Toyota and Subaru Sued as EV Owners Claim Batteries Fail in Just Months
Toyota and Subaru are facing a lawsuit as owners of the co-developed Solterra and bZ4x electric vehicles claim their 12-volt batteries are failing prematurely, sometimes in just a few months. This class-action lawsuit alleges that the 12-volt units in both EVs drain rapidly, necessitating frequent replacements and leaving drivers stranded. The issue not only raises concerns about vehicle reliability but also questions the manufacturers’ awareness and response to the problem prior to and after the vehicles’ launch.
Allegations of Rapid Battery Drain and Manufacturer Negligence
According to court filings, the plaintiffs assert that many owners have gone through “multiple 12-volt batteries in mere months and at 10,000 or fewer miles.” This rapid failure is highly unusual, as 12-volt batteries, even in EVs, are typically expected to last for several years. The lawsuit specifically alleges that both Toyota and Subaru have failed to adequately address this persistent issue, and their dealerships have been unable to provide a long-term remedy. This leaves Solterra and bZ4x models undrivable when the battery dies, causing significant inconvenience and safety concerns for drivers.
The lawsuit further claims that Toyota and Subaru were aware of this 12-volt battery defect even before the EVs went on sale but failed to properly notify customers. This accusation of pre-sale knowledge adds a layer of seriousness to the complaint, suggesting a deliberate omission of crucial information to prospective buyers.
Lead Plaintiff’s Experience and Unclear Causes
The court filings largely detail the experience of the lead plaintiff, referred to as “Plaintiff Wade.” According to the suit, the 12-volt battery in Wade’s vehicle has failed an alarming three times after only approximately 5,000 miles of driving, with replacements occurring twice since March 2023.
Interestingly, the lawsuit does not clearly specify the underlying cause of these rapid battery deaths. However, complaints regarding the same issue have previously been lodged with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), indicating that this is a known and recurring problem for owners of these EVs.
The Road Ahead: Lawsuit and Potential Recall
Class-action lawsuits are often protracted processes, and it could take years before the plaintiffs see a verdict. In the interim, affected owners are left to contend with their potentially unreliable vehicles.
However, the combination of growing NHTSA complaints and the filing of this class-action lawsuit could exert significant pressure on Toyota and Subaru. This increased scrutiny might compel the automakers to issue a formal recall, which would provide a more immediate and widespread solution to owners experiencing the 12-volt battery failures. As the case progresses, it will continue to work its way through the U.S. Eastern District Court of California, with many owners eagerly awaiting a resolution.
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