Toyota Fuel Pump Class Action Lawsuit

By: Nicole Halavi

Toyota Motor Corporation is one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers, producing more than 10 million vehicles each year. They are also a large global leader for hybrid electrical vehicles, encouraging the mass adoption of hybrid vehicles worldwide. Despite the many options Toyota provides to consumers, the auto manufacturer has been subject to several class actions lawsuits concerning defects in various Toyota models. In fact, CCA’s attorneys have represented several plaintiffs dealing with a Toyota model that, among other issues, had a defective fuel pump.

Below is a brief list of issues that may result from a faulty fuel pump:
• Difficulty starting the vehicle;
• Vehicle stalling;
• A constant noise that comes from the fuel tank;
• A sputtering engine; and
• Poor fuel economy.

A recent class action lawsuit filed against Toyota alleges that the automaker refuses to repair or replace damaged fuel pumps.

If you are a Toyota customer and your vehicle has been exhibiting any of the issues mentioned above, CCA is here to help. We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What are the Fuel Pump Issues in the Toyota Vehicles that Resulted in a Class Action Lawsuit?

Toyota owners have complained of many issues that arise as a result of defective fuel pumps. In January 2020, the fuel pump defect led to a recall of more than 700,000 vehicles, which eventually became about 2 million vehicles by March. According to the lawsuit, the DENSO fuel pump impellers “may be swelled due to the fuel and water contained in the fuel; therefore, a rotation of the impeller may be stopped when the impeller is swelled and comes in contact with the [fuel pump] housing.”

The fuel pump is responsible for delivering gas from the gas tank to the engine. As one can imagine, if fuel doesn’t make it to the engine, the engine will not run. Thus, the fuel pump is a critical part for reliable vehicle operation.

Below is a list of Toyota vehicles that are equipped with allegedly defective fuel pumps:

• 2018–2019 Toyota Avalon
• 2018–2019 Toyota Corolla
• 2018–2019 Toyota Highlander
• 2018–2019 Toyota Sequoia
• 2018–2019 Toyota Tacoma
• 2018–2019 Toyota Camry
• 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser
• 2014–2015, 2018–2019 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2018–2019 Toyota Sienna
• 2014–2015, 2018–2019 Toyota Forerunner
• 2018–2019 Lexus GS 300
• 2014–2015 Lexus GX 460
• 2017 Lexus IS 200t
• 2014–2015, 2018–2019 Lexus IS 350
• 2018–2019 Lexus LC 500h
• 2018–2019 Lexus LS 500
• 2014–2015 Lexus LX 570
• 2018–2019 Lexus RC 300
• 2015, 2018–2019 Lexus RC 350
• 2018–2019 Lexus RX 350
• 2018–2019 Toyota Tundra
• 2018–2019 Lexus ES 350
• 2013–2014, 2018–2019 Lexus GS 350
• 2014 Lexus IS-F
• 2018–2019 Lexus IS 300
• 2018–2019 Lexus LC 500
• 2013–2015 Lexus LS 460
• 2018–2019 Lexus LS 500h
• 2015 Lexus NX 200t
• 2017 Lexus RC 200t
• 2017–2019 Lexus RX 350

One Toyota Camry owner described the stalling concern as follows: “My Camry has been stalling on many occasions. The car stalled on the highway twice and luckily the person behind me did not slam into me but stopped to assist me. This problem is scary and I want a resolution to this.” An owner of the 2018 Toyota Sienna explained the poor fuel economy issue as follows: “I noticed that the gas mileage wasn’t what it should be, and I began calculating it at each fill-up. It was pretty consistent at 11-12mpg, (advertised mpg is 18 city). In September, I complained to the dealership and the Service Manager said to wait until the first scheduled service at 5K miles. I told him we had operated it for 2.5K miles, with it costing us approximately twice what it should, and I had NO intention of continuing that.”

What Can I Do if My Toyota Vehicle is Subject to Any of the Defects Mentioned Above?

If your Toyota Vehicle has exhibited any issues arising from defective fuel pumps, such as stalling, a sputtering engine, unusual sounds, or other abnormalities, CCA’s lawyers are here to help – and at no cost to you! CCA is equipped with an experienced team of lawyers who are knowledgeable about the fuel pump issues in Toyota vehicles. We are here to get you the relief you deserve!

If your vehicle has been exhibiting any defects or issues, please contact our experts for a free consultation at (833) LEMON-FIRM.

About the Author
Sepehr Daghighian is a partner with CCA that is well-versed in all aspects of lemon-law litigation. A 2005 graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. Daghighian has been practicing litigation throughout the state of California for over 13-years. In this time, Mr. Daghighian has advocated on behalf of California consumers in hundreds of lemon law cases throughout our great state. Mr. Daghighian has also successfully tried numerous such cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court.