Toyota Motor Corporation is a step forward towards resolving US class action litigation related to the recall of the fuel pump. According to a report by Reuters, the initial settlement was filed this week in federal court in Brooklyn, totaling up to $150 million. Now just waiting for the judge’s approval.
Under the deal, Toyota is said to be extending the fuel pump warranty to 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. The company will also provide customers with free borrowing vehicles and a tow option for repairs. In addition, previous repairs, including borrowers and tows, must also be replaced.
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Based on Reuters‘ reported, Toyota and Denso International America Inc. agrees to settle but does not admit fault.
“We are pleased to have resolved this litigation in a manner that demonstrates our commitment to providing customers with a great ownership experience,” Toyota said in a statement.
The proposed settlement covers owners and tenants of certain Toyota and Lexus models from 2013 to 2020, affected by a Denso fuel pump malfunction. The list has grown to an estimated 5.8 million vehicles worldwide – 3.36 million of which are in the US. The biggest addition to the long list of affected vehicles was in October 2020 with 1.5 million Toyota and Lexus units.
The list includes vehicles as old as the 2013 Lexus LS 460 to the 2020 Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 has been Toyota’s best-selling car in the US for several years, ranking fourth in 2021 just behind full-size American trucks.
The recall indicates that the fuel pump on the affected vehicle could suddenly fail. In addition to the dashboard warning light, as a result the engine can die. A stalled engine can result in loss of power assistance in steering and braking, which can be potentially dangerous at high speeds. The fix, of course, is the replacement of the fuel pump, which Toyota will provide free of charge.
