Second Lawsuit Says Toyota’s Automatic Gearbox Is Quietly Failing Without Warning
Two lawsuits allege Toyota’s UA80 eight-speed automatic transmission is prone to early failure due to mechanical and software defects.Summary
Toyota is facing two class action lawsuits concerning its widely used UA80 eight-speed automatic transmission. Plaintiffs claim the transmission fails prematurely due to both mechanical issues – specifically, overheating leading to wear and fluid loss – and software flaws that cause early upshifts and strain on internal components. One plaintiff, James LaBoutheller, experienced transmission failure in his 2020 Camry and faced significant out-of-pocket expenses for replacement, while another, Neil Pallaya, encountered a similar issue with his 2020 Highlander.
The lawsuits allege Toyota was aware of these issues during durability testing before the transmission’s release and continued to implement software updates prioritizing fuel efficiency even as they exacerbated wear. Warranty coverage was often denied to owners reporting problems at lower mileages.
The suits seek to represent a nationwide class of affected owners and lessees of various Toyota and Lexus models, including the Highlander, Camry, Sienna, Avalon, RAV4, RX, ES, and NX, and are requesting damages, restitution, and injunctive relief to address the alleged defects and Toyota’s handling of the situation.
(Source：Google News)