Lawsuit says Toyota door lock actuators need recall

November 18, 2024 — A class-action lawsuit says Toyota should recall the door lock actuators on these vehicles.

• 2010–2024 Toyota 4Runner

• 2013-Present Toyota RAV4

• 2014-Present Toyota Highlander

• 2010-2022 Toyota Prius

• 2007 to present Toyota Tundra

• 2012–2024 Toyota Camry

• 2012–2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid

• 2014-Present Toyota Corolla

• 2005–2023 Toyota Tacoma

• 2007–2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser

The lawsuit alleges that the recall is necessary because a malfunctioning door lock actuator prevents the vehicle doors from being locked or unlocked using the key fob, power door locks, or interior door panels.

Japan’s Aisin Corporation produces door lock actuators installed on Toyota vehicles.

Toyota was said to have been “aware of the door lock actuator problems for a long time” but failed to warn customers about the problems. The eight owners who filed the lawsuit claim that all Toyota vehicles were defective when they rolled off the assembly line.

The plaintiffs also claim that multiple vehicle doors may not lock whether the vehicle is closed or running, putting occupants at risk and leaving vehicle contents vulnerable to theft.

The electronic locking device is the only means of entering the vehicle from the outside, other than the driver’s side door, the lawsuit states.

Faulty door lock actuators also allegedly contributed to a decrease in the resale value of Toyota vehicles.

According to the plaintiffs, Toyota dealers frequently refused to repair door lock actuators for free, even when the vehicles were under warranty. The class action lawsuit further alleges that Toyota said the failed door lock actuator components were not covered because they are “maintenance” or “wear and tear” items.

It is claimed that Toyota’s 3-year or 36,000-mile warranty should be ignored because the automaker has concealed problems with the door lock actuators since the vehicle was manufactured. The plaintiff claims this makes the warranty “unreasonable.”

In addition to the failure to declare a Toyota door lock actuator recall, the class action lawsuit alleges that customers did not receive appropriate free repairs and were not compensated. The lawsuit also claims that any replacement door actuator parts are as defective as the original parts.

As repeated in every auto class action lawsuit:

“Had Plaintiffs and other class members known about the door actuator defect at the time of purchase or lease, they would not have purchased or leased the class vehicles or would have paid significantly less.”

Toyota door lock actuator lawsuit filed by:

• Jem Mixon/Texas/2017 Toyota Highlander

• Terrence Logan/Texas/2014 Toyota Corolla

• Ronald “RJ” Smith/Texas/2019 Toyota Tundra

• Melissa Sindoni/New York/2020 Toyota Tundra

• Whitney Sexton/North Carolina/2017 Toyota 4Runner

• Clinton Mayberry/Florida/2016 Toyota Prius

• Carl Foster/Indiana/2018/Toyota Highlander

• Keith Woodall/Georgia/2019 Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota door lock actuator class action lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division: Jem Mixon et al. v. Toyota Motor Corp. et al..

The plaintiffs are represented by Steckler Wayne & Love PLLC and McCune Law Group.