Toyota’s Reputation at Risk
Caught Concealing Defects
Faces Class Action Lawsuit
Toyota’s long-standing reputation is now cracking. The world was exposed to Toyota’s long-standing manipulation of the new car certification process, causing controversy. In this case, along with other companies that participated in the fraud, it dealt a considerable blow to the image of Japanese vehicles, which were known for their “quality” and “honesty.”
The company is also facing criticism from consumers for its subsequent actions. This is because the quality issue of Toyota’s pure sports car, the GR86, has been raised worldwide. In the US, the company is facing a class action lawsuit due to covering up severe defects that occurred multiple times in the same model.
Engine Failures Plague Multiple Models
Toyota Subaru Among the Affected Brands
According to a report by foreign news outlet The Drive on November 12, owners of the Toyota 86 and GR86 in the United States and owners of the Subaru BRZ co-developed with these models recently filed a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers. The reason is that they failed to take appropriate measures despite engine failures in these models while driving in the US.
According to carcomplaints.com, the largest vehicle recall media outlet in the US, the plaintiff in this lawsuit, Laura Young, experienced engine failure in April 2023. Laura Young had previously purchased a used 2019 Toyota GT86 in October 2021. At the time of the failure, the accumulated driving range was 64,000 miles (approximately 102,998 km).
Warranty Claims Denied, Sparking Outrage
Lawsuit Seeks Over $5 Million in Damages
However, the warranty conditions provided by Toyota were 5 years from the date of delivery and 60,000 accumulated miles. The warranty did not cover Laura Young’s vehicle, and she had to repair it out of her own pocket. In this case, it is difficult to say that it is entirely Toyota’s fault, as there are variables such as the fact that she purchased a used car instead of a new one and the previous owner’s management tendencies due to the nature of used vehicles.
The class action includes plaintiffs who purchased new vehicles and experienced similar issues. One owner reported that after buying a new Toyota GR86 in 2022, the engine suddenly failed during track driving without any warning signs. This owner, Young, and numerous others have joined the lawsuit seeking over $5 million in compensation for engine defects.
Manufacturer Aware of Defects
“How Did Toyota Fall This Far?”
The cause of this defect has already been discovered. The problem was that RTV silicone was used where gaskets should be used inside the engine, and even that was applied excessively. The silicone that leaked into the engine hardened and decomposed at high temperatures, entered the oil and coolant circuits, and eventually penetrated the engine crankcase—this increased oil pressure and consumption, which could lead to engine damage in the worst case.
However, it was revealed that manufacturers that used the engine, including Toyota and Subaru, concealed the fact that they were aware of the defect. The models affected include the 2013–2016 Scion FRS, the 2017–2023 Toyota 86 and GT86, and the 2013–2023 Subaru BRZ.
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