Could the Toyota Tacoma, a trusted and popular pickup truck, be hiding serious defects that might affect your safety? Recent legal actions suggest that some Tacoma models could have significant issues, leading to costly repairs and potential dangers on the road. Toyota issued the recall due to safety concerns related to the fuel pump defect.
This article will explore the details of the Toyota Tacoma lawsuit, the alleged defects, and what it means for current and potential owners. Could your vehicle be at risk? Keep reading to find out more.
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What Is The Toyota Tacoma Truck Recall?
The Toyota Tacoma truck recall affects Toyota Tacoma trucks due to failures in fuel pumps inside the fuel tank. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this recall affects many recalled vehicles from 2018-2019.
NHTSA said the low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank of affected Toyota pickups may fail. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Toyota will notify owners when a remedy is available. This recall began in February 2020.
Latest Updates: Toyota Motor Corp to Pay $3.4 Billion to Settle Rusty Truck Frame Action
In November 2016, Toyota Motor Co. agreed to pay approximately $3.4 billion to compensate owners of certain Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia trucks sold with frames prone to rust, corrosion, and perforation in order to settle a proposed class action lawsuit in California federal court.
The settlement agreement includes compensation for class members who owned or leased the affected vehicles.
The Plaintiffs asked U.S. District Judge Fernando M. Olguin to preliminarily approve the deal, which provides inspections for the 1.5 million vehicles potentially affected by the flaw and frame replacements for an estimated 225,000 trucks. The settlement agreement was subject to approval by Judge John A. Kronstadt.
The class action was filed in March 2015 by owners from nine states, including New York, California, and Florida. It alleges that the frames of the 2005 to 2009 Tacoma vehicles were not properly protected from rust corrosion and that Toyota Motor Corp. was aware of the defect but failed to remedy the situation. The plaintiffs sought approval for the settlement agreement from the court.
Plaintiffs further alleged that Toyota did take certain steps to fix the problem, such as warranty extensions, recalls, and “limited service campaigns,” but argued that they fell short because all of these actions only covered a small number of the affected trucks.
The complaint states that the service campaign only covered Tacomas in certain cold-weather states, such as Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Illinois.
The lawsuit 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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FAQs
What should I do if my Toyota Tacoma experiences an accident or malfunction due to a defect?
If your Toyota Tacoma experiences an accident or malfunction due to a defect, you should first seek immediate medical attention for any injuries, document the accident scene and your injuries with photos, report the issue to Toyota and the NHTSA, and consult with a lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Can multiple victims join together in a lawsuit related to Toyota Tacoma defects?
Yes, multiple victims can join together in a lawsuit related to Toyota Tacoma defects if they share similar injuries due to the same defects. Pooling resources and evidence can streamline the legal process and strengthen the case. Class action lawsuits are common for multiple victims to seek justice and compensation for defects in specific model years of vehicles.
What role does the NHTSA play in monitoring the safety of vehicles like the Toyota Tacoma?
The role the NHTSA plays in monitoring the safety of vehicles like the Toyota Tacoma is by overseeing vehicle safety standards, investigating complaints, issuing recall notices, and enforcing compliance with safety regulations to protect consumers. The NHTSA monitors safety issues across different model years and can mandate outreach programs to ensure recall remedy completion.
How do I report a safety issue with my Toyota Tacoma to the NHTSA?
To report a safety issue with your Toyota Tacomato to the NHTSA, you must access their website or call their hotline. Provide detailed information about the vehicle, the defects, and any accidents or injuries sustained.
See all related product liability lawsuits we’ve covered.
Do I Have a Toyota Tacoma Recall Lawsuit?
The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Toyota Tacoma Recall Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a recalled Toyota Tacoma, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.