The Japanese giant automaker Toyota has reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit that alleged that RAV4 SUV models were equipped with defective batteries, which could result in the loss of power to the vehicle or even in fires due to electrical failures, potentially putting passengers at risk.
This agreement covers owners and lessees of RAV4 models from 2013 to 2018 that are covered by the 23V-734 recall, effective from June 25, 2024. Consumers can verify their eligibility using their vehicle’s VIN on the official settlement website.
The plaintiffs in this class action claim that Toyota sold them RAV4 vehicles with defective battery terminals, forcing drivers to bear replacement and repair costs out of their pockets.
Toyota, one of the most important car manufacturers in the world, did not accept to have committed any illegal or irregularities, however, agreed to pay a still undisclosed multimillion-dollar figure, to settle the class action lawsuit related to this issue of the batteries.
Details of the Toyota RAV4 Class Action Settlement
The terms of the settlement state that owners of the affected vehicles can benefit from free inspections and reimbursements for repairs, battery replacements and other damages related to the defects in the batteries.
Additionally, the settlement of this class action lawsuit includes an inspection program that ensures that the batteries are the proper size and that any damaged or missing components are replaced at no cost during the inspection.
Owners of RAV4 Vehicles Can Receive Refunds
The agreement also offers a battery replacement rebate program, which allows owners to receive up to $75 in rebates for previous battery purchases. Those who have received a $32 discount according to Consumer Warning 21TG01 can receive $43.
Members who did not receive this discount before June 25, 2024 or who purchased a battery from a Toyota dealer after that date can claim a $75 refund. This refund is not available for batteries purchased outside of Toyota dealerships.
Finally, claimants can claim reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses related to repairs in which incurred, either for repairs or for replacements and even damages caused by thermal events related to the batteries pointed out as defective.
Important Dates and Procedures
Affected landlords and tenants should be on the lookout for several important deadlines:
- The deadline for exclusion from the agreement is October 21, 2024.
- The deadline for objecting to the agreement is September 30, 2024.
- The final approval hearing is scheduled for November 19, 2024.
There are different deadlines for filing claims in this settlement. Claims for unreimbursed repairs and other expenses must be submitted by December 1, 2024. Claims for battery replacement refunds have a deadline of June 25, 2025, and claims for thermal event refunds must have been submitted by July 1, 2025.
Who Is Eligible to Be a Plaintiff?
To be eligible, consumers must be current or former owners or lessees of RAV4 vehicles from 2013 to 2018 covered by the 23V-734 recall. Eligibility can be verified using the VIN of the vehicle on the agreement website. Claims must be supported by proof of purchase, such as receipts, invoices, credit card statements, canceled checks, service records, and repair orders.
