NHTSA complaint #11484682

Owner complaint summary

While driving at approximately 35 MPH, with no vehicles, pedestrians, lawnmowers, trees, road hazards, etc., near, the windshield spontaneously cracked near the passenger side pillar. The initial crack was circular with spider-webbing, the longest of which was approximately 6 inches (not exact due to being measured with a hand as reference). The vehicle was immediately parked, and upon return to the vehicle 1 hour and 45 minutes later, the spider-webbing had spread to approximately half the length of the windshield from the initial crack at the passenger side, to the driver side. My wife confirmed that there were no vehicles traveling the opposite direction, no pedestrians, overpasses, trees, vehicles, or other logical causes near the vehicle immediately following the initial crack. It seemed to occur spontaneously, my wife stated she heard what she could best describe as "the sound of glass cracking like in a horror movie" and observed the initial crack. Due to the rate of the spreading, and fear of further integrity failures, the vehicle is parked. I contacted Kia due to the 2020 good will letter concerning windshields, and was told this did not apply to the 2022 due to it not being the appropriate year, and would have to cover the replacement of the window out of pocket or through insurance. No warnings, no noise indicative of something striking the windshield, no damage to any other components including the paint, etc. It just seemingly cracked, the only reason I could deduce is due to the temperature today being approximately 85 degrees, and the vehicle was parked in the sunlight due to the parking not being shaded. Perhaps the exposure resulted in the initial failure and subsequent spider-webbing. This vehicle was purchased brand new on 12 June, 2022.