In a class action lawsuit against Cadillac Automobile Company, a division of General Motors, Cadillac owners allege that certain 2010 to 2013 Cadillac SRX mid-size SUVs were designed and manufactured with defective sunroofs. The defective sunroof allows water to leak into the passenger compartment.

A California woman alleges that the affected vehicles have defective sunroof seals and/or sunroof drains that allow water from outside the vehicle to enter the passenger compartment. The water causes damage, including wet carpeting, mold, and damage to interior components (including electronics).

Parker Waichman notes that the sunroof leak can cause a safety hazard if the water damages wiring and electronic components.

The California woman seeks to represent herself and a class current and former owners or lessees of 2010-2013 model year Cadillac SRX vehicles in California who paid for repair and/or replacement of their vehicles because of the defective sunroof.

Costly Repairs and Cleaning

The plaintiff experienced the leaking sunroof problem in 2017. She noticed that the floorboard carpeting of her Cadillac was soaking wet. She took the vehicle in for service and the technicians determined that the problem was a loose right front sunroof drain hose. According to legal documents, both sunroof drain hoses were replaced. The cost of the sunroof repair and cleaning the vehicle’s carpets was more than $1,000, The woman’s insurance company paid a portion of the costs, but she was responsible for the $250 deductible. The court filing says Cadillac denied warranty coverage for parts and repairs for models older than 2014 despite the fact that a bulletin about water leaks was issued to dealer service departments in August 2013.

According to legal filings in the class action, Cadillac has denied warranty coverage for issues associated with the sunroof defect. Owners have incurred costs for cleaning their vehicles and repairing and/or replacing parts, including wiring and electronic modules. The lawsuit includes only owners and lessees in California, but the legal filing estimates that more than 222,000 Cadillac SRX vehicles are affected by the sunroof defect.

Cadillac Service Bulletin

The legal filing notes that Cadillac issued a bulletin to technicians about the water leak. The bulletin indicated the most common potential causes as a void in the seal or a problem with the sunroof drain hoses. The sunroof drain hoses are allegedly too short and are therefore under higher tension, which may cause them to loosen or disconnect, allowing water to enter the passenger compartment.

“Based on its own Service Bulletins and Customer Satisfaction programs, Defendant had actual knowledge and notice, or in the exercise of reasonable care should have known, during the warranty period covering the Class Vehicles of the existence and nature of and correction for the Leaking Sunroof defect,” the Cadillac class action lawsuit alleges.

The class action lawsuit claims breach of express warranty, violation of California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act, California’s Unfair Competition Law, and unjust enrichment.

Continuing Troubles with Vehicle Defects and Recalls

General Motors has faced continuing legal and recall problems with many of its vehicles. In 2014, GM recalled 2.6 million small car models including Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn Ion over faulty ignition switches. The ignition switch defect has been linked to more than 120 deaths and numerous injuries. For nearly a decade, GM denied that the switches were defective. The faulty switches were found to easily slip out of the “run” position if the key was jostled or the car went over rough road. When the switch moved, the engine would stall, cutting power to the brakes, steering and airbag systems. The unexpected loss of power could leave the driver unable to control or slow the car or bring it to a safe stop.

In 2014, GM established a compensation fund for those injured in ignition-switch related crashes and for the families of those killed. General Motors has paid substantial fines and settlements over the faulty ignition switches.

GM vehicles are also among the 42 million vehicles involved in the recall of defective Takata airbags. The airbags can suddenly rupture and propel shrapnel into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The defect has been linked to 11 deaths and more than 180 injuries in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Legal Help for Cadillac SRX Owners Affected by Leaking Sunroof?

If you have experienced water damage to your 2010-2013 Cadillac SRX because of a leaking sunroof and have paid for repairs and cleaning, the attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP can provide a free, no-obligation evaluation of your legal rights. To reach the firm, fill out the online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).