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Toyota sold its popular SUV, the RAV4, equipped with defective batteries for model years 2013 through 2018, according to a Michigan woman who lodged a class action lawsuit against the carmaker yesterday.
Lead plaintiff Juliet Murphy says in her nationwide class action that she leased a 2015 RAV4 that same year and went on to purchase the vehicle in 2018. Murphy claims that after she had some regular servicing done to her vehicle in 2020, she began experiencing problems with her RAV4 due to excessive corrosion of the battery and terminals, resulting in the replacement of the battery.
Murphy alleges that the problems she experienced with her RAV4 were due to a battery defect that Toyota failed to disclose.
“At no time prior to the replacement of the battery, which was performed at Plaintiff’s expense, had Toyota informed Plaintiff of the risk of catastrophic failure of the battery, leading the automobile to lose electrical power, vehicle stalling, and potentially a fire originating in the engine compartment, in her vehicle,” alleges the lawsuit.
The class action lawsuit points out that Toyota has not issued a recall on the RAV4 vehicles with the allegedly defective batteries. Murphy says she is concerned and even fearful of the battery system in her vehicle.
“Had Plaintiff Murphy known of the Battery Defect at the time she leased, and later purchased, the Vehicle she would not have leased or purchased it or would have paid substantially less for it,” states her lawsuit.
If you own a vehicle that’s been affected by a safety defect that was not part of a recall, you may be able to join a free class action lawsuit investigation.
This class action lawsuit cites a recent investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into the alleged RAV4 battery defect, noting that the agency has also issued an early warning about the problem. Murphy claims that, prior to the NHTSA investigation, Toyota was aware of consumer complaints about RAV4’s stalling, overheating, and experiencing other issues — all related to the alleged defect.
The class action lawsuit accuses the carmaker of breach of warranty and for violations of Michigan consumer protection laws. Murphy hopes to recoup damages on behalf of a nationwide class and Michigan subclass.
Do you own or lease a 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4? Are you concerned about the alleged battery defect? Let us know in the comments below!
The lead plaintiff, Juliet Murphy, and proposed Class Members are represented by Bruce W. Steckler, L. Kirstine Rogers, Austin P. Smith and Paul D. Stickney of Steckler Wayne Cochran Cherry PLLC, Kimberly A. Justice, Jonathan M. Jagher and Douglas A. Millen of Freed Kanner London & Lillen LLC, Peter A. Muhic of LeVan Muhic Stapelton LLC, Katerina Carroll and Edwin J. Kilpela of Carlson Lynch, LLP, and Richard D. McCune, David C. Wright, Steven A. Haskins and Mark I. Richards of McCune Wright Arevalo, LLP.
The Toyota RAV4 Battery Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Juliet Murphy v. Toyota Motor Corporation, et al., Case No. 4:21-cv-00178, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas Sherman Division.
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57 thoughts onToyota Breach of Warranty Class Action Claims Defective RAV4 Batteries
My 2006 Toyota RAV4 engine caught fire while on highway drive – after driving for only about 15-20 mins.
car was regularly serviced by Toyota dealership and had 25 points assessment few months ago. car was old but well maintained. and paid for 12 years ago. I can’t afford a new car payment now … so it is a huge loss.
we have initiated a complaint with NHTSA and Toyota. Toyota has done forensic exam and is preparing a report to send to NHTSA/us.
we feel Toyota is not going to take any responsibility because it was a used car, old model 2006 and no one was hurt during the incidence. I have spoken to 2 lawyers who think there is no point in filing a suit because no one was hurt/died.
similarity with cases described on this page: had same battery issue earlier this year. corroded battery terminals and battery dying for no reason. after third time battery died, I ended up replacing the battery and cleaned up terminals again – which then worked ok.
another weird thing – my car had ‘amber connect system’ for GPS tracking. the system tracked the car up to Florida welcome center where we stopped for an hour, and didn’t record any movement of the car beyond the welcome center to the place where I braked when the engine caught fire (about 20 min drive south from welcome center). Amber connect data is available and I am happy to share.
I would really appreciate being included in the class action lawsuit if still possible. or start a new one if possible.
My 2013 rav4 was in for service and as soon as I drove of the lot I broke down. They towed car for free since it was under servixe warranty, I ended up having to purchase a new battery.
I have Complained about the car . Since I bought it when I make a right or left turn after a stop sign or a light.my car will not move until I pump the gas Pedal a couple of times Allen Toyota said that it was bad gas that I was buying I needed higher octane than 87 . What do you think . 2018 new Toyota RAV4. I have bought and paid higher prices for gas and it still does it. Please Add Me to the class Action suit for Recall Battery. Please keep me informed.
I bought a new Toyota RAV4 on January 2018from Allen Toyota in Gulfport MS . I have 28776 miles. To Date. made an appointment to have my oil changed it was due . Allen Toyota has service my Toyota since I bought it there. The Service Advisor said there is a recall on my Battery . It has Corrosion and failed battery Test . Now they want to charge me $ 163.98 to replace my Battery and $23.75 for terminals and $66.86 for Battery cable Replacement . Allen Toyota Service Advisor said my battery didn’t have anything to do with the recall. What is your advice on the Recall Battery . Should I have some other Toyota Dealer check it out for me . Please Advise.
I own a 2015 rav 4 and there’s erosions on the battery and I replaced it in 2018 and it is happening again to it to dealer and they said there was a recall but not to replace it just to make sure it is correct battery size. They charged me to replace the battery.
I bought a Toyota Rav4 2015 in May 2021 nobody told me of defective problems with the battery that could cause a fire. I would not have bought the car if I had known of the battery issues. I want damages I also believe I’m a member to the class action. And would like to be added to the class.