Toyota Motor Corporation is facing a class action lawsuit that alleges vermin are attracted to the “organic-based sheathing” used in the wiring of certain Lexus automobiles.
Plaintiffs Melinda Espineli and Mohammad Moghaddam file this class action lawsuit on behalf of themselves and all owners or lessees of any Lexus 2007-2017 RX, GX, ES, and LS models.
They allege that Toyota failed to inform them, and all those who purchased or leased these Lexus vehicles, that the electrical wiring is composed of or insulated with “biodegradable soy-based materials,” and as such, these materials are attracting vermin and rodents that chew through them.
The plaintiffs claim that “Lexus knew or should have known that the use of an organic- based sheathing on vehicle wiring components attracts vermin that cause significant damage to consumers’ vehicles.”
Moreover, the complaint states that “despite this knowledge, Lexus refuses to accept responsibility for the damage and routinely refuses to cover repairs. Instead, it places the onus on vehicle owners and lessees to pay for the repairs and confront potential vehicle malfunction and attendant safety hazards.”
Espineli and Moghaddam say they purchased a new 2017 Lexus RX350 from a dealership in Roseville, Calif. However, while driving, Moghaddam noticed a check engine light and an ABS light flash on. As he was approaching the freeway, Moghaddam says he was unable to speed up or accelerate beyond 20-25 miles per hour.
After visiting the dealership, the next day to discover what may have been happening to his vehicle, the service department allegedly notified him that the damage occurred because of a rodent infestation and that another vehicle had similarly suffered the same issue.
The repair invoice Moghaddam received was for $5,900, but when he requested that the repairs be covered by “Lexus Warranty,” they allegedly refused. The plaintiff asserts that had he known that the vehicles wiring was coated with a soy based material, he would have never purchased the vehicle.
According to the complaint, “Lexus intentionally misrepresented, either affirmatively or by omission, that its vehicles were free from defects, and took no action to adequately warn or remedy the defect, but instead concealed, suppressed, and failed to disclose the potential damage that could be caused by such materials defects.”
Moreover, despite the assertion that Lexus makes in that, “every Lexus is backed by a comprehensive warranty that should give you miles and miles of confidence,” such maintenance and repair information is inaccurate and does not correctly provide detail and information of risks incorporated in these Class vehicles.
Melinda Espineli and Mohammad Moghaddam are represented by William A. Kershaw, Stuart C. Talley, and Ian J. Barlow of Kershaw, Cook & Talley PC.
The Lexus Soy Wiring Class Action Lawsuit is Melinda Espineli and Mohammad Moghaddam v. Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. and Toyota Motor Corporation., Case No. 2:17-at-00356, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.
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121 thoughts onLexus Class Action Alleges Soy-Based Electrical Wiring Attracts Vermin
Is it way to be included in this settlement? I have a 2017 Lexus RX
Is there a way to join a lawsuit against Lexus or soy based wiring? I have a RC 350 F sport and a RCF both Lexus, create RCF is in the shop with extensive damage due to rodents eating watering. Projected cost at this point as close to $5000. Second car RC 350 F port has damage it has to be told to dealer for a car shop also showing rodent damage., now leaving us without a vehicle due to both cars having rodent damage.
My 2017 Lexus NX is being towed back in to the Dealership for the second time in less than a month. Both times I received a warning on the dash that there was reduced engine power. The first time it was diagnosed as rodent damage and I assume that it will be the same this time. This did happen several years ago as well with the same diagnosis but at that time, I assumed it was a one off. I have been reading about the soy based wiring issues and feel that I should have been informed both at the time of purchase and at the time of repairs that this is an ongoing issue with this generation of vehicles.
I have been having the rodent infestation in my Lexus NX 300 I was never told anything about the organic material otherwise I would have not purchased I need help with an Attorney I don’t want the car I’m scared a mice might pop out and then I cause a wreck it’s dangerous
Is there a way to still be included in this law suit? I too have a 2022 RX 350 that has had rodent damage twice. The first time in December of 2023 and the second time 3 weeks ago. I was very frustrated and started looking for answers, and came across a lot of articles and law suits because of soy based wiring. I have been in my home for 14 years and have been parking in my driveway the entire time. Never did this happen before I got a Lexus. I have had this car for 2 years and I was hit twice. Both times being out of a car for a month.
I have a 2022 Lexus RX350 that has had the wiring harness chewed up & replaced begining of August & within 4 weeks of of picking up my car another rodent has chewed up more wires.
I just purchased this vehicle mid May, 2023 with 6,807 miles on it. It only has 7,668 miles on it now, this is ridicules !
I want to be included in this lawsuit…….
I have a Lexus RX350 2008. I would like to be part of the class action suit.
I have a 2019 RX 350 Lexus and just received a bill for $9500 in damages from rodents chewing the wore harness