Toyota Prius Class Action Lawsuit: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever heard about the Toyota Prius class action lawsuit? If not, you’re not alone. Many people are unaware of this lawsuit, which settled in 2021 for $20 million.

In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the lawsuit, exploring its origins, the allegations against Toyota, and the settlement that was reached. We’ll also address some frequently asked questions about the case.

Table of Contents

The Origins of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit stemmed from a recall that Toyota issued in 2015, affecting over 750,000 Prius models from 2010 to 2014. The recall was prompted by concerns about a defective inverter component, which could cause the vehicles to stall unexpectedly.

The Allegations Against Toyota

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit alleged that Toyota was aware of the inverter problem before the recall was issued. They claimed that the automaker failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential risks, putting them in danger.

The Settlement

After years of litigation, Toyota and the plaintiffs reached a settlement in December 2021. The settlement required Toyota to pay $20 million to eligible Prius owners.

Who Was Eligible for the Settlement?

Prius owners who met the following criteria were eligible for the settlement:

Owned or leased a 2010-2015 Prius or a 2012-2017 Prius V
Received notice of the recall

What Were the Benefits of the Settlement?

Eligible Prius owners could receive one of the following benefits:

A cash payment of up to $1,500
A reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses related to the inverter problem
A voucher for a free inverter replacement

Conclusion

The Toyota Prius class action lawsuit was a significant event in the automotive industry. It highlighted the importance of automakers being transparent about potential safety defects and taking prompt action to address them.

FAQs

Am I eligible for the Toyota Prius class action lawsuit settlement?

If you owned or leased a 2010-2015 Prius or a 2012-2017 Prius V and received notice of the recall, you may be eligible for the settlement. Visit the settlement website for more information: https://www.toyotapriusinvertersettlement.com/

What if I missed the deadline to file a claim?

The deadline to file a claim has passed. However, you may still be able to receive benefits if you have extenuating circumstances. Contact the settlement administrator for more information.

I still have my Prius. Am I at risk of the inverter problem?

If your Prius was part of the recall, it is possible that the inverter could fail. However, Toyota has extended the warranty on the inverter for certain vehicles. Contact your Toyota dealer for more information.

I sold my Prius. Am I still eligible for the settlement?

If you sold your Prius before the settlement deadline, you may still be eligible for benefits. You will need to provide proof of ownership to the settlement administrator.