How to Join the Toyota RAV4 Shattering Sunroof Lawsuit

A lawsuit filed in 2023 alleges that the panoramic sunroof in the 2021 Toyota RAV 4 is prone to sudden shattering and exploding.

The plaintiffs involved are attempting to get the lawsuit certified as a class action, but that certification has not yet taken place.

According to the plaintiffs, Toyota refuses to cover the replacement cost of these sunroofs despite that cost being over $1,000 and the sunroofs allegedly being defective because of Toyota’s manufacturing.

They further allege that Toyota failed to disclose this defect to potential buyers, leaving them stuck with defective vehicles.

What the Lawsuit Says About RAV4 Sunroofs

The main allegation in the lawsuit is that Toyota RAV4 sunroofs can explode spontaneously without any warning and that consumers were not informed of this defect before they purchased their vehicles.

The complaint states that the shattering “is so powerful that startled drivers have compared it to the sound of a gunshot.”

Additionally, the rain of glass into the cabin of the vehicle afterwards is distracting at best and dangerous at worst. In some cases, including for a plaintiff’s vehicle, the sunroof has exploded twice; first with the original sunroof, and then with the replacement.

The lawsuit alleges that these sunroofs are defective and dangerous, which is why Toyota should initiate a recall and offer to replace them for free.

Many vehicles experiencing this problem are also new, with some being less than a month old.

Which Toyota Models Are Affected

According to the lawsuit, only 2021 Toyota RAV4 vehicles are impacted by this recall. This is because the 2021 RAV4 is the first RAV4 to come with an optional panoramic sunroof, which is larger than an ordinary sunroof might be.

This is potentially a contributing factor to the fragility of the sunroof, although the lawsuit states that the problem could be with the manufacturing process, materials, or the structure of the vehicle itself.

While it is possible more vehicles are suffering from this sunroof shattering problem, this lawsuit only covers the 2021 Toyota RAV4.

What Drivers Have Reported After Their Sunroofs Shattered

• NHTSA Complaint

“While driving on the freeway, suddenly we heard a loud noise and then felt particles dropping on us. While attempting to assess what happened in and outside of the vehicle, we noticed the sunroof/moonroof shattered and small shards of glass were everywhere. The loud sound and attempt to assess the situation could have caused an accident. We were not passing under anything like a bridge and could determine no cause for the breaking of the glass. Afterward when I could safely pull over so we could clean the glass out of the vehicle, we found no rock or other debris in my vehicle that did not belong. Only shards of glass in our hair, on our bodies, and everywhere in the car, sticking into our skin and making one passenger bleed slightly.”

• NHTSA Complaint

“I was driving on a two lane highway going approximately 55mph. It was around 8pm and it was already dark out. There was nothing near me on the road. While driving, I heard a loud explosion/pop. I swerved into the opposite lane due to the sound. Luckily there were no cars oncoming. I was able to get back to the right side of the road and find a spot to stop/park. I then looked at my sunroof and it was shattered in a circular pattern. It was not from an external force.”

Has Toyota Issued a Recall or TSB?

As of September 2025, Toyota has not issued a recall or TSB (technical service bulletin) for this issue. Part of the demands in the class action lawsuit are for a recall to be issued, since this would result in Toyota paying for replacement sunroof glass.

Legal Options for Affected RAV4 Drivers

Drivers impacted by this alleged sunroof defect have two general options: they can wait and see if this lawsuit gets certified as a class action, meaning that anyone who matches the class (here, 2021 RAV4 owners who have experienced their sunroof shattering) can join, or consumers can file their own individual legal claims.

Each approach comes with distinct advantages and disadvantages, which are laid out below.

How to Join the Class Action Lawsuit

Currently, consumers cannot join the RAV4 sunroof shattering lawsuit because it has not been certified as a class action lawsuit yet.

This means that the lawsuit is still happening in an individual capacity by someone whose sunroof shattered.

However, if the class is certified, others will be able to join. This typically happens if the potential class member, the owner of the impacted RAV4, reaches out to the law firm representing the class.

The law firm may have a form on their website that consumers can fill out to be added. Otherwise, the firm may reach out to potential class members in order to grow the class.

In the meantime, staying informed is the best thing you can do. Lawsuits take time to develop, so staying up to date on the most recent developments with the lawsuit is the best way to know when it might be able to be joined.

The name of the case is Gamez et al. v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., and plaintiffs are represented by Jody S. Burton at Lemberg Law, LLC.

Why Filing a Lemon Law Claim May Be a Stronger Option

Other than the fact that the RAV4 lawsuit has not been certified as a class action, there are reasons why a consumer might want to pursue their own claim as an individual.

While both approaches can address the frustration of owning a faulty car, filing your own lemon law case is often a stronger option because it gives you direct control over the outcome and usually provides faster, more meaningful compensation.

Class action settlements also typically result in small, uniform payouts that do not reflect the specific costs or frustrations you personally endured.

They also often take a long time to resolve because they can be very complex, and that doesn’t even include the time it takes for the class to be certified.

By contrast, filing your own lemon law claim allows you to pursue remedies tailored to your exact situation.

If your car qualifies as a lemon, you may be entitled to a full buyback of the vehicle, including taxes, fees, and other related costs, or a replacement vehicle of similar value.

You could also receive cash compensation for the time lost, inconvenience, and potential danger caused by the defect.

Another benefit of filing a lemon law claim is that if you prevail, the manufacturer is required to cover the cost of your attorneys fees!

Contact the Lemon Law Experts for a Free Case Review

If you’re struggling with a defective vehicle, don’t settle for the limited relief a class action might offer. A lemon law claim could put real cash compensation, a buyback, or a replacement vehicle directly in your hands and comes at no cost to you if you win.

Take control of your case and fight for the outcome you deserve by hiring an expert: the team at the Lemon Law Experts is here to help.

Our firm has helped thousands of consumers just like you, and we’d love to get you back on the road. Contact us today by calling (877) 885-5366 or by filling out a contact form on our website!