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 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.
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:
- The Worst Car Brands Based on Class Action Lawsuits and Recalls
- Ford Recalls 737K Vehicles Due to Risk of Fiery Oil Leak, Faulty Trailer Brakes
- VW Recalls More Than 1K Tiguan, Taos Vehicles Over Incorrect Rear Knuckles
- GM Recalls Around 680K 2014-15 Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain Vehicles Over Windshield Wiper Defect
71 thoughts onToyota Class Action Claims Automaker Didn’t Disclose Dangerous Defect in Cruiser Vehicles
I own a 2007 FJ, purchased brand new. It has 170k miles and I want to put 170K more on it. Except for the severe rust underneath, the rest of it is in perfect condition! No engine problems no dings or dents no ripped upholstery. It sickens me reading about the failures while driving due to rusted frames. I have never gotten rid of a perfectly good car but now i don’t know how safe this thing is going to be. I took care of the FJ and i was expecting to put 300+K miles on it since its a Toyota!
My frame on my FJ is damaged and I want to be part of class action
I have a 2007 fj and its rusty has small holes, The rest of the body is great, just the frame, I am scared to drive it, Have a friends daughter, frame buckled and rolled her’s She should sue toyota for hurt and damages.
Currently own a 2009 FJ Cruiser 130k miles but a lot of frame rust, feel free to add me.
2007 ..more info please
2008 FJ Cruiser with 130,000 miles. No corrosion protection??? I love my FJ but I need a safe vehicle.
I mean original owner of a 2007 FJ I have extensive rust damage and undercarriage it sounds like a ladder scraping across the ground when you drive it I’d like to be added to this if possible I don’t understand who has the right to say who’s eligible for this is this so I’d like to be added to the list for my extensive damage and dangerous things that there’s a vehicle because it’s me or someone else on the road if Something Happens in the process of driving it
I purchased the very first FJ in 2007. At 5,000 the entire brake line rusted. Toyota charged me nearly $4000 to repair. My frame completely rusted away so I had to have it shipped to Massachusetts to have a used frame installed. I was out of nearly $12,000 when it was finished because everything underneath had to be replaced. A complete rust bucket and I only had 28,000 miles !!!
Add me
I have a 2007 FJ cruiser with only 70,000 miles on it which is completely rusted underneath. I applied for this class action lawsuit and was not accepted. I’m trying to figure out who makes the decisions on who’s vehicle is dangerous and who’s is not dangerous so if something happens to me because my vehicle falls apart, am I gonna be allowed to go after the person that made the decision on this class action lawsuit and have my own class action lawsuit against them because it’s not their right to tell me if my vehicle safe or not safe everybody that has one of these vehicles that has rust issues should be allowed to be in this class action lawsuit
08 FJ got new, 107,000 mile
I have a 2007 FJ. It only has 70.00 miles. But it rusted everywhere underneath to the point the gas tank and muffler almost fell off am I eligible? Please sign me up