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A defect in the batteries installed in 2013 through 2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicles can result in loss of power and even fire, claims a class action lawsuit lodged in California federal court. Â
Lead plaintiffs, Paola Guevara, Lee Krukowski, Pamela Woodman, and Kris Huchteman want to represent other Toyota RAV4 owners who they say face serious safety issues and loss of value in their vehicle due to the alleged defect. The plaintiffs say Toyota knowingly sold the vehicles to consumers with defective batteries. Â
The plaintiffs say that each of their Toyota RAV4 vehicles came equipped with a 12-volt battery which functions to start the vehicle, run the lights and infotainment systems, GPS, and wipers when the engine is not running. They allege that the defective batteries have been linked to stalled engines and vehicle fires. Â
 Each of the plaintiffs say that they have experienced issues related to the battery defect, ranging from smoke, sparks, and flames coming from the vehicles to several Toyota RAV4s that totally burned to the ground. Â
A defect in Toyota RAV4 batteries can cause the part to short circuit – a dangerous vehicle safety issue, explains the class action lawsuit. Â
“Short circuits are extremely dangerous and can damage electronic components, set the check engine light, blow fuses, drain the battery, and leave drivers stranded,” states the lawsuit. “Short circuits can also cause excessive heat to wiring components and can result in smoke and fire. It is common for the object which caused the external short circuit to melt or fuse to the battery due to the heat produced.”Â
Indeed, approximately 1.9 million 2013 to 2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicles are under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after 11 fires were reported, according to Car Complaints. Â
The NHTSA started the investigation in February after 11 fires were reported, four of which occurred while the vehicle was turned off, according to the drivers. Â
The class action lawsuit says that the fire start at the Toyota RAV4 12V battery B+ terminals. Toyota allegedly designed the vehicle in a way that allows the terminal to come into contact with other parts that can lead to a short circuit, as well as fire. Â
The plaintiffs want to represent 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 owners and lessees nationwide, as well as subclasses of Florida, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Missouri residents. They say that they and other RAV4 owners would not have purchased or paid as much for the vehicles had they known of the defective battery. Â
The class action lawsuit wants Toyota to pay for repairs, as well as for the loss in value of the RAV4 vehicles equipped with the allegedly defective battery. Â
Do you own a Toyota RAV4? Have you had issues with the battery? Tell us about it in the comment section below!Â
The plaintiffs are represented by Tarek H. Zohdy and Cody R. Padgett of Capstone Law APC, Russell D. Paul, Abigail Gertner, and Amey J. Park of Berger Montague PC, and Greg Coleman and Ryan P. McMillan of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman LLP.Â
The Toyota RAV4 Battery Class Action Lawsuit is Guevara, et al., v. Toyota Motor Corporation, et al., Case No. 2:21-cv-05136 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.Â
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23 thoughts onToyota RAV4 Batteries Short Circuit, Cause Vehicle Fires, Claims Class Action Lawsuit
I have a 2011 Toyota RAV4 abs last night the battery caught fire and before I could even put water on it the entire engine was engulfed in flames. That was a gift from my dying father. It was in great condition and I took great care of it because it was very sentimental to me. Regardless I only had liability and I don’t make the kind of money to even buy a decent car. How do I sign up for this?
I’m having the same problems with my 2017 RAV4 Platinum. It started in 2019. My vehicle had hard starts, and then the battery died. I took it to the dealer, and they could find nothing wrong. I took it back two more times and still couldn’t find anything wrong, and finally, they replaced the battery (07/21), saying it had a bad cell. Last week it started doing the same thing again. Service checked out the car and couldn’t find anything wrong, yet the battery charged and then recorded it failed. The service guy fudged the report for Toyota to get me a new battery and told me I was just not driving it enough. I drive my vehicle every other day. A f’ing $40k car shouldn’t have these issues. I’ve turned off my Bluetooth (iPhone) and moved the key fobs far away from the vehicle in the driveway. I live in California. Can I be a part of this Class Action Suit?
My 2017 RAV4 just caught fire last Friday after I replaced the battery. Could I be added as well? TX resident.
I repair car radios
I got a radio in from me 2017 or 18 RAV4
I tested it I thought I smelled smoke.
So I unplug the radio
Took the radio apart to see where the smoke was coming from
One of the chips started getting really red.
So I unplugged The radio again
And took my phone out And started recording in a matter of 45 seconds there was fire
I’ve been Repairing Radios for over 25 years I’ve never seen anything like this.
We drove our 2012 Rav 4 to a local store, parked and walked away. Before we could walk away the car made loud noise and we noticed the car was engulfed in flames. Car was totaled.
My 2006 RAV 4 burned up on the highway last night. I first noticed smoke coming from my headlights. I see these are much newer cars than mine but I would like this looked into.
My 2017 Toyota Rav 4 caught fire while I was driving it and was a total loss. It was still under warranty and under an extended warranty. Toyota investigated and said there was no mechanical cause for the fire. An independent fire investigator hired by my insurance company said that the car was so damaged there was no way to determine the cause of the fire. Toyota refused to refund the cost of the extended warranty paid to the dealer and applied it to the balance of the financed vehicle. We had to pay over $8000 to Toyota AFTER the car was a total loss. I’d like to join the class action suit.
I own a 2017 RAV-4 and the dealer had to replace the battery “as a courtesy” to me. The battery terminals have to be cleaned nearly every 2 months. I am not sure if this could cause a fire if left unchecked. Since becoming aware of the potential hazard I check on the battery nearly every week now.
USB port stopped charging, stereo broke, lights on stereo screen dimmed now my battery is dead. Definitely having a lot of electrical issues
Can we be added if we live in another state? 2018 Rav4 here in NC