Toyota RAV4 Liftgate Hinge Lawsuit: Do You Have a Claim?

If you own a 2014-2021 Toyota RAV4 and have been dealing with ongoing issues related to the liftgate hinges, you may be eligible to participate in an ongoing class action lawsuit.

These vehicles have been reported to have defective power liftgate hinges, leading to a variety of functional problems. Below are key factors you should consider:

• Defective Hinges: The lawsuit alleges that the power liftgate hinges are not durable enough to handle the weight and force required, resulting in premature failures that prevent the liftgate from closing properly.
• Replacement Issues: Complaints also highlight that replacement hinges provided by Toyota have not resolved the issue, causing continued inconvenience and reducing the value of the vehicle.
• Legal Grounds: The plaintiffs argue that Toyota knew about these defects but failed to adequately address them or warn consumers at the time of sale, forming the basis for claims under consumer protection laws.
• Potential Compensation: If the lawsuit is successful, affected owners may be eligible for compensation, covering repair costs, depreciation, and other related expenses.
• Eligibility: To find out if you’re eligible, check if your vehicle is among the affected 2014-2021 Toyota RAV4 models and whether you’ve experienced similar liftgate hinge issues.

If you believe your vehicle is affected, this article will guide you through the next steps, including how to determine if you have a valid claim and how to join the class action lawsuit.

What Caused the Toyota Liftgate Hinge Lawsuit?

The Toyota Liftgate Hinge lawsuit centers on allegations of defective power liftgate hinges in 2014–2021 Toyota RAV4 models.

Plaintiffs claim the hinges lack the strength needed to handle the liftgate’s weight and force during operation, leading to premature failure.

These issues can result in the liftgate failing to close properly, triggering warning alerts and creating difficulties when loading or unloading cargo.

Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Toyota was aware of the defective hinges but failed to take sufficient corrective action.

It is also claimed that replacement hinges provided by Toyota suffer from the same flaws. Plaintiffs argue that this defect reduces the vehicles’ value, and that Toyota should have informed customers about the problem at the time of purchase.

The class action further highlights the financial burden on affected customers, as replacing the liftgate hinges can reportedly cost several thousand dollars.

According to the lawsuit, these defective hinges can also damage other components, including the liftgate struts, actuators, and even the vehicle’s body.

Originally filed by a single RAV4 owner, the class action now includes four plaintiffs: Zach Hughes (California), Zach Armstrong (Minnesota), Audie Murphy (Maryland), and Karl Vinola (Florida).

These individuals purchased their vehicles at Toyota dealerships and report consistent issues with liftgate failures.

The lawsuit alleges that the defective design and manufacturing of the power liftgate hinges not only cause the rear doors to stay open but also generate persistent warning signals about open liftgates.

Have There Been Any Toyota RAV4 Liftgate Recalls?

While there has not been a widespread recall specifically addressing all power liftgate issues for the Toyota RAV4, a related Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) provides crucial guidance on the matter.

The TSB, titled T-SB-0275-17 (dated August 18, 2017), focuses on an issue where the power back door actuator mount can separate from the ball mount bracket on certain 2013–2017 RAV4 models, including the 2016–2017 RAV4 HV.

This defect may result in the power back door becoming inoperative or misaligned, triggering error codes such as B2226, B2227, B2228, or B2229.

In some cases, this separation can cause wiring damage to the actuator, leading to further functionality issues.

If the actuator mount separates, the power back door may fail to close, potentially leaving it stuck in an open position.

This can result in an audible alert indicating the door is not properly closed, as well as potential damage to the vehicle’s power liftgate struts, actuators, and even the body structure near the door hinges. These issues can worsen if not addressed promptly.

The TSB recommends a repair procedure that involves replacing the affected power back door actuator unit assembly on both the left and right sides.

Additionally, the TSB outlines the necessary steps for repairing the condition, including the inspection for body damage caused by the actuator mount separation.

If damage is found, it should be repaired under warranty, and additional bodywork may be necessary.

The repair includes replacing the actuators with updated parts and ensuring that the ball mount joint is fully seated in the actuator socket, with approximately 2 mm of free play.

Once the actuators are installed, the system needs to be initialized and tested for normal operation, including verifying that the jam protection feature functions correctly.

While this TSB does not constitute a formal recall, RAV4 owners experiencing issues with their power back door should refer to this bulletin and consult with their Toyota dealership for repair under the warranty, which covers the issue for up to 36 months or 36,000 miles.

If you’re dealing with an inoperative liftgate or suspect that your vehicle may have been affected by this issue, it’s crucial to seek assistance and ensure the problem is resolved according to the TSB’s procedures.

Should I Join the Class Action Lawsuit?

Joining a class action lawsuit can be a strategic decision, especially for owners of older vehicles, such as the 2019 Toyota RAV4. Here are some key benefits to consider:

1. Lower Legal Costs

Class action lawsuits typically operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to join. Legal fees are only collected if the case is successful, and these costs are shared among all plaintiffs. This makes it a more affordable option compared to pursuing an individual lawsuit.

• Strength in Numbers

By joining a class action, you align with others who have experienced similar issues. This collective approach strengthens the case and increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome, especially when challenging large corporations.

• Access to Experienced Legal Representation

Class action lawsuits often attract top law firms that have the resources and expertise to manage complex cases. This gives you access to high-quality legal representation without having to bear the full cost of hiring a private attorney.

• Efficiency and Convenience

Class action lawsuits streamline the legal process by consolidating multiple similar claims into one case. This can save you time and effort compared to filing an individual claim, which can be especially helpful if you own an older vehicle and want a quicker resolution.

• Potential for Compensation

If the lawsuit is successful, you may receive compensation for the issues you’ve faced with your vehicle, including repair costs, depreciation, and other related expenses. This can provide some financial relief for the damages incurred.

• Fair and Consistent Compensation

Since the class action case is handled by one judge or through a single settlement, the outcome is more likely to result in consistent compensation for all affected plaintiffs. This ensures that everyone receives fair treatment and recovery.

• Holding Companies Accountable

By joining a class action, you help hold companies accountable for defective products or unfair practices. It sends a message that consumers are united in demanding better quality and fairness from manufacturers.

If you own a 2019 or older Toyota RAV4 and are facing issues with the liftgate hinges, joining the class action lawsuit could be a smart choice.

It offers legal support, potential compensation, and the opportunity to stand up for your rights.

Should I File a Lemon Law Claim?

If you’re dealing with ongoing issues in your 2020 or newer Toyota RAV4, filing a Lemon Law claim could be a potential solution. Below are some key benefits and factors to consider before making a decision:

Benefits of Filing a Lemon Law Claim

• Cost-Effective: Filing a Lemon Law claim typically involves no upfront costs, as legal fees are generally covered by the manufacturer if you win the case. This makes it a low-risk option for those facing persistent vehicle issues.
• Potential Remedies: Successful claims can lead to a refund of your vehicle’s purchase price, a replacement vehicle, or compensation for repair costs, giving you a chance to recover from the financial burden of ongoing defects.
• Legal Support: When you file a claim, you gain access to experienced attorneys who specialize in Lemon Law cases. Their expertise can improve your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
• Holding Manufacturers Accountable: By filing a Lemon Law claim, you help ensure that manufacturers are held accountable for defects in their vehicles, which may prompt them to improve product quality and consumer satisfaction.

Considerations for 2019 and Older Toyota RAV4 Owners

• Statute of Limitations: Each state has its own statute of limitations for Lemon Law claims, typically allowing a few years from the time you first experienced the defect to file. Be sure to check your state’s specific timeline for filing.
• Repair Records: Keep detailed records of all repair attempts and issues with your Toyota RAV4. These records are crucial to prove the vehicle’s ongoing defects and the manufacturer’s inability to resolve them.
• Mileage and Usage: High mileage or heavy use may complicate your claim, but it doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Consulting a Lemon Law attorney can help clarify how these factors might affect your case.

If your 2020 or newer Toyota RAV4 has experienced recurring problems, filing a Lemon Law claim might be the next step toward obtaining a refund, replacement, or compensation for repair costs.

Affected Vehicle	Average Lemon Law Settlement
2020 Toyota RAV4	$55,707
2021 Toyota RAV4	$56,295
2022 Toyota RAV4	$57,367
2023 Toyota RAV4	$62,693
2024 Toyota RAV4	$62,691

*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.

Get in Touch with the Lemon Law Experts for Assistance!

If you’re experiencing ongoing problems with your Toyota RAV4, particularly with the liftgate, and haven’t received satisfactory support from your dealership or the manufacturer, it may be time to explore your legal options.

An experienced lemon law attorney can help you determine whether joining a class action lawsuit is the right choice or if pursuing an individual lemon law claim for a replacement vehicle or refund would be more beneficial.

At the Lemon Law Experts, we are committed to securing the best outcomes for our clients dealing with automotive defects.

Since 2009, we have been guiding individuals through their legal rights and working hard to find effective solutions for various vehicle-related issues.

With a proven track record of handling numerous cases involving automotive defects, including those affecting Toyota vehicles, our team is ready to assist you.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help with the liftgate issues you’re facing with your Toyota RAV4.