Cadillac Class Action Says Sunroof Defect Should Get Warranty Coverage

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A California Cadillac owner is taking action over General Motors’ alleged failure to address a Cadillac sunroof defect that causes those sunroofs to leak.

Plaintiff Kelley Gaines says the sunroof on her Cadillac SRX vehicle and others like it uses a defective design that allows water to leak into the interior of the vehicle.

She argues defendant General Motors should cover the cost of repair or replacement of the defective Cadillac sunroofs. GM, however, has denied warranty coverage for the Cadillac sunroof defect, according to this Cadillac class action lawsuit.

Gaines says she discovered the problem with her own Cadillac sunroof in February 2017, when she noticed the floor of her Cadillac SRX was soaked with water. Further inspection revealed the padding between the firewall and the instrument panel was also soaked.

Repairing the defect and its related damage allegedly cost $442.48 to replace both sunroof drainage tubes, $513 to remove and clean the carpet, and $50 for a carpet shampoo. Gaines says her insurance company covered most of the cost, but she was still on the hook for a $250 deductible.

GM has allegedly known about the Cadillac sunroof defect for years, Gaines says. She cites a GM technical service bulletin issued in August 2013 in which GM blames the leakage on problems with the sunroof drain hoses, among other possible defects.

The company also set up a Customer Satisfaction program in January 2015 to address the leakage problem, but that program specifically excluded Cadillac owners who lived in Gaines’ home state of California.

Gaines argues these documents show GM was aware that the Cadillac sunroof defect was causing problems within the warranty period. Yet GM has allegedly been denying warranty claims from owners seeking repair or replacement of their leaky sunroofs, Gaines alleges.

These owners have been forced to have their Cadillac sunroofs fixed at their own expense, paying costs that Gaines argues should be borne by GM.

Gaines initially filed this Cadillac class action lawsuit back in May, naming Cadillac Automobile Company as defendant. She then asked the court to dismiss that action without prejudice so she could re-file it against GM.

Gaines is proposing to represent all current and former owners and lessees of model year 2010 to 2013 Cadillac SRX vehicles located in California who have paid for repair or replacement of their leaky Cadillac sunroof.

She is asking the court to order GM to stop the allegedly unlawful and unfair business practices complained of here, offer public notice of the Cadillac sunroof leaking defect, and extend warranty coverage to provide free repair or replacement in affected vehicles. She also seeks an award of damages, restitution and disgorgement, court costs and attorneys’ fees, all with pre- and post-judgment interest.

Gaines is represented by attorney Robert A. Waller, Jr. of Law Office of Robert A. Waller, Jr. and by Patricia L. Zlaket of Zlaket Law Offices APC.

The Cadillac Sunroof Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Kelley Gaines v. General Motors Co., Case No. 3:17-cv-01351, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.