Settlement Reached in Class Action Lawsuit against Toyota for Faulty EPS Systems
Toyota is on the verge of resolving a major class action lawsuit over electronic power steering (EPS).
It was alleged that Toyota ignored a product defect in the EPS systems installed in 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corolla vehicles. The faulty power steering systems reportedly caused the cars to veer to the extreme left or extreme right. A class action lawsuit was opened in 2010, with anyone who owned or leased a Toyota Corolla from 2009 or 2010, excluding XRS grade models, eligible to join the class action.
The lawsuit was initiated by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration after numerous consumers complained about the EPS systems. Although the subsequent investigation found that the system failures were due to “operational issues, not failure of steering elements,” attorneys brought a class action lawsuit because Toyota allegedly failed to provide adequate notice to buyers of Corollas.
Now it appears that Toyota has agreed to a settlement in the lawsuit. As part of the proposed settlement in the case, Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. have not admitted to any wrongdoing. In court documents, Toyota specifically “disputes the merits of plaintiffs’ claims.”
As a result, the specific wording of the settlement is such that any participants in the class action will merely be asserting a “preference” for another vehicle. It is believed that Toyota made the decision to resolve the lawsuit in order to avoid extended litigation that would potentially drag on for many more years. The settlement also potentially insulates Toyota against further civil liability in connection with the EPS systems.
In addition to resolving the class action suit, Toyota has also taken steps to ensure that the EPS systems installed in Corolla vehicles in the future do not cause sudden swerving or car accidents. Now Corollas come equipped with a re-tuned electronic control unit (ECU), a system that reportedly offers a different feel for drivers who rejected the vehicle’s previous on-center steering system.
The class action settlement will still need to be approved by the court before it can go into effect. In the meantime, anyone wishing to exclude themselves from the settlement – a move that could allow the excluded party to file a personal injury or product liability lawsuit at a later date – needs to notify attorneys immediately.
To learn more about this class action lawsuit, read the Top Class Actions article, “Toyota Corolla Power Steering Class Action Settlement.”
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in New York, you need a qualified lawyer assisting you throughout the legal process. The experienced personal injury and product liability attorneys at LaDuca Law Firm will fight on your behalf and help you get the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation about your case.
