Toyota Facing Class-Action Over Transmissions Allegedly 'Plagued' By Defects

Toyota, generally regarded as a highly reliable car brand, is facing a class-action lawsuit filed in December 2025 alleging defects in its UA80 8-speed automatic transmissions and related software. The lawsuit claims Toyota knowingly sold vehicles with these flawed transmissions, affecting models such as the Toyota RAV4, Camry, Highlander, and Lexus ES and NX series. The UA80, introduced in 2017, was intended to be lighter and more fuel-efficient, but the suit argues that design changes, including a relocated valve body and software prioritizing earlier upshifts, led to overheating and premature wear of the transmission fluid.

While Toyota issued a Technical Service Bulletin in 2017 addressing erratic behavior in some 2018 Camry models and extended warranties on affected vehicles in 2019, the lawsuit contends that the underlying issues were never fully resolved. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for vehicle breakdowns and diminished resale value. As of the time of this report, the National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) has not issued any safety recalls related to the UA80 transmission, but the potential for erratic acceleration raises safety concerns. The case highlights a potential conflict between Toyota’s reputation for quality and the experiences of some of its customers.

(Source：SlashGear)