Toyota Named in Class Action Lawsuit

In January, Toyota Motor Corp. issued a massive recall of millions of its vehicles after a class action lawsuit was filed against the corporation. The lawsuit claims that several Toyota models have a faulty electronic throttle-control system that could cause the vehicle to accelerate suddenly without input from the driver and against the driver’s intentions.  

Last week, Toyota said it would immediately stop the sale of new models of the Camry, Avalon, RAV4, and Tundra, some of the company’s top-selling vehicles.  So far, the company has recalled the following models:

• 2009-2010 RAV4 crossover
• 2009-2010 Corolla
• 2009-2010 Matrix hatchback
• 2005-2010 Avalon
• 2007-2010 Camry
• 2010 Highlander crossover
• 2007-2010 Tundra pickup truck
• 2008-2010 Sequoia SUV

The class action lawsuit claims these aren’t the only models consumers should be concerned about. Allegedly several other models are at risk, including:

• 2007-2008 FJ Cruisers
• 2003-2008 Tacoma pickup truck
• 2002-2009 Camry
• 2000-2009 Tundra pickup truck
• 2001-2009 4Runner SUV
• 2001-2009 Land Cruisers
• 2005-2009 RAV4s
• 2001-2009 Sequoias SUV
• 2004-2009 Sienna van
• 2005-2009 Corollas
• 2004-2009 Highlanders
• “Lexus models" from 1998 to 2009

None of the company’s Lexus models have been recalled yet.

The lawsuit also claims that Toyota, as Toyota Motor North America, deceptively concealed numerous consumer complaints regarding acceleration incidents that lasted more than one second or if the driver couldn’t stop the acceleration after applying the brakes.

Toyota Motor Corp., as well as its North American and West Virginian subsidiaries, have all been named as defendants in the lawsuit.