Toyota RAV4 Liftgate Problems Leads to Lawsuit. Here’s What You Need to Know

The power liftgate featured in Toyota RAV4 vehicles is undoubtedly a convenient addition. However, imagine the frustration when, over time, the hinges responsible for supporting the liftgate start to weaken, resulting in bending and cracking.

This deterioration inevitably leads to misalignment issues between the liftgate and the vehicle’s body—a problem encountered by some 2014 to 2021 RAV4 owners.

This unfolding legal battle, Hughes vs. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., isn’t just about malfunctioning car parts. It’s a critical conversation on consumer rights, safety, and corporate accountability.

The core of the problem lies the hinges, integral to the liftgate’s operation, were defectively designed and/or manufactured, leading to premature failure. Specifically, the hinges are unable to withstand the force and weight required to operate the liftgate. This defect results in the hinges becoming bent, deformed, and beginning to crack and fall out of alignment.

This malfunction not only poses an inconvenience but also raises safety concerns, as the defective liftgate may not close properly or could unexpectedly open while the vehicle is in motion.

In article, we delve into this lawsuit, and uncover what every 2014 to 2021 RAV4 owner should know about the defect.

Rav4 Liftgate Problems Explained

The Toyota RAV4 models spanning 2014 to 2021 have been identified to possess a critical flaw in their power liftgate system.

The hinges integral to the liftgate’s operation were found to be manufactured with materials inadequate for the task, leading to bending, deformation, cracking, and misalignment.

As a result, the power liftgate struggles to function as intended. Owners often notice unusual noises during liftgate operation.

Perhaps the most obvious sign of liftgate problems–an uneven alignment between the liftgate and the vehicle body when closed.

What Legal Actions are Owners Taking Against Toyota?

The class-action lawsuit voices the collective frustrations and financial burdens faced by RAV4 owners. These owners have contended with the liftgate defect, often encountering repeated failures despite undergoing repairs.

The lawsuit accuses Toyota of failing to disclose the defect knowingly, thereby deceiving consumers and diminishing the value of their vehicles.

The lawsuit aims to secure compensation for the affected owners, and urges Toyota to rectify the defect responsibly.

Toyota’s RAV4 Liftgate Warranty Controversy

Toyota has sidestepped warranty claims by asserting that the liftgate issue does not constitute a defect. Owners are denied coverage for the necessary repairs, and forced to pay out-of-pocket.

The lawsuit argues that the restrictions in Toyota’s warranty are unfair both in how they’re set up and in what they cover.

Pointing out the difference in power between Toyota and consumers, the lawsuit emphasizes that consumers didn’t know about the defect when they bought the product and couldn’t discuss the warranty terms.

Financial Impact on Consumers

The lawsuit reveals the extensive nature of this defect, potentially affecting a vast number of vehicles across several model years.

The financial impact on vehicle owners can’t be ignored. One RAV4 owner, after being informed that warranty coverage would not apply, was forced to pay $2,018.55 for repairs.

However, the problem persisted, with the liftgate continuing to malfunction.

This scenario underscores the broader implications for potentially thousands of RAV4 owners facing similar repair costs due to the defect.

What Are The Symptoms of a Defective Liftgate?

If your Rav4 is equipped with a potentially defective liftgate hinge, there are several symptoms to watch for. Being aware of these signs can help in early detection and possibly prevent more serious issues:

• Unusual sounds when opening or closing the liftgate
• Liftgate uneven with the body of vehicle when closed
• Liftgate fails to open or close

Toyota Rav4 Models Affected

The following models are affected by the liftgate defect.

• 2014 Toyota Rav4
• 2015 Toyota Rav4
• 2016 Toyota Rav4
• 2017 Toyota Rav4
• 2018 Toyota Rav4
• 2019 Toyota Rav4
• 2020 Toyota Rav4
• 2021 Toyota Rav4

Status of the Toyota Rav4 Liftgate Class Action Litigation

Hughes vs. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., Case No. 5:24-cv-00912, in the U.S. District Court for the District of California.

Filed by the law firms of: Stirling, Hale, Miller & Sweet, LLP and Sauder Schelkopf.

The lawsuit is about Toyota not telling Rav4 owners about a problem with the liftgate hinges on their vehicles.

The hinges on the liftgate are poorly designed or made, causing it to fail. This can make the liftgate stay open longer than it should or not close properly, leading to continuous beeping while driving.

This problem can also damage other parts of the liftgate and the car’s body. And even if the hinges are replaced, the same issue can happen again.

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. This post will be updated when/if new suit information is released.

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Are you driving a Toyota and experienced Rav4 liftgate problems? If so, add your voice to this post in the comments below, or add your car complaint for review.

Final Thoughts

The RAV4 liftgate problem reveals a significant manufacturing issue. The hinges, made from weak materials, leads to bending, cracking. As a result, often leading to misalignment affecting the liftgate’s performance.

The resulting lawsuit aims to cover repair costs. It highlights the importance of strict quality control in car manufacturing to prevent such issues and ensure customer satisfaction.