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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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116 thoughts onLexus Class Action Alleges Soy-Based Electrical Wiring Attracts Vermin
Same problem x2 on a 2016 ES350. Google search found same problem on Honda’s, for which Honda developed “rat tape” as a deterrent.
Took some to my Lexus dealer who wrapped the wires in question. No problem since
would like to join this lawsuit
Same thing happened to me. One morning I went to start my 2008 ES 350 and it would not start. Had it towed to the dealership for them to tell me a rodent ate through the wiring harness and chewed a wire. That was on December 8, 2017. And then the same exact thing happened again on January 12, 2018. I had to pay to have the same harness repaired again. Is this class action suit still open?
My husband and I have a 2015 Lexus 350 SUV. One month ago the car stopped running. towed in to dealership to be told we had over $7800 in rodent damage due to soy based encasing around the electrical wiring!! we have rodent bait stations everywhere. Our 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is not having theis problem and they park side by side.
Me too, brand new NX200 almost $8,300… thank God I have comprehensive coverage. My husbands Chevy Silverado, parked side by side- no problem. I would’ve never purchased this Lexus if I knew. My previous Lexus- owned it for 10 years… but the dashboard did crack, as another lawsuit stated.
the wires were chewed by rodents in my Lexus 350es, I had to bring it to a local dealer to repair to get it going again. The wires were repaired not replaced.
I would like to joinn this class action How can I do this?
My 2010 Lexus IS350C had rodent damage to the “power steering rack” and was unable to drive my car. Total cost for repairs was $2891.87 paid by my insurance company. I had a $500.00 deductible and $123.00 towing fee to pay.
I would also like to join the lawsuit so please keep me posted as well.
Thank you!
The case is still moving through the courts and has not yet reached a settlement. Claim forms are usually not made available to consumers until after a court approved settlement is reached. We recommend you sign up for a free account at TopClassActions.com and follow the case. We will update the article with any major case developments or settlement news! Setting up a free account with Top Class Actions will allow you to receive instant updates on ANY article that you ‘Follow’ on our website. A link to creating an account may be found here: https://topclassactions.com/signup/. You can then ‘Follow’ the article above, and get notified immediately when we post updates!
I had the rodent-chewing problem with a 2015 Sienna I leased. $400 damage.
Last month I bought a new 2017 Sienna. Today I had $300 to replace wiring because of rodents. I had even talked to them about the previous wiring issue. The dealer knew, but indicated Toyota had taken action. I have to use the word “indicated” because they never promised it was solved. We discussed the previous suggestions…peppermint, Irish Spring, and a few other things I had learned about with my 2015. Never, ever, did I understand it was still an issue.
I would absolutely not set myself up for such an expensive, hopeless, long-term series of repairs. Toyota knew of the problem and did nothing!!! But still sold their vehicles like there was no problem. This is not just an issue because a light comes. Any cable or wire is subject to failing without notice. Yes, I want to participate in efforts to hold Toyota accountable. I live in Florida.
After four visits to the dealership with significant damage to my lexus rx 350 the total paid out was $2893.00! I would like to join the lawsuit.
Lexus RX 350….$3k in rodent damage. I would also like to join.
I have a 2016 RX 350 and I have had it in the shop twice within two weeks for same problem. I contacted Lexus Customer Service main office but have not received and reply.I have spent $11oo within two weeks but no warranty of not occurring again. I have had my garage exterminated twice also. I have a Mitsibitchi parked next to the Lexus for several years and have not had an issue with rodents.
Same on my car I would like join the lawsuit please keep me posted about it cause my car doing the same thing..