NHTSA complaint #11768348

Owner complaint summary

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The panoramic sunroof glass spontaneously failed while the vehicle was being driven on the interstate at approximately 70 mph. A very loud bang, comparable to the sound of a gunshot, was heard from the roof area. After safely pulling over, we observed that the sunroof glass was bowed upward/outward and had a large crack extending from the driver’s side toward the passenger’s side and toward the front of the vehicle. The glass remained intact within the sunroof frame but was visibly damaged. The vehicle and sunroof assembly are available for inspection upon request. The damaged sunroof glass should also be retained and made available for inspection, if possible. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure occurred unexpectedly while traveling at approximately 70 mph on an interstate. The sudden, extremely loud bang startled us and created an immediate safety concern while the vehicle was traveling at highway speed. The sunroof glass also bowed significantly upward and developed a large crack. An unexpected failure of overhead glass while traveling at highway speed presents a potential safety hazard to the occupants. We were also concerned about the possibility of glass breaking further or pieces of glass becoming detached and creating a hazard for the occupants or other motorists. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? At this time, the failure has not been reproduced or independently confirmed by a Kia dealer or independent service center. The damaged sunroof is available for inspection. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? To date, the vehicle and sunroof failure have not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives. A claim has been submitted to insurance company.