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A federal 
class action lawsuit claims that 2005 to 2011 Toyota Scion xB and tC models are plagued with a design defect that causes their rear hatch door handles and panels to break off during normal use. Toyota has allegedly known about the Scion’s defective door handle since 2007, but has failed to disclose it to customers and refuses to recall the vehicles to repair the defect, the class action lawsuit says.
According to the Toyota Scion class action lawsuit, “Toyota knew or should have known that the Class Vehicles are defective, not fit for their intended purpose and unsafe when they are driven within their normal and/or expected range of operation. Nevertheless, Toyota has actively concealed and failed to disclose the Defect to Plaintiffs and the Class Members, both prior to and after the time of purchase.”
The Scion class action lawsuit says that when the defective door handles break, “consumers have been, and will continue to be, forced to deal with an unsafe and illegal situation. First, when the Defective Door Handle breaks, consumers are regularly unable to open their back door, either from the outside or the inside… In addition, the holes left in the rear hatch when the handle breaks allow exhaust fumes to enter into the Vehicle, further creating a safety hazard.”
The Scion class action lawsuit goes on to say that Toyota’s refusal to remedy the problem has forced many consumers to tape or glue the defective Scion door handles bank on their vehicles or purchase expensive replacement parts.
“Indeed, driving around any metropolitan area, it is not uncommon to see numerous [Scion xB and tC models] with the door opening mechanism missing or fastened to the Vehicles via a homemade remedy. Moreover, as a result of Toyota’s abject failure to manufacture and sell a Vehicle that could withstand the routine and normal opening and closing of the rear hatch without breaking, and is concomitant refusal to provide relief to its customers, the Defect has spawned a cottage industry, with third-parties manufacturing parts to try to fill Toyota’s void,” the class action lawsuit says.
The Toyota Scion defective door handle class action lawsuit is brought on behalf of all current and former owners and lessees of a model year 2005-2011 Toyota Scion tC or xB models purchased or leased in the United States. It is seeking damages, interest, restitution and more.
A copy of the Toyota Scion tC and xB Defective Door Handle Class Action Lawsuit can be read here.
The case is Salvatore Amata, et al., v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and Toyota Motor Corporation, Case No. EDCV12-168-VAP (SPx), U.S. District Court, Central District of California
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101 thoughts onToyota Scion Defective Door Handle Class Action Lawsuit
I also have this problem with my 2006 Scion XB. The tailgate handle is broken and hanging off. I am currently holding it on with duct tape.
My hatch hand mechanism completely broke. I’ve got tape on it now. Please send a voucher for the repair.
I need to be added to this class action suit. I own a 2007 Scion tC with a rear hatch handle issue. Mine isn’t broken off but it is difficult to open so I try but to use it. I have to borrow another vehicle if I want to get groceries or anything that requires me hauling stuff. On top of the issue with the rear hatch handle being defective, the hydraulic arms that hold the hatch have had to be replaced twice (which is also a common problem for people with a defective rear hatch handle).
I bought my 2005 xb used and my handle broke a few days ago. I did t know anything about this defect. How do I get this fixed??
This is my second Scion TC: I had 2005 which I had issues with the trunk and now with my 2006 I have the same issues – I never knew there was a suit filed in 2012. How do I get my trunk fixed as well? Please advise.
Mine just broke
2006 scion tc same issue for me and it cause to have a loud rattle cause of this.
Please send a voucher to have my back hatch handle on my Toyota Scion xB repaired as it broke when I tried (gently, as I am aware of the defect and lawsuit) to open it. I am a 70 year old woman , so you know I didn’t pull hard at all!!! Thank you
Star Twine
My rear hatch handle broke on my 2005 Scion xB. How can I go about getting it fixed as a defect?
I have a 2005 Scion xB, had no idea of how widespread this issue was. I’ve had mine taped on for years, knowing I couldn’t afford the price to fix it. I’ve been the only owner. Good information here
I have tried to get my lid hood handle fixed for free since it is a defecttive part, but I have had no luck. I tried to use the tutorial to fix it by buying Flex Tape which does NOT work.
All I want is for Toyota to fix it permanently.
My sun roof and back hatch have been an issue as well…. both are still broken as I type as Toyota wanats a redixulous amount is $$ to fix both. My sun roof won’t open and just makes noises and my back latch is on with tape….. which sucks as my car looks brand new and has been very well taken care of …. however what’s the point in paying all that money for same defective parts….
Class action lawsuit against Toyota proving their knowledge of this defect.
The best way to fix that instead of paying big money buy some window silicone apply it put the whole plastic piece with the latch on with the glue and tape it don’t mess with it for about 24 hrs and it’ll stick it so tough you won’t have issues with it for yrs to come I didn’t it to my 2007 tC and it’s been 6 yrs its still on good.