Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
Toyota RAV4 Fuel Capacity Texas Class Action Settlement Overview:
- Who: Drivers with certain 2019, 2020 and 2021 RAV4 Hybrid vehicles have reached a class action settlement with Toyota.
- Why: The drivers allege Toyota advertises the cars have 14.5-gallon fuel tanks but actually only hold 10 gallons. Toyota has reached a settlement to end the claims in this case.
- Where: The drivers represent a nationwide class.
Toyota has reached a deal with a group of drivers that alleges certain Toyota 2019, 2020 and 2021 RAV4 Hybrid vehicles are advertised as having 14.5-gallon fuel tanks when owners can only add 10 gallons to the tank.
The automaker has agreed, as part of the settlement, to provide an Extended Customer Support Program to all eligible class members, including free repair of the fuel tank issue, Legal Scoops reports.
The settlement comes after drivers first sued Toyota Motor Sales in a Texas federal court Feb. 13, 2020.
The drivers alleged that Toyota advertises the fuel tank in certain RAV4 Hybrid vehicles as having a capacity of 14.5 gallons and a range of 580 miles. However, even when nearly empty, owners cannot add over 10 gallons of fuel before the automatic shut-off engages and stops the pump from filling the tank further, they claimed.
The case was originally brought on behalf of a class of owners and lessees of certain 2019, 2020 and 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vehicles and 2021 RAV4 Prime vehicles who live in Missouri and California but was recently amended to include owners of all such cars nationwide.
Other Toyota Lawsuits Regarding Fuel Tank Capacity Continue
Despite this settlement, the deal does not resolve or provide a release for claims related to the actual capacity of the vehicles’ fuel tanks. Those claims are still being examined in the courts, through another class action lawsuit filed in a California federal court.
The plaintiffs in that case filed objections to the above settlement to ensure the settlement does not challenge claims of the actual fuel tank capacity of those vehicles asserted in the California case.
Under the settlement, Toyota will offer an Extended Customer Support Program to all class members who believe that their fuel tank experiences the fuel tank capacity issue.
Plaintiffs will get free inspections of the fuel tank and fuel sender gauge unit and a free repair if a problem exists. They will also get a free loan vehicle if necessary.
The program will also increase the original Customer Support Program by seven years and 50,000 miles for a total coverage period of 15 years from the date the vehicle was initially sold/leased or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first, on original parts.
Toyota will also pay fees, costs, expenses and awards to named plaintiffs.
Do you have one of the affected vehicles? Let us know what you think of the settlement in the comments!
The Toyota RAV4 Fuel Tank Capacity Class Action Lawsuit is Pulkrabek, et al. v. Toyota Motor Sales, Case No. 2:20-cv-00036-JRG-RSP, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.
Don’t Miss Out!
Check out our list of Class Action Lawsuits and Class Action Settlements you may qualify to join!
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
77 thoughts onToyota Reaches Settlement With RAV4 Hybrid Owners Over Fuel Tank Issue
Same experience! In addition, was told the gas mileage would be much better and I consistently get 33 MPG., rather than the 41 in the city advertised. Have asked the dealer over and over again about both issues and they are no help at all. When you buy a brand new vehicle, you expect to get what was advertised!
I have the same issue with my Rav4 hybrid 2020. I average way less than the 41 mph advertised for highway driving.
I just got a 2023 RAV4 hybrid. Low fuel light comes on at 30 miles to empty. I can’t get more than 11.5 gallons of gas. Where are the other 3 gallons? Took it to the dealer. There is nothing wrong! Ha! I was told that there is a reserve tank that holds 2.2 gallons in case you run the vehicle to empty. I don’t want a reserve tank. I want my 14.5 gallons that is advertised along with 596 miles. I have never made it to 500 miles before filling up. Crazy!
My 2020 RAV4 Hybrid has the same issues as described in the article. The dealer service center replaced the fuel gauge sensor, but no improvement. Drove it to nearly empty (low fuel light came on and indicated estimated 30 miles left) and it only allowed me to put in 10.5 gallons. Planning on a long road trip this summer and REALLY was counting on the 14.5 gallon tank. Would like to know what else can be done to help with this problem.
I have a 2020rav4 hybrid xse , it doesn’t fill all the way, it stops then I pump another 2,3 gallons. What should I do?