2019 Toyota RAV4 on the road Image

2019 Toyota RAV4 Engine Problems: Owners Raise Concerns in Recent NHTSA Complaints

Lemon Law, Toyota , ,

Recent NHTSA complaints have shed light on engine problems faced by owners of 2019 Toyota RAV4 vehicles. These issues have prompted concerns over safety, reliability, and significant repair costs. This article delves into the details of these complaints, their impact, and the steps you can take if you’re experiencing similar challenges.

NHTSA Complaints and Average Mileage

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gathers data on vehicle safety, including complaints from owners. For 2019 Toyota RAV4 models, the reported engine problems have been given an average severity rating of 7.6 out of 10, indicating a concerning level of severity. These complaints have been logged at an average mileage of 6,304 miles.

Diverse Complaint Categories

The NHTSA complaints are spread across various categories, making it challenging to easily identify and comprehend the specific issues. This lack of organization complicates understanding the scope and nature of the problems reported.

Coolant Bypass Valve Failure and Overheating Risks

Several owners have reported a recurring problem related to the coolant bypass valve. This failure has the potential to cause engine overheating or even complete seizure.

The symptoms include a persistent “Engine Maintenance Required” message displayed on the dashboard, which cannot be cleared away.

Widespread Issue and Lack of Recall

Numerous owners have expressed frustration over the recurring coolant bypass valve issue. This defect, which can result in significant overheating risks, has been acknowledged by Toyota representatives as a known problem for model year 2019.

Despite the prevalence of this issue and the high number of repairs, Toyota has not issued a recall or Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) to address it.

Repair Costs and Owner Discontent

Owners have shared their experiences of facing repair bills ranging from $500 to $1000 due to the coolant bypass valve failure. The costs are particularly burdensome given that many of these vehicles are relatively new.

Despite the widespread nature of the problem and the associated safety concerns, owners have expressed discontent over the lack of action taken by Toyota.

Legal Implications and Seeking Compensation

If you’re an owner of a 2019 Toyota RAV4 and you’ve encountered coolant bypass valve problems or other engine-related issues, it’s crucial to understand your rights.

You may be entitled to compensation for repair costs, potential safety risks, and inconvenience caused by these problems.

 

For a free consultation and legal advice tailored to your situation, contact the expert attorneys at Law Office of Howard Gutman today. Our team is dedicated to helping you understand your options and pursuing the compensation you deserve. Call (973) 598-1980 now.

 

Conclusion

The recent NHTSA complaints regarding engine problems in 2019 Toyota RAV4 vehicles raise important concerns about safety, reliability, and the responsibilities of vehicle manufacturers.

If you’re experiencing similar issues, seeking legal guidance can provide you with a path to understanding your rights and taking appropriate action. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Law Office of Howard Gutman for a free consultation to discuss your situation and explore potential avenues for compensation.

 

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Toyota Sienna Hybrid on the road

Toyota Sienna Hybrid Cable Corrosion Sparks Lawsuit: What You Need to Know

Lemon Law, Toyota , , , ,

A recent class action lawsuit has highlighted a concerning issue affecting Toyota Sienna hybrid minivans manufactured between 2021 and 2023.

The lawsuit alleges that these vehicles, known for their hybrid powertrains and all-wheel-drive capability, are plagued by defective cables that connect the front of the vehicle to the rear motor generators. This corrosion issue has led to a series of challenges, prompting owners to take legal action.

The Class Action Lawsuit

The lawsuit encompasses a range of 2021-2023 Toyota Sienna minivans, including LE, XLE, Limited, XSE, and Platinum models.

The central point of contention revolves around the hybrid system power cable, which features an orange connector linking it to the rear motor generator. According to the lawsuit, this cable and connector are susceptible to corrosion, primarily caused by exposure to snow, road salt, and other debris encountered on the road.

Previous Cases and Plaintiffs

The plaintiffs initiating this class action lawsuit have drawn parallels to earlier legal actions against Toyota. Notably, they reference the Isenberg v Toyota and Constantin Sultana v Toyota Canada class actions, which also dealt with cable corrosion issues in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

The current lawsuit was filed by two owners:

  • Mark Chatwin from New York, who owns a 2023 Toyota Sienna XSE/AWD, and
  • Gioi (Joey) Nguyen from Texas, who purchased a 2023 Toyota Sienna SXE 25th Anniversary Edition AWD.

Corrosion Impact and Concealed Damage

The corrosion problem affecting the Sienna hybrid cable connector can lead to serious repercussions. While initial symptoms may include noise or distortion in the radio, the real concern emerges when the hybrid system itself fails, necessitating a replacement of the cable.

Interestingly, this problem might not become apparent for several years, as corrosion gradually worsens over time.

Warranty and Misrepresentation

One of the most contentious points in the lawsuit revolves around warranty coverage. The plaintiffs argue that Toyota initially asserted that the cable was only covered by the basic warranty, which lasts for 3 years or 36,000 miles. This contradicted the Hybrid Component Warranty, which spans 8 years or 100,000 miles, and the HV battery warranty covering 10 years or 150,000 miles.

The lawsuit contends that Toyota’s initial representation misled customers about the extent of coverage for hybrid-related components.

Repair Costs and Neglect

As the cable corrosion issue typically manifests after the basic warranty has expired, affected Sienna owners face substantial repair costs. Replacing the cable can result in bills ranging from $4,200 to $8,000.

What’s more troubling is that the owner’s manuals and warranty booklets reportedly lack any directive to inspect or maintain hybrid cables, harnesses, or connectors.

Allegations Against Toyota

The lawsuit further claims that Toyota was aware of the cable corrosion issue before selling the affected Sienna hybrid minivans. This awareness, the plaintiffs argue, is especially significant given that similar issues had been observed in other Toyota hybrid models.

The plaintiffs are seeking justice for affected owners and holding Toyota accountable for the alleged defects.

Conclusion

This class action lawsuit, titled Chatwin, et al., v. Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., et al., was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. If you’re facing similar challenges with your Sienna hybrid’s cables, contacting legal experts could be a step toward addressing these issues and seeking potential compensation.

 

If you own, lease, or have owned/leased an impacted Toyota Sienna hybrid minivan in New Jersey, contact our legal experts at Law Office of Howard Gutman for a free consultation.

Our experienced attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and potential compensation. Call (973) 598-1980 now.

 

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Toyota Sienna Sliding Doors Class Action

Toyota Sienna Sliding Doors Class Action

Lemon Law, Toyota , ,

 

A class action law suit has been filed against Toyota for defective automatic sliding doors in 2011-2016 Toyota Sienna minivans.  The lawsuit alleges that a problem with the doors prevents them from latching shut.  The doors can open automatically, on their own, even when the vehicle is in motion, representing a dangerous and potentially fatal situation.  Conversely, the defect can also cause the doors to be stuck shut, trapping occupants in the vehicle.

 

That problem involves sliding doors with motor circuits that can become overloaded, causing the fuse malfunction. With an open fuse, the door could open while driving if the door latch is in an unlatched position.  Although Toyota has issued a recall for the doors, they have provided no repair solution.  Consumers are advised to disable the power mechanism in the doors and just operate them manually.  Since many buyers of minivans view power sliding rear doors as a key and essential feature, forcing owners to operate the doors strictly manually represents a significant inconvenience and devaluation of the car.

 

 

The class action lawsuit alleges that Toyota has been aware of the sliding door defect since before 2013. It claims Toyota was privy to the complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as far back as 2011.  Still, Toyota continued to sell the affected Toyota Siennas without taking steps to fix the defect or notify its customers, the plaintiffs say. The company did not issue a recall for the problem until November 2016.

 

The Toyota Sienna Sliding Door Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Tonya Combs et al v. Toyota Motor Corporation et al, 2:17-cv-04633, in the California District Court.  Here, is a description of a fix for certain models, though you should check with your dealer.

 

 

If you are experiencing problems with the sliding doors on your Toyota Sienna, call us for a Free Consultation to discuss your claim

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