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A class action lawsuit has been filed against Toyota Motor Corporation by a consumer who claims that the car manufacturer sold 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles with a steering wheel design defect.
Plaintiff Linda Drake says the intermediate drive shaft causes a clunk, pop, or knock-type noise when the steering wheel is turned to the left or right.
She says the steering wheel defect can be exhibited when the cars are parked or when on the highway.
Drake says she bought a used 2009 Toyota Highlander in 2012. Before she purchased the vehicle, she viewed advertisements about the car, took it for a test drive, and spoke to the Toyota sales representative about the car’s features, including those dealing with safety.
In March 2013, she claims that she noticed a noise while she was shifting gears and, at times, her vehicle did not shift at all.
She claims that she contacted the dealership to secure warranty coverage for her car, but the dealership denied her request, claiming that the noise she heard in the car could not be replicated and that the noise would eventually pass.
The plaintiff alleges that the noise caused by the steering wheel defect distracts drivers as it moves their attention from the road to the noise. In addition, one side effect of the steering wheel defect is that the cars are unable to shift gears.
The Toyota class action states that other car owners have reported that the power steering fails because of the defect.
“This fundamental inability to operate could result in perilous situations, thereby placing both the driver of the Class Vehicle and fellow motorists in serious danger,” according to the plaintiff.
Drake claims that the defendants have had long-standing knowledge of the defect in the steering wheel and have sold thousands of cars without disclosing this information to consumers.
The Toyota steering wheel class action lawsuit also alleges that Toyota’s service technicians deny that the steering wheel defect exists and say that the issue occurs from normal wear and tear on the car.
Drake claims that Toyota has had knowledge of the steering wheel defect since 2013 when they issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) which told dealers about the defect and proposed “fixes” at the vehicle owner’s expense. These TSBs were never communicated to the vehicle owners, according to the Toyota class action lawsuit.
In addition, the plaintiff alleges that Toyota has hidden the steering wheel defect from vehicle owners, have not recalled the cars to fix the problem, have not offered customers a replacement for free and have not offered to reimburse those who have paid out-of-pocket to repair the defect.
“In short, as a result of Defendants’ unfair, deceptive, and/or fraudulent business practices, current and former owners and/or lessees of Class Vehicles, including Plaintiff, have suffered an ascertainable loss of money, property, and/or loss in value,” the Toyota class action lawsuit argues.
The plaintiff states that if she had known about the defect in the steering wheel of her car, she would not have purchased the vehicle or would have paid less for it.
Do you own a Toyota with a steering wheel defect? Leave a message in the comments section below.
The plaintiff is represented by Jordan L. Lurie and Ari Y. Basser of Pomerantz LLP
The Toyota Steering Wheel Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Linda Drake v. Toyota Motor Corp, et al., Case No. 2:20-cv-01421, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
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259 thoughts onToyota Class Action Alleges Steering Wheel Defect
JUST PURCHASED A 2012 HILANDER (94k) WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN I DROVE IT AROUND TO TEST, IT WAS FINE. DROVE IT 60 MILES AWAY FROM DEALER AND IT STARTED CLUNKING. TOYOTA, TAKE CARE OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE.
Hi There, I bought a 2013 Toyota Highlander 11 months Ago, and it has had a progressing steering clunk , and a suspension looseness to the front End ever since I bought it. I replaced the Struts With Quick Strut Assemblies and I replaced The Sway bar Links and It’s no better , Infact worse ! I had 2 shops look at it and they both say everything is tight with the suspension , except 1 of them noticed a slight play in the Rack and Pinion. I’m not sure which way to go , but it sure is frustrating ! MARK
We purchased a brand new Toyota Highlander in 2013, currently it only has 45,000 miles and my husband takes very good care of it HOWEVER about 8 year ago this steering clunk noise began when driven, we contacted Toyota Corporate and they feed us a bunch of BS, I continue to call them every 6 months and even threatened with a lawsuit, early this year when I called they informed me about a bulletin that explained how to fix the problem, replace the steering shaft. that the cost would be $1500, we went ahead and got the work done and wasted our money the F steering clunk noise is still there! PLEASE TELL ME HOW WE CAN JOIN THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT
We purchased a 2013 highlander a little less than three years ago. Has 55,000 miles on it and there has been a progression in the knocking sound when we steer.
I own a 2008 highlander have same problem my wife let the dealer know and same answer and told her that the part cost $ 500.00 dollars the car was still under the warranty when i call the dealer they told me they did not copy what my wife said I told them I that I have the paper work dealer still deny . ALEJANDRO MARTINEZ moscamob@gmail.com Thank you.
Our 2012 Highlander Hybrid began making a clunking noise when we turn the steering wheel. It has been doing so for about 6 months.
I own a 2010 highlander limited which makes a pop when I turn the steering wheel fast .
My 2008 started the “clunk” sound almost 4 years ago and now I consider it rather unsafe to drive. Sounds like something is about to breakaway in the steering column. I’ve purchased a new OEM intermediate steering shaft and plan to install it myself.
Just bought a 2012 Highlander that drove great on the test drive. A couple weeks after getting it home this steering clunk began. I didn’t realize how common this issue was until I started researching this specific issue. Toyota should really step up and fix this as it sounds like it could eventually lead to a safety concern.
My 16 year old daughter was in a car accident yesterday. She was driving the Toyota Highlander that she got as a graduation present. She has only had the car for maybe 2 or 3 weeks. The steering locked up with no warning.
Just purchased a 2012 highlander because of their generally long life spans and safe reputation .
Already have the clunking noise when parked or driving at low speeds. So frustrating .