The Toyota RAV4 Fires lawsuit details several high-profile incidents related to battery problems in the brand’s vehicles. In one incident, a Minneapolis couple’s 2018 RAV4 caught fire in the middle of the night. In another, a family in San Diego noticed smoke coming from the steering column of their 2017 RAV4 but managed to escape before the car caught on fire. Both incidents were caused by defective batteries, and the lawsuit outlines the manufacturers’ responsibilities to consumers.
NHTSA suspects that the problem comes from a short in the battery’s hold-down frame
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating the Toyota RAV4 following 11 reports of fires in engine compartments. The investigation covers 1.9 million RAV4s manufactured from 2013 to 2018 and has not yet led to a recall. In the meantime, the company is reportedly working to resolve the problem. NHTSA says the problem is caused by a short in the battery’s hold-down frame.
As of July 31, 2018, there have been 11 reports of fires in Toyota RAV4s. This is a significantly higher number than any other similar vehicle. In addition to the 11 incidents involving the RAV4, NHTSA has received additional data from Early Warning Reports. The majority of thermal events occurred while the vehicle was driven. Moreover, one-quarter of the drivers also reported stalling in the run-up to a fire. However, no one has been injured as a result of the fires. The problem hasn’t been recalled yet, but could if the findings are conclusive.
NHTSA says the problem occurs when the ignition is turned off
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary evaluation investigation of a potential problem with the Toyota RAV4. The vehicle has a high risk of battery fires. In fact, according to NHTSA, there have been 11 complaints about fires that have happened in a Toyota RAV4. The majority of the incidents occur while the vehicle is on the road. However, four of them happened while the vehicle was parked with the ignition off.
Although most RAV4 fires have occurred while drivers were driving, four of the eleven incidents started when the ignition was turned off. In addition, stalling has been reported in the run-up to some of these incidents. The NHTSA opened the investigation to identify contributing factors and the frequency of the fires. So far, no one has been injured, but the investigation could prompt a recall.
Toyota’s CSP repair does not fix the problem
If the Toyota’s CSP repair does not fix your car’s problem, you should contact your local Toyota dealer. These dealers are knowledgeable about the program and should be able to help you fix your car as quickly as possible. In addition, they will have a loaner car available for you during the repairs. If you’d like to avoid having to pay for a rental car, you can request one in advance.
Kafeyan’s claims are based on omission-based consumer protection claims
In this case, plaintiffs have the burden of pledging a legal violation and proving the alleged omission. In Kafeyan’s case, this is the 2021 RAV4 Prime. The Toyota RAV4 Prime is different than the RAV4 Hybrid. Toyota argues that its claims do not rely on the “unlawful” prong of the LiMandri test.
In this case, the plaintiffs’ first claim relies on omission-based consumer protection claims arising under the Rhode Island Deceptive Trade Practices Act. However, this case involves separate harms and claims, so Toyota argues that it is distinguishable from Kafeyan’s lawsuit. In the Davidson case, the plaintiffs failed to establish causation, but the claim remained viable because of the separate harm alleged.
While Kafeyan’s case has merit, it is premature to draw any conclusions. Toyota argues that the RAV4 suffers from a manufacturing defect covered by the NVLW and that the defect is related to the shape of the fuel tank. The sender gauge may be inclined and cause the gauge to read less than its true amount.
