They Changed Her Toyota's Sunroof, and It Broke Again | Carscoops

      Several drivers are reporting sudden and forceful explosions of sunroofs in their RAV4 SUVs.

      7 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      Numerous complaints in the US indicate that Toyota RAV4 panoramic sunroofs have shattered unexpectedly.

      One owner states that her sunroof has been replaced twice, incurring $500 deductibles each time.

      A US judge has set the class certification deadline for September 2025, with a trial scheduled for 2027.

      Do you own a 2021 Toyota RAV4? If you do, you might want to be aware that your vehicle is involved in a lawsuit in the United States. The proposed class action alleges that the panoramic sunroof of this compact SUV can unpredictably shatter or explode. The case is currently in the process of seeking class certification and a jury trial.

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      The lawsuit was initially filed in 2023 by two SUV owners, Jeffrey Takili and Arecely Gamez. Takili reported that his sunroof exploded less than a year after he bought it. His insurance covered the repair, which was done by a non-Toyota dealership. However, Takili later withdrew from the lawsuit and is no longer a plaintiff.

      Continued Claims from Remaining Plaintiff

      Gamez, on the other hand, has continued with the lawsuit. She claims that the sunroof of her 2021 Toyota RAV4 exploded just a month after purchasing the SUV. After paying a $500 insurance deductible for its replacement, the new sunroof reportedly shattered as well, leading to another $500 deductible.

      According to the legal filing, “Toyota has not addressed the related manufacturing issues, given the tendency of its panoramic roofs to shatter spontaneously.” The complaint adds that the sunroofs may crack due to “substandard materials used in the production of the panoramic roof itself, and/or inadequate manufacturing processes, and/or a flaw in the structure of the Class Vehicles.”

      The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received numerous complaints over the years regarding unexpected sunroof breakage in Toyota RAV4s. Some drivers have described the sound of the explosion as akin to a “gunshot,” highlighting the abrupt and alarming nature of the failure.

      US District Judge Dale A. Drozd has established a deadline of September 5, 2025, for the plaintiffs to request class action certification, with a tentative trial date set for March 23, 2027.

      Have you encountered this issue with your RAV4’s sunroof? We would like to hear from you. Sharing your experience with our audience can help demonstrate how prevalent the problem is and provide insights for others facing similar circumstances.