In this class action, the issue is squealing brakes. The complaint alleges that certain vehicles from Toyota Motor North America, Inc. have factory-installed, high-friction brakes that make what the complaint calls “an extremely loud squealing noise.” While the complaint does not make claims for any injuries due to the noise, it alleges that the level of noise “is above and beyond expectations of an ordinary consumer.”
The National Class for this action is all persons and entities in the US who bought or leased, or will buy or lease, one of the following vehicles:
- 2016-2019 Lexus LC500
- 2016-2019 Lexus RC F
- 2016- 2019 Lexus GS F
- 2013-2018 Toyota Corolla
A California Class has also been proposed for those who bought or leased the vehicles in California.
The complaint suggests that the problem stems from design or manufacturing defects. It quotes a number of online postings related to the noisy braking:
- “Anyone know who makes the brakes on the LC 500[?] Mine are pretty noisy…”
- “Grinding noise when braking and reversing in my 2018 Toyota Corolla car under 25 miles on odometer.”
- “I have an LC 500 and love it except the squeaky, squealing brakes. I brought it into the Lexus dealership when I couldn’t take it anymore. … Lexus dealer saying it is ‘normal’ but clearly it’s not.”
- “…[I] was told nothing could be done since [there was] no issue.”
The complaint points to “the amount of negative attention the noise from Subject Brakes attracts while driving in crowded streets within city limits. Additionally, the defect draws the attention of officers of law enforcement agencies, which associate brake squeal with high-speed driving and racing.”
According to the complaint, Toyota knew or should have known about the squealing brakes because it internally tests new vehicles and equipment for extended periods of time under various conditions before releasing them to the market. In fact, it says, the Lexus website states that drivers may note brake noise or squeal because of the materials or design of the brake pads. Other information about the problem should have come from customer complaints and data from dealerships.
Nevertheless, consumers were not warned about the loud squealing noise, and those who take their cars to the dealership for repairs are told that the brakes are fine.
The counts include breaches of warranties and violations of state laws, including California’s Unfair Competition Act, False Advertisement Law, and Consumer Legal Remedies Act.
Article Type: LawsuitTopic: Automobile
Most Recent Case Event
Toyota and Lexus Vehicles Squealing Brake Problem Complaint
March 12, 2021
In this class action, the issue is squealing brakes. The complaint alleges that certain vehicles from Toyota Motor North America, Inc. have factory-installed, high-friction brakes that make what the complaint calls “an extremely loud squealing noise.” While the complaint does not make claims for any injuries due to the noise, it alleges that the level of noise “is above and beyond expectations of an ordinary consumer.”
Toyota and Lexus Vehicles Squealing Brake Problem ComplaintCase Event History
Toyota and Lexus Vehicles Squealing Brake Problem Complaint
March 12, 2021
In this class action, the issue is squealing brakes. The complaint alleges that certain vehicles from Toyota Motor North America, Inc. have factory-installed, high-friction brakes that make what the complaint calls “an extremely loud squealing noise.” While the complaint does not make claims for any injuries due to the noise, it alleges that the level of noise “is above and beyond expectations of an ordinary consumer.”
Toyota and Lexus Vehicles Squealing Brake Problem Complaint