Toyota Faces Class-Action Lawsuits Over Sticky Accelerator Pedals

Strategic Insights -

Toyota owners are taking legal action against the auto giant due to alleged problems with sticky accelerator pedals. Law firms have filed class-action lawsuits in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Texas against Toyota, its supplier CTS Corp., and other affiliated companies. The lawsuits claim that Toyota and its supplier knew or should have known about the design defects in the pedal system, which date back to 2001. The claimants seek compensation for losses and injuries resulting from the purchase or use of affected Toyota vehicles.

Key Takeaways:

  • Toyota is facing class-action lawsuits in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Texas over alleged sticky accelerator pedals.
  • The lawsuits claim that Toyota and its supplier, CTS Corp., knew or should have known about the design defects in the pedal system, which date back to 2001.
  • The claimants seek compensation for losses and injuries resulting from the purchase or use of affected Toyota vehicles.
  • The Toronto law firm of Rochon Genova LLP is representing the proposed class members in the lawsuit, citing concerns over the lack of failsafes in Toyota's vehicles.
  • Toyota Canada's managing director, Stephen Beatty, has stated that he cannot comment on the claim as he has not seen it yet.
  • Similar claims have been filed in Regina against Toyota, alleging unintended acceleration in the company's models have caused accidents.
  • A class-action lawsuit in Texas claims a family was in an accident after an Avalon suddenly accelerated through a stop sign, attributing the crash to a faulty electronic control system.

Statistics:

  • The lawsuits claim that Toyota and its supplier knew or should have known about the design defects in the pedal system as far back as 2001.
  • The claimants seek compensation for losses and injuries resulting from the purchase or use of numerous Toyota vehicles.
  • At least three class-action lawsuits have been filed in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Texas against Toyota and its supplier, CTS Corp.
  • Stephen Beatty, Toyota Canada's managing director, has stated that he cannot comment on the claim.

Sources:

  • [1] Rochon Genova LLP: "Statement of Claim"
  • [2] Toronto Sun: "Toyota faces class-action lawsuit over sticky gas pedals"
  • [3] Reuters: "Toyota faces class-action lawsuits over sticky accelerator pedals"