Understanding the Lexus and Toyota Shattering Sunroof Defect  

Since 2016, drivers have reported concerns with the sunroof mechanism on popular Lexus and Toyota models.  Complaints allege that, when operating a 2012-2022 Lexus ES 350 or Toyota Camry, the sunroof glass may “shatter” or “explode” without warning, alarming the driver and creating potential for severe injury.

Common Issues Reported 

  • Shocking Noise: Many occupants describe the sound of the sunroof shattering as “gunshot-like,” which has caused panic and erratic driving.
  • Glass in Vehicle: When the sunroof cover is not engaged during the breakage, glass may fall into the car, causing injury to drivers and passengers alike.
  • Explosion on Roadway: In particularly violent explosions, glass may shoot outward from the sunroof onto the road, showering fellow drivers and cyclists in shards. These reported events constitute a significant safety hazard, endangering everyone in proximity to the explosion.  

What Action Have Toyota and Lexus Taken?  

As of Spring 2025, Toyota and Lexus have failed to acknowledge the exploding sunroof defect as such. Vehicle owners have been made to cover expensive repairs while the manufacturers continue to refuse responsibility. According to CarComplaints.com, the alleged exploding sunroof defect has since been found in other Toyota models, such as the 2021 RAV4. A Toyota RAV4 defect class action suit is currently underway.  

What Can Affected Vehicle Owners Do?  

Although McCune Law Group is not accepting new cases at this time, you still have legal options. If you’ve experienced a shattering sunroof in your Lexus or Toyota Camry, you can:  

  • Check for Vehicle Recalls: Visit the NHTSA recall database to see if your vehicle qualifies for a manufacturer repair.  
  • Contact Lexus and/or Toyota Customer Support: If your vehicle has been damaged by a shattering sunroof defect, report it to Toyota and/or Lexus to request assistance with repair costs.  
  • Explore Other Legal Avenues: If you’ve experienced financial hardship or injury due to a vehicle defect, you may still qualify for legal action. Explore our Product Liability Cases for more details. 

Related Cases and Legal Areas  

If you’ve experienced automotive defects of any kind, we recommended exploring the following practice areas:  

  • Product Liability: Defective vehicle components that pose a risk to consumer cases fall under the category of product liability.
  • Consumer Fraud Class Action: When manufacturers mislead consumers about vehicle safety, consumers may have grounds for a consumer fraud class action. 
  • Class Action Lawsuits: If numerous consumers are affected by the same vehicle safety issue, they may form a class action to bring a joint suit against a negligent company.  

Need Legal Assistance?  

If you’re dealing with another vehicle defect or product-related injury, our experienced product liability attorneys are here to help. Get in touch with our product liability team to explore your legal options.  

For general inquiries, you can reach us at (909) 345-8110 or via our online form. 

Final Note

This page is no longer accepting new clients for Lexus/Toyota shattering sunroof defect claims but remains active as an informational resource to serve affected vehicle owners.  

Attorney Advertising  

McCune Law Group, APC is responsible for this advertisement. The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only. The information you obtain is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Use of this website or submission of the online form does not create an attorney-client relationship.   

Counsel Richard McCune is licensed to practice only in the state of California.  The law firm of McCune Law Group has attorneys licensed to practice law in AZ, CA, IL, MO, NJ, NY, and PA.  This information section is not intended to be a solicitation for services in states where it is forbidden for non-barred attorneys from advertising for services, and McCune Law Group does not have attorneys barred in that state. McCune Law Group is a national firm that brings lawsuits in a majority of the states. In states where one of its attorneys are not barred, it does so by filing the complaint along with local counsel barred in that state.  

The results discussed do not guarantee, warrant, or predict the results in future cases. 

We are no longer taking Lexus and Toyota Shattering Sunroof cases. Do you have another product liability concern?