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A federal judge trimmed some claims in a class action lawsuit alleging sunroofs in certain Ford vehicles are defective and can shatter unexpectedly.
Lead plaintiff, Jessica Beaty, alleged in her class action lawsuit that the sunroof in her Ford Escape shattered suddenly.
The plaintiff alleged that a manufacturing defect in the panoramic sunroofs of various Ford models are susceptible to sudden shattering.
The Ford class action lawsuit pointed out that if a sunroof shatters at high speed, it could distract the driver, as well as rain glass on passengers, presenting a very dangerous situation.
According to the Ford class action lawsuit, more than a dozen models of Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles with panoramic sunroofs are susceptible to shattering because of the manufacturing defect. The plaintiff pointed out numerous consumer complaints that have been submitted to Ford over the allegedly defective sunroofs.
Ford asked U.S. District Court Judge Ronald B. Leighton to dismiss the case for the other models because they argued the plaintiff only owned a Ford Escape; however, the judge disagreed finding that the plaintiff had established that the other vehicles potentially had the same defect.
“Beaty can and has sufficiently pled that the sunroof defects are similar across the lines, vehicles, and model years, and that the manufacturing or design defect is the same regardless of the manufacturer,” stated the judge in his order.
The judge did trim class action claims that Ford breached its warranty to consumers by refusing to fix the defect. The Ford class action lawsuit alleged that Ford only offered similarly defective sunroofs to replace the shattered ones. Ford pointed out, however, that the plaintiff’s Ford Escape was outside of the warranty period when she tried to get her sunroof fixed.
“If the plaintiff had made a claim during the express warranty period (or if the complaint can be amended to assert such a claim on behalf a class of such plaintiffs) the court would […] hold that the claim can survive a motion to dismiss,” noted the judge’s order. “In the absence of such an allegation, Beaty has not plausibly [pled] that Ford’s express warranty is unconscionable and the motion to dismiss the express warranty claim is granted.”
Ford also dodged class action claims that it breached implied warranties to consumers. The judge noted that the plaintiff’s claims were based on a relationship she had with her car dealer, not the can manufacturer.
The plaintiff was given a chance to amend the Ford class action lawsuit to fix the problems with the breach of warranty claims.
Beaty is represented by Beth E. Terrell, Amanda M. Steiner and Brittany A. Madderra of Terrell Marshall Law Group PLLC, Gregory F. Coleman, Mark E. Silvey, Adam A. Edwards and Lisa A. White of Greg Coleman Law PC and Paul J. Hanly Jr. and Mitchell M. Breit of Simmons Hanly Conroy LLC.
The Ford Shattering Sunroof Class Action Lawsuit is Beaty, et al. v. Ford Motor Co., Case No. 3:17-cv-05201, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
UPDATE: On Oct. 1, 2019, as Ford attempted to dodge a shattering sunroof class action, plaintiffs in the case argued that the company is legally obligated to face their claims.
UPDATE 2: On Feb. 11, 2020, a federal judge dismissed a class action lawsuit filed against Ford by a customer who claimed that the panoramic glass sunroof in her Ford Escape spontaneously shattered while driving on the freeway.
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19 thoughts onFord Shattering Sunroof Class Action Claims Shaved
My brand new 2022 f350 platinum front retractable glass with panoramic glass roof exploded at a dead stop , it was approximately 45 degrees outside and it literally blew straight up and out of the vehicle. Nothing struck the glass! 100% certain!!
I own a 2019 Ford Expedition and while I was driving along the highway I heard a loud noise, I thought a tire had blown out but when I pulled over to check I saw that my panoramic sunroof had exploded ? took the vehicle to a dealership and of coarse they refused to cover it on warranty. Shame on Ford; I will never purchase another Ford ever and suggest that everyone follow suit. Ford is the worst.
I know for a fact that Ford F-150s and F-250 have this issue. It’s a “known issue” by most owners. The little black plastic pieces on the track break! The crazy thing is there are at least 10 specific glass places in Houston, Texas that specialize in replacing the broken pieces and fixing the sunroof. If that isn’t enough obvious evidence then take a look on eBay. There are 100s of kits for this issue available and I mean 100s!! It’s absolutely a faulty design and Ford should have to pay to fix it period. It’s one thing if something happens every so often but to say that this isn’t a major issue happening daily around this Country would be a complete lie!! Do not believe me but I’d recommend going on YouTube and take a look for yourself . Just simply type in sunroof fix on F-150/250 and see for yourself and while you at it look online for sunroof repair shops the “specialize” in f-150/250 Expedition, Navigator and Explorer sun roofs. It’s an absolute problem. Add me to this suit please
my ford 2013 F 150 with only 32,000 miles
FORD wont help me at all. they do say get recites for the job and they might reimburse me if a lawsuit happens.
my local dealership wants $145 just to tell me what i all ready know.
sunroof track mechanize had some cheap plastic part that break easily its all over the internet and you have to take the whole inside off to fix
its a main complaint with all ford from 2009 to 2013
include me in the law suit
luisinkauai@aol.com
My husband was driving yesterday Highway 358 in Corpus Christi and all of sudden he heard a loud pop that sounded like a gunshot and he lost control of his truck and when he stopped he saw that it was the sunroof that had shattered. He was left with some marks from the shattered glass. He has a 2013 Ford F150.
My sunroof bursted to i was driving to New Orleans on the Twin Span the bridge with all that water and heard something that sounded like a gunshot i almost had accident…Ford wont except responsibility.
Ì was driving down thehighway and mine just exploded , i thought i blew a tire or something. Had my 2013 mkz 7 months . The dealer nor lincoln, ins. Extended warrenty no one is willling to even consiter helping.
I am driving my third Edge. The last two and this one shattered the glass on the top of the car. Thinking about getting a lawyer. Anyone else I have this problem?