A proposed class action alleges a defect in the hybrid system cables in certain Toyota vehicles.
The lawsuit—filed by named plaintiffs from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Tennessee, and Idaho—claims the vehicles at issue have a hybrid system cable that runs from the front of the vehicle to the electric motor. The orange cable connector allegedly has little protection from elements such as snow, rock salt, and road debris, making the cable and connection susceptible to corrosion. And, the plaintiffs contend, when corrosion or dirt builds up, resulting issues may be a short in the connector, noise or distortion when listening to the radio, and a need to replace the entire cable. According to the complaint, the cost to replace the cable results in repair bills from $4,200 to $7,000—routinely charged to the customer because the basic warranty has expired by that point.
The class representatives seek to certify a class comprised of owners or lessees of the following vehicles manufactured and/or sold by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., Toyota Motor North America, Inc., and Toyota Motor Corporation:
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD or RAV4Prime AWD for model years 2019-present;
- Toyota Highland Hybrids AWD for model years 2020, 2021, and 2022;
- Venza Hybrid AWD vehicles from 2021 and 2022; and
- Lexus NX350h AWD for 2021 and 2022 and NX450H AWD plug in Hybrid for 2022.
They claim in the fall of 2020, Toyota created a Tech Tip entitled “Corrosion on MGR Cable” for 2019 and 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrids for United States Dealers. But, the plaintiffs further contend, Toyota knew about the defect even before then via customer complaints, field investigations, dealer and service tech communications, online forums, and an attempted redesign. The class action seeks remedies including damages and restitution.
The case is Marc Isenberg, et al. v. Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. et al., case number 2:22-cv-05673-JXN-MAH, in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
