Toyota Tundras overview:
- Who: A group of Toyota consumers is suing the automaker.
- Why: The plaintiffs say Toyota sold Tundra trucks with a dangerous defect.
- Where: The Toyota class action was filed in a Vermont federal court.
A new class action lawsuit accuses Toyota of selling Tundra trucks with a dangerous engine defect that causes stalling, delayed acceleration and even catastrophic failure.
Plaintiffs Tom Daley, Marty Holstien and Terrance Regan filed the class action complaint against Toyota Motor North America Inc. on Dec. 2 in a Vermont federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws.
According to the lawsuit, certain Toyota Tundras have a defect in the V35A engines that traps debris inside the engine. Drivers report “throttle lag,” “jolting,” or “lurching” when the defect occurs, where pressing the gas pedal produces no immediate response, followed by a sudden burst of acceleration, the lawsuit says.
These conditions create a serious safety risk on the road, including potential rear-end collisions and unexpected surges at stoplights, the plaintiffs say. Some vehicles have also reportedly suffered complete engine failure, leaving drivers stranded.
The defect, plaintiffs allege, exposes consumers to not only physical danger but also financial harm due to repair costs and diminished vehicle value.
Lawsuit alleges that Toyota Tundras recall falls short
Toyota issued a recall in May 2024 for certain 2022 and 2023 Tundras, acknowledging the risk of crashes from engine stalls. However, the lawsuit criticizes the recall as insufficient, claiming it excludes the 2024 Tundra and hybrid models, which allegedly experience similar issues.
The plaintiffs allege that Toyota’s justification for excluding hybrids — that their powertrain offers limited backup power — is inadequate.
The company also informed affected owners via a recall notice that it is “currently developing the remedy” for the problem.
However, the lawsuit says, “Plaintiffs and class members are currently stuck driving a vehicle that Toyota knows is dangerous, but has no concrete timetable for a workable fix.”
As a result, the plaintiffs are looking to represent owners and lessees of 2022-2024 Tundra and Tundra hybrid vehicles.
They are suing for violations of warranty laws, consumer fraud, and violations of state consumer laws. They are seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.
In November, Toyota was hit with a class action lawsuit alleging it breached its manufacture warranties by selling certain vehicles with a door-lock defect.
What do you think of the allegations in this Toyota class action? Let us know in the comments.
The plaintiff is represented by Joshua Simonds of The Urlington Law Practice PLLC; Benjamin F. Johns and Samantha E. Holbrook of Shub & Johns LLC; and Andrew W. Ferich and Alyssa Brown of Ahdoot & Wolfson PC.
The Toyota class action is Tom Daly et al. v. Toyota Motor North America, Inc. Case No. 2:24-cv-01318-mkl in the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont.
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:
40 thoughts onToyota class action claims some Tundras have engine defect
A family member was in a horrible accident 2024 Tundra TRD 4×4, He was driving when suddenly he was not able to slow vehicle down as he was coming up on four way stop, the vehicle sped up and he could not brake .The Acceleration became stuck up to 70 mph and flipped several times. Thank god he’s alive.
2023 Toyota Tundra Engine Locked up in July. Still at dealership, wanting us to pay $4500 labor before parts are ordered and it’ll be February before can be fixed. Metal shavings were in the oil pan when they drained the oil. We need a good lawyer.