In a bizarrely widespread automotive problem, a host of car companies have announced trouble associated with the serious problem of exploding sunroofs. Audi and Kia are the latest manufacturers to reveal such problems, leading many to wonder why such an odd problem managed to impact such a wide array of car brands.
When most people buy a car with a sunroof it is so they can let in a little light without having to endure the irritation (or expense) of driving a convertible. What they may not expect is that, seemingly for no reason, the glass sunroof might one day up and explode, causing serious danger to the occupants of the vehicle and dramatically increasing the likelihood of a car crash.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, exploding sunroofs present a problem that has bedeviled at least three car companies, with Audi and Kia joining Hyundai in announcing similar troubles. Hyundai issued its recall last year after it received reports of sunroofs shattering for no reason in its Veloster model, recalling 13,000 vehicles.
Kia has since admitted to reports of similar trouble in it’s Sorento model though it has not yet issued a formal recall, something that the NHTSA says it is looking into. So far the government has received 15 complaints relating to the Sorento’s sunroof, with at least one person complaining of suffering cuts from falling glass. The NHTSA says the Kia recall could impact nearly 65,000 vehicles.
Audi, the German luxury carmaker, came forward earlier this week and announced that several of its top-of-the-line A8 models had suffered similar problems. As a result, Audi is recalling all 2013 and 2014 A8 models so that it can replace the sunroof with a different model that has not been shown to suddenly explode.
The problem is not a new one according to experts. Years ago similar trouble was associated with aftermarket sunroofs that people purchased and installed in their cars. The trouble was usually caused when the car’s frame would flex or shift, exerting a tremendous amount of force on the glass.
According to the NHTSA, the problem is a serious one and not only because you might be left out in the rain. The regulatory agency notes that if the sunroof breaks while the car is in use the glass has been shown to fall and injure the driver or passengers. The exploding sunroof and falling glass could also, understandably, distract the drive and dramatically increase the risk of an accident.
If you or someone you know have been injured by a defective product and you would like to discuss your case with an attorney, please contact the Georgia product liability litigation attorneys at Pope McGlamry P.C. today to schedule a free consultation.
Source: “Shattering Sunroof Problem Now Nabs Kia, Audi,” by Paul Eisenstein, published at TheDetroitBureau.com.
See Our Related Blog Posts:
Ford Pays Record-Setting Fine Due To Delayed Recall Of Escape SUV
Jury Begins Deliberations In Toyota Sudden Acceleration Case
