goods to the drivers.
According to the class action lawsuit, there are hundreds of reported instances of the panoramic sunroofs shattering, and there are scientific reasons for the modes of failure.
“This is not an isolated issue which affected Engen, there are hundreds of other reported instances in evidence.”
Rooke also ruled there appeared to be evidence of a common defect across the Class.
This is not the first class action Hyundai has faced over the panoramic sunroofs. In 2019 the company reached a settlement with drivers, whereby Class Members could trade their vehicle in for a Hyundai without a sunroof, and claim an additional $1,000. Those who decided to sell their Hyundai and replace it with a non-Hyundai vehicle, could claim up to $600.
Have you ever driven a Hyundai with a panoramic sunroof? Tell us your experience in the comments section below!
The plaintiff is represented by Gavin Price, Kajal Ervin and Charlotte Stokes.
The Hyundai Panoramic Sunroofs Class Action Lawsuit is Eagan v. Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., Case No. 1601 17138 in the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta.
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104 thoughts onHyundai Shattering Panoramic Sunroof Class Action Certified by Judge
This just happened to us in our 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. We were travelling down the highway and heard this loud explosion and there were no vehicles beside or ahead of us and we weren’t in the vicinity of an overpass. The front portion of the panoramic sunroof completely shattered. Fortunately we had the inside sunshade closed or it would have been worse. We stopped and purchased tape and bags to cover the hole as we still had over 5 hours left to our destination and it was after 5 pm and options were limited. I am starting to realize that this isn’t uncommon on Hyundai Santa Fe
One of the glass panels in my 2022 Santa Fe spontaneously exploded.
Dealership won’t cover it, saying no warranty on glass. Had to purchase the part out of pocket as well as installation.
Didn’t even know about a class action lawsuit until a day ago
My sunroof had spontaneously exploded as I entered my car the night of January 17th. I was not even driving, I had started my car & the sunroof suddenly shattered on top of me. I have contacted insurance, they urged me to go through a Hyundai dealership first, making sure to mention the Class Action. Having mentioned that to them & the evidence of defects presented in the lawsuit, their argument is now that there “could have been a chip that created pressure for the shatter to happen.” Absolutely ridiculous, there was no chip & how would they prove that? The sunroof is gone? Im now scouring photos to provide evidence that there was no chip prior to the shatter. They’re contacting me with a quote for the repair to which I’ll be contacting Hyundai directly through their customer service, all the while still staying in contact with my insurance to see if there is a less stressful route that doesn’t include me paying out of pocket for Hyundai’s defect.
They should absolutely disclose this information before selling their vehicles, I would not have purchased this had I known prior. What a headache.