In a recent class-action lawsuit, Toyota is under fire for a latent defect affecting the coolant bypass valve in their 2019-2023 RAV4 and Corolla models.
This defect, allegedly concealed by Toyota despite their long-standing knowledge, poses serious risks to vehicle owners, including engine overheating, stalling, and potentially catastrophic engine failure.
This article delves into the details of the defect, the affected models, and the significant impacts on vehicle safety and performance.
Understanding the Toyota Coolant Bypass Valve Defect
The class action lawsuit, initiated by plaintiffs Geri Barrientos and Michael Foerst, highlights a critical flaw in the design and manufacturing of the coolant bypass valve in the specified Toyota models.
This defect allegedly leads to premature failure of the valve, causing coolant to leak from the closed-loop system.
Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is a liquid that helps regulate the temperature of a car’s engine. It circulates through the engine, absorbing excess heat and carrying it away to the radiator, where it is cooled down.
This prevents the engine from overheating, which can cause damage. Coolant also helps protect the engine from freezing in cold weather by lowering the freezing point of the liquid inside.
Here’s why this defect is particularly concerning:
- Engine Overheating:
- The leaking coolant prevents the system from regulating the engine’s temperature effectively, leading to overheating.
- Overheating can cause severe wear on engine components and, in extreme cases, catastrophic engine failure.
- Increased Emissions:
- The defect can lead to improper engine temperature regulation, resulting in higher emissions, which is not only harmful to the environment but also affects the vehicle’s compliance with emission standards.
- Component Damage:
- Leaking coolant can corrode surrounding engine components, including the electrical system.
- The corrosion can damage the coolant bypass valve sensor, causing it to malfunction and either remain stuck open or closed, further impeding the engine’s performance.
- Safety Hazards:
- A malfunctioning coolant system can lead to unexpected engine stalls, putting drivers and passengers at risk, especially in high-traffic or hazardous conditions.
Toyota’s Awareness and Response
The class action complaint details how Toyota has allegedly been aware of the defect for some time, based on customer complaints, internal testing, and data from the NHTSA.
Despite this, the company has not adequately addressed the issue, leaving many owners to cover the costs of repairs themselves. The lawsuit argues that Toyota should have disclosed the defect and offered repairs under warranty. Instead, many customers were left with substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
Toyota Models Affected
- 2019 Toyota RAV4
- 2020 Toyota RAV4
- 2021 Toyota RAV4
- 2022 Toyota RAV4
- 2023 Toyota RAV4
- 2019 Toyota Corolla
- 2020 Toyota Corolla
- 2021 Toyota Corolla
- 2022 Toyota Corolla
- 2023 Toyota Corolla
What’s the Potential Consumer Impact of a Coolant Bypass Problems?
Owners of the affected Toyota models have reported numerous issues related to the coolant bypass valve defect, including:
- Persistent dashboard warnings indicating “Engine Maintenance Required.”
- High repair costs, often exceeding $500, which are not covered under warranty.
- Long wait times for replacement parts, leaving vehicles inoperable for extended periods.
Owners Voices
I got a “Engine Maintenance Required” warning message. I check with the dealer, the
dealer inspected and told about a faulty coolant bypass valve which the dealership told
us a common problem for Toyota RAV4 model year 2019,2020,2021. The dealer told
to always check if the engine temperature is shooting. They asked me to order the part
and it took close to a week to get the part and then to replace it. A faulty coolant
bypass valve risked my vehicle of a failure of the cooling system and so the engine. I
had to pay $126.25 for the part and $658.08 labor charge to replace the part. Since it is
a common problem the manufacturer has to recall and replace the faulty part and pay
the cost of the part and labor for replacing the faulty part.NHTSA Complaint Number: 11472240
Engine maintenance required notification came on. Car is only 3 years old. Dealership
stated that the coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced and it could potentially cause
a fire. Service professional at the dealership stated that this is a common issue and most
of the time Toyota warranty doesn’t want to repair it, also said that it should be recalled.
I have also seen hundreds of people complain about this on Rav4 forums.NHTSA Complaint Number: 11519961
The Engine Coolant Bypass Valve is a known issue across the 2019-Present RAV4
generation. We have taken our RAV4 to the dealership numerous time for the
“Maintenance Required Soon” message that comes up when the car starts. The dealer
always says that is is just a reminder for us to get our vehicle serviced at 20,000. The
service interval message is supposed to only come on at every 5,000, not every 3,000.
We took it by our local auto parts store, and the man that works there has a 2019 RAV4
that has the same problem. They had to take theirs to the dealer and have the Coolant
Bypass Valve replaced. If not addressed soon, it could cause the engine to overheat.
The man at the auto parts store said it doesn’t hurt to drive it but it is best not to prolong
it. There needs to be an investigation of a recall started on this, as it can be a very
confusing situation. It makes people think the car is just reminding you of your service
maintenance interval. But this is not what this message means. When you take it to the
dealer, they are clueless and they will give you the runaround.NHTSA Complaint Number: 11530286
Coolant bypass valve required replacement due to faulty equipment, causing sensor to
read “engine maintenance required”. Costs $650 to replace and dealership will not
cover in warranty or admit fault. Many other Rav 4 owners are having same issue. This
should not be on the customer, but rather Toyota for having faulty equipment in vehicle.
Also “engine maintenance required” sensor will not go away. Since this is not an engine
issue, this is unsafe, false alarming.NHTSA Complaint Number: 11531396
Status of the Toyota Cooling Bypass Defect Class Action Litigation
Barrientos et al. v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. et al., Case No. 3:24-cv-03282, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
Filed by the law firms of: Nye, Stirling, Hale, Miller & Sweet LLP and Sauder Schelkopf LLC.
Questions About This Lawsuit?
MyCarVoice.com is not counsel or the settlement administrator in this class action lawsuit. Our goal is to inform owners of these vehicles of the recent lawsuit. However, this post will be updated when/if new suit information is released.
Please considering subscribing to this post for critical updates.
Are you driving a 2019-2023 Toyota Rav4 or 2019-2023 Toyota Corolla and experienced problems with the coolant system? If so, add your voice to this post in the comments below, or over at the MyCarVoice Community.
Final Thoughts
The coolant bypass valve defect in the 2019-2023 Toyota RAV4 and Corolla models highlights a serious issue within Toyota’s quality control processes.
As the legal proceedings continue, affected owners are encouraged to stay informed and consider their options for potential compensation or repair.
Have questions? Post it in the MyCarVoice Community
Managing Editor
Christopher is an automotive technical writer. When he’s not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. Specializes in automotive class action law, industry trends, and automotive maintenance. Email me direct, or learn more about us
Bette Vance
October 16, 2024 at 8:22 amOur Toyota Carola 2019 just failed with the same problem. One Toyota dealer quoted $900 (AZ…but we are out of state). The TN Toyota dealer quoted $1100. Unfortunately, we had already towed our car to a different maintenance location (we couldn’t drive it), and our out the door cost to fix this is $1,500! The Carola has 58,000 miles.
Salvador jr Mora
October 11, 2024 at 10:24 pmMines turned on today I have a 2022 corolla SE, I’m from Los Angeles, I took it to Downey Penske Toyota, where the service advisor was aware about the situation, she actually told me before I even said anything that it was a soft check engine light, for the coolant bypass valve. It’s covered under the 36k/3yr warranty but I’m at 53,000 miles. I do have the extended warranty, but they need to run a $209 diognostic report, submit the claim and then wait for the response. After they have to order the part and fix it. Which will take about a week.
DEMETRIA E COOPER
October 8, 2024 at 6:52 pmI just received the “engine maintenance required” message in my 2021 Rav 4. I had to pay over $200 at the dealership for a diagnostic and they said it is the coolant valve and will cost over $850 to repair. This is such a rip off! How is it just about everyone is having this issue and the consumers are responsible for repairing it. This is not right. Something needs to be done because Toyota is getting over on their customers.
D
October 4, 2024 at 12:09 pmMy valve went out on my 2020 Toyota RAV$ at 43K miles. Was $700 to get it fixed. Of course, they ordered another valve through Toyota so I’m wondering if this one will go out too.
Donna Gordon
September 22, 2024 at 2:21 amI bought a 2020 Toyota Rav4 with about 37,200 miles on it. At 40,000 miles (just under 3,000 miles driven), the Service Engine message came on, so I took the vehicle to my mechanic to have it serviced. However, the message could not be removed. Since I bought it used from a Honda dealership, I took it to my local Toyota dealership which entered my VIN # and tried to feed me a story about having my “brakes bled” for $200. Although I’m a female, I’m not stupid and I said, “No thanks.” I started digging and came up with the engine coolant bypass valve and after taking it back to my original mechanic, they put it on their Autel Diagnostic system which clearly showed the valve to be faulty with “circuit short to battery or open.” I also found that the high pressure fuel pump is on recall. Both of these parts should be on recall and replaced by Toyota. I have had several Toyotas but these problems are so complicated that I was recommended to get dealership make the repair,even though the vehicle was purchased used from a Honda dealership.
Bette Vance
October 13, 2024 at 6:43 pmWe have a 2019 Toyota Carolla with about 45,000 miles. While driving, the warning light started flashing saying car overheating. We have to have it towed in for service (tomorrow). When Toyota was called, they immediately quoted us $900, seeming to be very familiar with the issue. However, they said we have to pay it. There is nothing they will do to help. We are not taking it to Toyota, but to a different dealer. I hope that’s not a problem! But we also hope it is less than $900!!!
Justin
September 11, 2024 at 5:14 pm2020 RAV4 here with 34k miles. Just got this engine maintenance message today. Assuming it is the coolant bypass valve as well. Let’s hope Toyota issues a recall!!
Rose
September 4, 2024 at 11:48 pmToday Sept 4th 2024 I was also told I needed a coolant sensor cost me $100 to tell me and they said $500 to get part and put it on boy oh boy am I mad they said they have to order also I waited a week to get it look at with the light on and now got to water for the part …I’m so upset my car has 78,000 miles bought it brand new no miles just came from out of town day after light showed up on dark …. 2020 RAV4
RAY
August 4, 2024 at 5:38 pmHave a 2024 RAV4 with same coolant by pass valve as 2019 to 2023 RAV4s with the class action suit. Since Toyota continues to manufacture these cars with a defective part not covered in a class action suit what can be done?
T
August 8, 2024 at 1:39 pmI have the same issue on my corolla hatch and it has 37k miles on it. I get the engine maintenance message and everything, but nothing noticeable or no temperature spikes or anything yet? Ive been driving with the message for about 5 months when should I get this replaced?
Yas
August 2, 2024 at 5:16 pmI have the same problem with my Toyota Corolla SE 2020. I’m located in Montreal, Canada. What steps can I take to follow up on this issue and get it resolved?
Christopher Rossen
August 3, 2024 at 7:03 amTake it up with your local Toyota dealership. Show them this article, and let them know you are concerned about this potential defect.