Santa Clara, CA: A $3.4 billion settlement has been agreed in a defective automotive class action brought against Toyota Motor Co. The lawsuit alleges that the frames in certain Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia trucks are prone to rust corrosion and perforation.
Under the terms of the deal, approximately 1.5 million vehicles that may have defective frames will be inspected and an estimated 225,000 trucks will have their frames replaced.
The lawsuit was filed in 2015, alleging its 2005-2009 Tacoma trucks were made with frames that are inadequately protected from rust corrosion, rendering the vehicles unstable and unsafe to drive. The lawsuit also alleged that Toyota was aware of the defect but failed to correct it.
The settlement covers 2005 to 2010 Tacomas, 2007 to 2008 Tundras, and 2005 to 2008 Sequoias. The Japanese automaker has promised that vehicle owners will not be charged for the inspection and replacement campaign. The program will last 12 years from the date the vehicle was sold or leased, meaning any future perforations will also be covered. The replacement and inspection policy remains valid if an owner sells the vehicle to another party.
Further, the plaintiffs have asked for certification of a class of Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia owners or lessees from the 50 states, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C. and all U.S. territories.
The case is Brian Warner et al v. Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc., case number 2:15-cv-02171 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
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I took my 2007 tacoma to a FL dealer for inspection in May 2017. Provided photos from Jan 2017 to show that I was aware of rust and a small perforation. They sent me home with an inspection form that startes, "no rust on frame". I disputed with them, but they insisted ONLY the stone guard had rust. Now, in July 2018, the perforation is about 5 times the size it was, the driver's front wobbles, there's a vibration noise when I accelerate - nobody at toyota shows concern about the fact that I now live in NC and the closest dealer is more than a 1.5 hour drive away - through the mountains. While I'm pleased so far with the service I've received from ther dealership I'm working with now, I'm very disappointed in the FL dealership and toyota corporate. They're proving that when it comes to court judgments, apparently corporations and their dealers have a choice in the matter.
Posted by Thomas Larkin
on
I own a 2004 4WD Tacoma. Bought it 4 years ago, ran great. While working on the rear brakes I found(surprise!) rust holes in the frame. Bad enough where I don't feel safe on the road. From reading many comments I realize it is a waste of time contacting Toyota or any of its dealers for any help with this 2004. Is it involved in the settlement? Is it too late? Please help.
Posted by Matthew P. Nanang
on
I have 2008 sequoia 5.7L 4WD currently in Africa. Checked and there was rsust. Sent these pictures to Toyota US because I purchased truck in CT and sent it to Ghana. Toyota responded that if there is a claim, it will not cover trucks that have been shipped out of US. this is a manufacturing error. Why can't I be cover.
Posted by Mike Creaghan
on
I too, own a 2004 Tacoma. I always thought the truck was fantastic and has given me great service. It was time to upgrade and I purchased a Tundra, deciding to sell the Tacoma. I took the vehicle in to Toyota for the spare tire recall (as a service to the soon to be new owner) and the dealer performed the recall, saying NOTHING about the frame. I spent some money on things I knew the truck needed to pass Maryland's rigorous state inspection. When I took it to get inspected days later, the Technician showed me the frame. It was rotted away and the truck was obviously not safe to drive. Now what? Do I have a new piece of yard art?? Also, why did the dealer not tell me the frame was no good? I spent good money for tires, brakes and some exhaust pieces assuming the truck was serviceable.
Posted by Becky Junkins Mullinax
on
I own a 2006 Sequoia, when I first purchased I had some work done on it. That person told me there was rust all under my SUV. I was like that can't be it's not that old. Guess I was wrong. Would like to have a free inspection.
Posted by T. Ojala
on
I own a 2007 Tundra which I called local Longview, Wa. Toyota dealership where vehicle was purch. I was told by service dept. there was no recall info on my truck as if no problems existed. Haven't experienced any issues to point even having hauled some heavy loads with 36,000 miles.
Posted by rick kent
on
I took my 2010 to a Toyota dealership for a frame inspection. I showed them the notice I had received in the mail. I was told that this was a civil suit and I should have the frame checked where I have my maintenance done.
Posted by Jacob Porto
on
I am in pretty much the same situation with my 2001 Tacoma as the previous people who have commented.
The truck is in fantastic shape and has always been well maintained (including always making sure to clean the undercarriage frequently, especially after snow storms) and WAS worth quite a bit of money considering its age. Now it is worthless and unsafe to drive because of a clear manufacturing error.
Hopefully something can be done to hold Toyota accountable, possibly by including the 01' to 04' Tacoma's in the current settlement somehow?
Thank you
Posted by Mindy Allen
on
I had a 2003 Tacoma......took it in for a recall for spare tire rack, that I was notified about. The dealer told me I couldn't drive off the lot with the truck because of the rusted out frame. I phoned Toyota, and asked why I wasn't notified of the first recall about rusted frames. It was a real loss of money and almost my life. I also need help as I was told by the legal group with this suit that I missed the deadline, probably, on the first suit and the year of my truck isn't included with this suit. I was hung out to dry like the previous poster. Need help also.
Posted by Johnny Golden
on
So crazy thing, i Had a 2007 toyota Tacoma. I was going 75 on the highway. Which was posted support speed . When truck started veering off to the left of the road. I had no control , it went into ditch up embankment. ANd rolled. CUt out by the jaws of life. Now i see there was a malfunction with frame. Makes me wonder. .....
Posted by Anthony D Griffin
on
I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma, Body looks great. The frame has collapsed in the middle and the top of the bed is caving into the cab. I have talked to Toyota but no good come of it. Could really use some help
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