CASE SETTLED
Hagens Berman achieved a settlement with Toyota, with total categories of relief for consumers valued between $212 million and $288 million.

Case Status
Settled
Settlement Amount
Settlement Valued Between $212M and $288M
Case Caption
Sharon Cheng et al. v. Toyota Motor Corporation et al.
Court
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
Judge Assigned
James R. Cho
Case Number
3:20-cv-00869-JEJ
Defendant(S)
Toyota Motor North America Inc., Toyota Motor Corporation
File Date

AFFECTED VEHICLES

The firm's lawsuit included all Toyota and Lexus vehicles equipped with DENSO low-pressure fuel pumps and fuel pump assemblies that begin with part number prefixes 23220- and 23221s- and specifically, the following models:

TOYOTA:
  • 2014-2015 and 2018 - 2019 Toyota 4Runner
  • 2018-2020 Toyota Avalon
  • 2018-2020 Toyota Camry
  • 2018-2020 Toyota Corolla
  • 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
  • 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  • 2017-2019 Toyota Highlander
  • 2014-2015 and 2018-2019 Toyota Land Cruiser
  • 2019-2020 Toyota RAV4
  • 2018-2020 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2017-2020 Toyota Sienna
  • 2018-2020 Toyota Tacoma
  • 2018-2020 Toyota Tundra
LEXUS:
  • 2018-2020 Lexus ES350
  • 2017 Lexus GS 200t
  • 2018-2019 Lexus GS300
  • 2013-2015 and 2017-2019 Lexus GS350
  • 2014-2015 and 2018-2019 Lexus GX460
  • 2014 Lexus IS-F
  • 2017 Lexus IS200t
  • 2018-2019 Lexus IS300
  • 2014-2015 and 2018-2019 Lexus IS350
  • 2018-2020 Lexus LC500
  • 2018-2019 Lexus LC500h (Hybrid)
  • 2013-2015 Lexus LS460
  • 2018-2020 Lexus LS500
  • 2018-2020 Lexus LS500h (Hybrid)
  • 2014-2015 and 2018-2019 Lexus LX570
  • 2015 Lexus NX200t
  • 2018-2019 Lexus NX 300
  • 2018-2019 Lexus RC300
  • 2017 Lexus RC200t
  • 2015 and 2018 - 2019 Lexus RC350
  • 2017-2020 Lexus RX350
  • 2018-2020 Lexus RX350L
  • 2019 Lexus UX 200

"...A NIGHTMARE VEHICLE"

According to the lawsuit, a defect in the DENSO fuel pump installed in the affected Toyota and Lexus vehicles left vehicle owners at risk of spontaneous vehicle shutdown, engine stall and other safety risks that increased the likelihood of a crash or injury.

Many owners of affected vehicles took to online forums and NHTSA (the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration) to report complaints pertaining to the DENSO fuel pump defect:

  • "2019 Highlander XLE loses power, unable to accelerate, & jerks and stalls in traffic. Bought at 200 miles, certified preowned. It is a nightmare vehicle."
  • "Almost got hit this time, man behind me coming fast and had to swerve into lane over to miss me. This car is going to kill me or someone by causing an accident if they do not get it fixed right."
  • "First time it stalled it started to lose power put -put and chug like jerking and all dash and electrical on dash went out, unable to accelerate, then stalled out in road, unable to steer or control vehicle."
  • "I have had constant problems with my 2018 Camry since purchasing May 2018. My car is always jerking as I accelerate and when I'm driving in town, feels like I'm getting rear-ended and hesitating on highway when I have to accelerate into traiffic [sic] which is very dangerous when the car won't get up and go."

DENSO FUEL PUMP DEFECT EXPLAINED

The low-pressure fuel pump is an integral component of safe vehicle operation, and the lawsuit states that affected Toyota and Lexus models suffered from a fundamental design flaw that caused the fuel pump to prematurely fail. As Toyota admitted, the impeller in its low-pressure fuel pump absorbs fuel and water, causing it to degrade and deform. The deformed impeller meets the fuel pump body, creating excess running resistance and causing “illumination of check engine and master warning indicators, rough engine running, engine no start and/or vehicle stall[ing]...” according to reports.

When the fuel pump fails, gasoline is not supplied to the engine, causing reduced engine power, stalling, and/or engine shutdown. Compounding the problem, the alleged fuel pump defect occured spontaneously with no advance warning to the consumer, thereby creating an extremely dangerous condition for drivers and occupants.

CASE TIMELINE

Court Grants Final Approval of Settlement Valued at $212 Million

U.S. Magistrate Judge James R. Cho granted final approval of plaintiffs’ settlement agreement with Toyota Motor Corp. and Denso International America, Inc. regarding allegedly defective fuel system components in more than 3.3 million vehicles.

The settlement requires Toyota and Denso to extend new parts warranties to some customers and establish programs providing prospective warranty coverage for repairs and rental cars and towing for vehicles undergoing repairs related to the alleged defect. Total categories of relief included in the settlement are valued between $212 million and $288 million. The agreement resolves the lawsuit’s claims including negligent recall, strict liability, unjust enrichment and violations of state consumer protection laws. Judge Cho noted, “…the Settlement Agreement resulted from extensive arm’s length, good faith negotiations…through experienced counsel,” adding, “Class Representatives and their counsel have prosecuted this action vigorously on behalf of the Class.”

Complaint Filed

Hagens Berman purchases advertisements on search engines, social media sites and other websites. Transmission of the information contained or available through this website is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. If you seek legal advice or representation by Hagens Berman, you must first enter a formal agreement. All information contained in any transmission is confidential and Hagens Berman agrees to protect information against unauthorized use, publication or disclosure. This site is regulated by the Washington Rules of Professional Conduct.