Toyota Class Action Claims Automaker Didn’t Disclose Dangerous Defect in Cruiser Vehicles

Toyota 2007-2014 FJ Cruiser Class Action Overview:

• Who: A dozen Toyota customers are suing the automaker. 
• Why: The drivers say Toyota failed to disclose a dangerous defect in the frames of its model year 2007-2014 FJ Cruiser vehicles.
• Where: The lawsuit was filed in California federal court.

Toyota didn’t tell customers its model year 2007-2014 FJ Cruiser vehicles have a dangerous defect that causes the vehicles’ frames to rust and corrode, a new class action alleges.

Ten plaintiffs, all Toyota owners, filed the class action complaint against Toyota Motor Corporation Apr. 4 in a California federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws. 

They say Toyota failed to disclose the “dangerous defect” in the frames of the vehicles and made misrepresentations regarding the true nature of those frames in its marketing and advertising campaigns.

“The excessive corrosion caused by the defect in the Class Vehicles poses a safety threat to both drivers and occupants of the Vehicles,” the class action states. “In fact, as a result of the defect, some Vehicles are no longer drivable, having failed to pass safety checks.” 

The plaintiffs allege that Toyota was well aware of the defects but did nothing to cure them. 

Instead, it went about marketing the vehicles in an expensive national campaign touting the advantages of the model when really they lack adequate corrosion protection, causing them to excessively and prematurely rust.

“The Defect not only reduces the value (including market value) of the Class Vehicle, but it subjects the Vehicles’ occupants to a significant safety risk,” the plaintiffs allege. “A vehicle’s frame forms the basis of a vehicle’s crashworthiness, including its ability to withstand or minimize damage to the occupant compartment in the event of an accident.”

Toyota Frame Lawsuit Claims Plaintiffs Discovered Defect After Purchase

The plaintiffs, all of whom own class vehicles with frames that have excessive and premature corrosion and rust, had no way of knowing the frames would rust, the class action alleges. They say it was only after they purchased their vehicles that the frame defect was revealed.

The plaintiffs are suing for fraudulent concealment, unjust enrichment and violations of the consumer protection laws of the states of Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Utah.

They’re looking to represent anyone in the United States who purchased a Toyota FJ Cruiser, model years 2007-2014, and seeking damages, fees, costs, interest and a jury trial. 

Meanwhile, Toyota was hit with a class action last month alleging it sells model year 2020-2021 Toyota Highlander vehicles with defective fuel tanks that can’t be filled to their advertised capacity.

Do you own a Toyota? Tell us your experience with the company in the comments.

The plaintiffs are represented by Scott Edelsberg of Edelsberg Law, PA, Jason H. Alperstein, Jeff Ostrow and Kristen Lake Cardoso of Kopelowitz Ostrow Ferguson Weiselberg Gilbert; Lesley E. Weaver and Joshua D. Samra of Bleichmar Fonti and Auld LLP; and Steven G. Calamusa, Geoff S. Stahl, Rachel A. Bentley and Dennis O. Cohen of Gordon & Partners P.A. 

The Toyota FJ Cruiser Class Action Lawsuit is Elliot Nazos et al. v. Toyota Motor Corporation, Case No. 2:22-cv-02214, in the U.S. District Court Central District of California.

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