Toyota RAV4 Battery Defects Class Action Settlement

If you own or lease a 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicle, you may be eligible to claim compensation from a class action settlement.

Toyota has agreed to pay $13,600,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged defects in the battery terminal of certain 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicles, which could lead to battery failure, vehicle stalling, and potential fires.

Can I Claim an Award?

To be eligible for the settlement, you must own, lease, or have previously owned or leased a 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicle identified as part of Recall 23V-734. This includes vehicles in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories and possessions.

Hybrid vehicles are not included in the recall or the settlement.

To determine if your vehicle is part of the settlement, you can use the VIN lookup tool available on the official settlement website. If you are unsure whether you are included, you may contact the Settlement Notice Administrator at 1-877-522-3626.

What Awards Can Class Members Claim?

The settlement provides several benefits through a Customer Support Program:

• An Inspection Program to confirm that the vehicle’s battery is the correct size and to make certain repairs
• A Battery Replacement Reimbursement Program
• An Unreimbursed Out-of-Pocket Repair/Replacement Expense Reimbursement Program
• An Unreimbursed Out-of-Pocket Unique Thermal Events Reimbursement Program

The Battery Replacement Reimbursement Program allows class members to submit a claim for partial reimbursement to replace a Group 26R battery with a Group 35 battery in a subject vehicle. The reimbursement amounts are:

• $43 for class members who already received a $32 discount under Consumer Advisory 21TG01
• $75 for class members who purchased a battery prior to June 25, 2024, but did not receive the $32 discount
• $75 for class members who purchase a battery at an authorized Toyota Dealer after June 25, 2024

The Unreimbursed Out-of-Pocket Repair/Replacement Expense Reimbursement Program covers costs incurred prior to June 25, 2024, for unreimbursed repairs or parts replacements of the battery hold-down assembly and related reasonable rental and/or towing expenses. Claims must be submitted by December 1, 2024.

The Unreimbursed Out-of-Pocket Unique Thermal Events Reimbursement Program covers costs incurred within a year following June 25, 2024, or 30 days after the Recall Remedy is available, whichever is earlier, for unreimbursed out-of-pocket damages to the subject vehicle and/or property damage caused by a unique thermal event, and related reasonable rental and/or towing expenses. Claims must be submitted by July 1, 2025.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, claimants need to provide proof to claim an award. The required proof includes documentation such as receipts, invoices, credit card statements, canceled checks, service records, repair orders, or any other documents that show:

• Proof of ownership or lease, including VIN, make, and model
• Date the expense was incurred
• Details of the expense being claimed
• Details of the battery purchased
• Proof of payment and total amount paid
• Facility name, address, and phone number where the purchase/repair occurred

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you can file a claim online through the online claim form. Alternatively, you can download a paper claim form from the official settlement website or request a hardcopy form by calling 1-877-522-3626. Mail the completed claim form and supporting documentation to:

Murphy v. Toyota Settlement

Settlement Notice Administrator

PO Box 2589

Portland, OR 97208-2589

Submitting a Claim

Follow these steps to submit a claim:

1. Gather all necessary documentation, including proof of ownership or lease, receipts, invoices, and proof of payment.
2. Visit the online claim form and fill out the required information about your vehicle and expenses.
3. Upload your supporting documentation. Ensure the files are clear, readable copies and less than 20 MB per file.
4. Submit your completed claim form online. You will receive a confirmation email with a Confirmation Code. Keep this email for your records.
5. If submitting by mail, fill out, sign, and date the claim form, then mail it along with your documentation to the Settlement Notice Administrator at the address provided above.

How do I Get Paid?

Once your claim is approved, the Settlement Special Administrator will begin issuing payments on a rolling basis within 60 days after the Court grants final approval of the settlement and any appeals are resolved. Payments will continue on a rolling basis as claims are submitted and approved.

Important Dates

• Fairness Hearing: November 19, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. CST
• Deadlines to File a Claim
• Unreimbursed Out-of-Pocket Repair/Reimbursement Expense Reimbursement Program: December 1, 2024
• Battery Replacement Reimbursement Program: June 25, 2025
• Unreimbursed Out-of-Pocket Unique Thermal Events Reimbursement Program: July 1, 2025

When will Awards be Paid?

Awards will be paid on a rolling basis within 60 days after the Court grants final approval of the settlement and any appeals are resolved.

Why is There a Class Action Settlement?

This class action settlement was reached to resolve claims that Toyota designed and sold 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles with a defective battery terminal, which could lead to battery failure, vehicle stalling, and potential fires. Toyota denies all claims and allegations of wrongdoing but has agreed to the settlement to avoid the cost and risk of further litigation.

What Happens Next?

Next, the Court will hold a Fairness Hearing on November 19, 2024, to decide whether to grant final approval of the settlement. If approved, the Settlement Special Administrator will begin issuing payments on a rolling basis within 60 days, and class members will receive their awards as claims are submitted and approved.