Toyota RAV4 Shattering Sunroof Class Action Lawsuit

Gamez et al. v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Case Information

• Case Number: 4:23-cv-00262
• Case Status: Case in Progress
• Court: United States District Court, Eastern District of California
• Filed: March 29, 2023

This putative class action lawsuit, led by Arecely Gamez and Jeffry Takili, alleges that 2021 Toyota RAV4 vehicles with panoramic roofs suffer from a defect that causes the glass roofs to spontaneously shatter. Plaintiffs assert that Toyota failed to adequately address or repair the defect, leaving vehicle owners financially and physically at risk.

Complaint

The complaint alleges that the panoramic roofs and sunroofs on 2021 Toyota RAV4 vehicles are prone to sudden and spontaneous shattering due to inherent material and manufacturing defects. This defect poses serious safety and financial concerns for vehicle owners, many of whom report experiencing shattering incidents while driving or parked.

Key Allegations Include:

• Spontaneous Shattering:
  The panoramic roofs and sunroofs on the Class Vehicles can unexpectedly shatter without any external impact. This issue creates significant safety hazards for occupants and other drivers. Many drivers describe the sound of the glass breaking as loud and alarming, often compared to a gunshot. The sudden noise and falling glass can distract the driver, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Defective Replacement:
  Replacement panoramic roofs and sunroofs provided by Toyota allegedly exhibit the same defect, requiring repeated repairs. Some owners have replaced their RAV4 sunroofs or panoramic roofs multiple times, with no assurance that the defect has been permanently resolved. The lawsuit claims that Toyota has not offered improved components to rectify the underlying design or manufacturing flaws.
• High Costs:
  Toyota often denies warranty coverage for shattered panoramic roofs and sunroofs, leaving owners to shoulder repair costs themselves. Replacement costs typically exceed $1,000, and in many cases, owners must also pay insurance deductibles. These out-of-pocket expenses have placed significant financial strain on customers, who expected durable and reliable components for the premium feature they purchased.

Plaintiff Experiences:

1. Experienced two roof shattering incidents, with the first occurring just one month after purchasing her vehicle. Toyota denied warranty coverage both times, requiring her to use insurance and pay a $500 deductible for repairs.
2. The panoramic roof in his vehicle exploded less than a year after purchase, with approximately 15,300 miles on the odometer. Toyota refused warranty coverage and quoted him $1,237.59 for the repair.

Manufacturer Response

Despite numerous complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other platforms, Toyota has not issued a recall or provided a permanent fix. Instead, the company has:

• Denied warranty coverage for many owners, forcing them to pay for repairs.
• Provided defective replacement roofs that continue to shatter.
• Failed to disclose the defect to potential buyers or existing owners.

Claims for Relief

The plaintiffs seek:

1. Free Repairs: Defect-free panoramic roofs at no cost to owners or lessees.
2. Compensation: Reimbursement for repair costs, diminished vehicle value, and insurance deductibles.
3. Injunctive Relief: Mandatory recalls and transparent communication about the defect.
4. Punitive Damages: To penalize Toyota for its failure to address the issue adequately.

Legal Assistance

If you’ve experienced issues with the panoramic roof of your 2021 Toyota RAV4, you may qualify to join this lawsuit. Contact us at 855-301-2100 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.