Two plaintiffs filed a class-action lawsuit claiming Toyota failed to disclose a coolant bypass valve defect for two popular models.
History Behind the Recall
The latest class action coming from two vehicle owners have claimed that Toyota allegedly failed to disclose defective coolant bypass valves which prematurely fail.
Both Geri Barrientos and Michael Foerst’s document filed with Florida and California subclasses claim that 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”.
The Toyota class action also says “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”.
Which Models Are Affected?
The class action lawsuit against Toyota concerns the RAV4 and Corolla models from the years 2019 to 2023. Several owners of these vehicles have reported issues with the coolant bypass valves. This defect is said to impact the vehicle’s overall performance and longevity, leading to potentially expensive repairs. The plaintiffs argue that Toyota knew about these defects but did not disclose this information to consumers, thus affecting their purchasing decisions.
What Owners Need to Do Next
If you own or lease a 2019-2023 Toyota RAV4 or Corolla, it’s crucial to stay informed about the class action lawsuit regarding the coolant bypass valve defect. Follow lawsuit developments through legal news sources, document any issues with your vehicle, and keep records of repair bills and communications with Toyota.
Consider consulting a lawyer, such as Lemon Law specializing in consumer protection or class actions for guidance on joining the lawsuit. You may also Toyota customer service to report your problems and ensure your complaint is on record. Stay engaged with updates on potential settlements or recalls to benefit from any compensation or repairs offered.
For more information, the class action lawsuit concerning Toyota’s coolant bypass valves is titled Barrientos, et al. vs. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., et al., and is filed under Case No. 4:21-cv-06770 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
How Toyota Owners Can Take Back Control
While owners have opened class actions, many more continue to be unhappy with the solutions provided by automakers. These problems have the potential to escalate into further action, just like this – underlining the importance of protecting consumer rights.
If you struggle with vehicle troubles and feel cornered against big vehicle brands, remember it is always better to have experts with you. With extensive experience and successful cases at hand, The Lemon Firm is your best bet. With the dedicated team members always at your disposal, the package becomes too good to be true. So, if your car is giving you a headache, don’t hesitate to reach out!