Toyota Settles Class Action Lawsuit for RAV4 Battery Fault

Background

In November 2023, Toyota recalled 1.9 million RAV4 vehicles due to a battery fault that could potentially cause vehicles to stall and catch fire. The issue involved 12-volt batteries that were not properly clamped down, leading to a short circuit. This prompted a class action lawsuit filed in March 2021.

Settlement Details

Toyota has agreed to settle the class action lawsuit, offering a $75 reimbursement to eligible RAV4 owners in the U.S. who experienced the battery fault. The settlement also includes $13,250,000 in attorneys’ fees and $350,000 for expenses for the lawyers involved in the case.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the reimbursement, vehicles must not have been previously inspected as part of a Consumer Advisory notice issued by Toyota in 2021 regarding the battery problem. Owners or lessees of inspected vehicles can request a second inspection and submit a claim for partial reimbursement if they switched from the Group 26R battery to the Group 35 battery.

Additional Reimbursement

Those who previously received a $32 reimbursement through the Consumer Advisory notice can submit a claim to receive an extra $43. Owners whose RAV4s experienced a “unique thermal event” due to the battery fault may also be eligible for reimbursement based on out-of-pocket expenses. If repairs were paid by an insurer, Toyota will compensate owners for the deductible paid. The 12 owners who filed the class action will receive an additional $5,000 each.

Conclusion

Toyota has taken steps to address the battery fault in RAV4 vehicles and is offering reimbursements to affected owners. This settlement provides compensation for those who experienced the issue and resolves the class action lawsuit.