Settling a Class Action Suit in 3 Years
Hyundai Motor has reached a provisional settlement in a class action suit filed by U.S. consumers to get compensation for damage from shattered panoramic sunroofs.
These customers filed a class action lawsuit with the Federal District Court in Central California, the United States in December 2015, claiming that panoramic sunroofs mounted on some Hyundai models such as the Sonata, the Tucson and the Santa Fe made between 2010 and 2016 suddenly exploded without any reason.
They demanded a total of US$5.4 million in damages, asserting that Hyundai Motor was aware of the serious safety problem but put it under wraps. They also said they paid US$1,000 or more to repair their sunroofs as the problem was not covered by warranties. Hyundai Motor said that the panoramic sunroof itself had no problems, that very few customers have experienced such problems, and that no serious injuries or accidents were reported due to the problem.
However, Hyundai Motor agreed with the plaintiffs to double the warranty period to 10 years or 120,000 miles and provide warranties even when the sunroofs are damaged by stones or falling objects. The carmaker also promised to pay in full for customers who paid for repairing and towing their cars and using rental cars due to the explosion of their sunroofs. If sunroof explosion shocked or inconvenienced customers, they will be additionally paid US$200.
In addition, customers who sold off Hyundai Motor vehicles and buy vehicles of other companies due to sunroof damage will be able to claim up to US$600. The agreement also said that Hyundai Motor would pay US$1,000 to customers who purchased non-Hyundai vehicles without panoramic sunroofs.
The models subject to the compensation deal included the Sonata Hybrid (2011-2016), the Tucson (2010-2016), the Sonata (2012-2016), the Velostar (2012-2016), the Santa Fe and the Santa Fe Sports (2013-2016), the Elantra GT (2013-2016), the Azera (2012-2016) and the Genesis (2015-2016). The settlement will be finalized after a review by the court.