Lemberg Law is investigating complaints that the 2023 Kia Sportage has defective sunroofs that explode and windshields that spontaneously crack. Vehicle owners report that the sunroof sounds like a shotgun when it shatters.
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There are problems with both the sunroof and windshield of some 2023 Kia Sportage sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Reports from owners indicate that windshields crack without external impact and sunroofs explode for no reason.
Owners of the 2023 Sportage have complained to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about these problems in brand new vehicles. There are also discussions on social media reporting the same issues.
Kia owners have been complaining about exploding sunroof and cracking windshield issues for many years. Despite this, there are no technical service bulletins (TSBs) in the NHTSA files that mention windshield or sunroof problems with the 2023 Kia Sportage.
The problems reported by 2023 Kia Sportage owners are all the same, and have been for years. Sunroofs explode suddenly without impact. Most owners say that when this happens it sounds like a shotgun being fired. Windshields crack for no reason, also without impact.
So far, there are only two complaints that have been filed with the NHTSA. One relates to the windshield, the other to the sunroof. Both complaints were made in June 2022.
An owner from Texas states: “Windshield began to crack when the vehicle had approximately 500 miles. The windshield does not show impact from a rock or any object.”
They noticed the crack when getting into the vehicle and maintained that it didn’t happen while driving.
“Within a week the windshield showed extensive cracking within a short period of time, thereby preventing repair.” It begins on the driver’s side and runs all the way to the bottom of the passenger’s side.
An owner from Los Angeles states that the sunroof exploded while they were driving down the highway. They had been on vacation and were leaving “with my two kids and little brother in the back seat.” There was nobody in front of them and they weren’t under an overpass.
“We all heard what we thought was a shotgun being shot at us. It ended up being the panoramic sunroof, quite literally exploding on my brand new vehicle.”
“The glass is pointing outwards NOT inwards. absolutely NOTHING hit my vehicle.”
The SUV had 3,450 miles on the clock when it happened.
Both windshield and sunroof issues are mentioned in the Kia USA Facebook group.
On June 13, 2022, a user asked if anyone else had windshield issues on their 2019-2020 Kia, or any other model. She said her 2020 Kia Sportage “had 6 cracks in it within the first 6 months, that spread. No rocks hit the windshield.”
The owner of a 2023 Sportage says in response: “Not windshield related, but the sunroof exploded on my 23 Sportage while driving.”
The owner of a 2023 Sportage commented on Reddit about what he calls “2023 Sportage random glass break.”
“Anyone have this issue? The small panel between the windshield and moonroof just shattered. No impact, just a loud bang and I stopped to look. The only thing broken and no impact marks.”
The vehicle had only 350 miles on the clock and it was eventually repaired under warranty.
Another 2023 Sportage owner states: “We had the exact same thing happen to our 2023 Sportage hybrid, 2 days after we bought it.”
And a few more: “Just discovered this issue on my 2023 Sportage yesterday. Glad I’m not the only one!”
“Good morning – My new 2023 Sportage did exactly the same over the weekend – loud bang, shattered the small windshield between the main windshield & moonroof. My car was made in West Point, GA. Calling the dealer this morning.”
Responding to an article about exploding sunroofs in 2011-2015 Kia Sorrento, Optima, and Sportage models, another user says: “I have a 2023 Kia Sportage with the panoramic sunroof. It exploded on the highway with my three kids in the car. I have not had the car for even two months. It sounded as if someone shot a shotgun at our car.”
Exploding sunroofs and cracked windshields create serious safety issues. Some owners report that the damage is repaired under warranty or an insurance policy. But this doesn’t address the safety factors.
If your windshield has cracked or your sunroof has exploded, you might be dealing with a lemon. All you have to do is complete our case evaluation form or call us. Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Kia pay legal fees.
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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2022 kia shortage
In the store for 30mins
Come out to find windshield broken in a circle .
Nobody touched kia checked cameras
Makes no sense
Out 2019 kia sportage has cracks all over the windshield, no rock hits! We just her loud Crack like noises!
Hey Brian, I just wanted to inform you that my sunroof exploded while leaving Florida. I live in Louisiana not Los Angeles! Lol
Thank you for publishing this. Since that incident (5 weeks to repair) within the next 2-3 days my car was back in the service department for more problems. It has been 8 weeks since I’ve dropped it off and they have no idea when i’ll get it back.