Toyota coolant bypass valves class action lawsuit overview:
- Who: Geri Barrientos and Michael Foerst filed a class action lawsuit against Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A Inc., Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor North America Inc.
- Why: Barrientos and Foerst claim Toyota failed to disclose a coolant bypass valve defect affecting its model year 2019-2023 RAV4 and Corolla vehicles.
- Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in California federal court.
Toyota failed to disclose that its model year 2019-2023 RAV4 and Corolla vehicles contain defective coolant bypass valves that fail prematurely, a new class action lawsuit alleges.
Plaintiffs Geri Barrientos and Michael Foerst’s class action lawsuit claims Toyota “actively concealed material facts about the defect from consumers, including, among other things, that the vehicles were prone to the defect and require costly fixes to repair.
“At all relevant times, Defendants knew, or through the exercise of reasonable care had reason to know, that the coolant bypass valves in the Class Vehicles were defective and that the existence of this Defect would materially affect Plaintiffs and the Class’s … decision to purchase the Class Vehicles,” the Toyota class action says.
Barrientos and Foerst want to represent a nationwide class and Florida and California subclasses of consumers who bought or leased a model year 2019-2023 Toyota RAV4 or Corolla vehicle.
Toyota coolant bypass valves can’t be repaired by automaker, class action claims
Barrientos and Foerst argue Toyota is unable or unwilling to “adequately repair” the Corolla and RAV4 vehicles when the alleged coolant bypass valve defect manifests, despite allegedly being obligated to by warranty.
“Despite the existence of the Warranties, Toyota failed to inform Plaintiffs and Class Members of the Defect and failed to adequately repair the Defect,” the Toyota class action says.
Barrientos and Foerst claim Toyota is guilty of breach of express warranty and breach of implied warranty of merchantability, fraudulent concealment and unjust enrichment, and of violating the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, and California’s Unfair Competition Law, Consumers Legal Remedies Act and Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.
The plaintiffs demand a jury trial and request declaratory and injunctive relief and an award of punitive damages for themselves and all class members.
A consumer filed a separate class action lawsuit against Toyota earlier this year over claims the automaker falsely advertises the value of its prepaid ToyotaCare Plus maintenance plan.
Have you purchased or leased a model year 2019-2023 Toyota RAV4 or Corolla vehicle? Let us know in the comments.
The plaintiffs are represented by Alison M. Bernal of Nye, Stirling, Hale, Miller & Sweet, LLP and Matthew D. Schelkopf and Joseph B. Kenney of Sauder Schelkopf.
The Toyota coolant bypass valves class action lawsuit is Barrientos, et al. v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., et al., Case No. 4:21-cv-06770, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern 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:
221 thoughts onToyota class action alleges some vehicles contain defective coolant bypass valves
My wife bought a 21 RAV4 xse and we have been hearing the coolant running through the firewall behind the dash, when we get home and park it sometimes. Then since I have received calls from her twice, saying while driving down the road that all the sudden it has a heavy burning smell inside the car and even pulled over because she was afraid it might catch on fire. This needs to be handled correctly, Toyotas rep is going down lately. I just hope that my wife and newborn are in what was advertised as a safe and reliable vehicle.
I purchased a 2021 RAV4. So far I’ve not had a problem.
My husband I purchased a 2021 and 2024 Rav4 with no problems to date.
I purchased a Rava4 in 2021. Now waiting on for results about passenger airbags recall.
Bought a 2019 Rav4 in 07/23 for my wife.
I purchased mine Rava4 in 2023
I had leased mine RAV4 in 2020, and then purchased it in 2023.
Purchase Rav4 2022.
My new mechanic informed me of the defective coolant bypass valve. My engine maintenance light was on so he checked my car out thoroughly. He advised me to contact Toyota to determine if they would replace this defective part as I was under warranty for such parts. In viewing posts online, several people’s warranty was not honored. I checked for recalls, but the coolant bypass valve is not listed for my vehicle. I spoke with a Toyota Extra Care rep who also drove a 2019 Rav4 like myself. He confirmed the parts and labor were covered for repair. I mentioned to him that roof rails were recalled. He confirmed this too was covered by my warranty. Very thankful for my new mechanic.
We purchased a 2023 Toyota Rav4 in November 2022. We are not currently aware of a problem with our vehicle, however, ours has only $11,000 miles on it so far.
I had to pay for the dealer to replace the coolant bypass valve on my 2019 RAv4. I argued with them to no avai 2 weeks later it was back to the dealer and they had to replace the water pump that was under warranty. I again argued the cv should be part of the entire cost. They refused to discuss. I asked for the receipt they file with Toyota but refused to provide. Now this info about the cv comes out
2019 RAV4 Adventure/purchased 2021 North Dakota