Toyota Calls Back Tundras Over Turn Signal Snafu
» Posted August 12, 2020 • Resources | Share This Post
Turn signals serve an important purpose by giving others on the road a heads up about where you are headed. If anyone can see them, that is.
Toyota is recalling some 183,000 pickup trucks whose front turn signals may not be bright enough for others to see on the road. That violates federal standards and poses a safety hazard, the company recently told dealers.
“In the subject vehicles, the wire harness connected to the front turn signal bulbs was assembled incorrectly, causing them not to illuminate as brightly as intended,” Toyota wrote in a July notice to dealers. “This can cause the subject vehicles not to comply with a certain Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requirement. If oncoming traffic is unable to notice the front turn signals or front hazard warning lights, it may result in an increased risk of a crash.”
Toyota has not said whether it is aware of any accidents caused as a result of the defect.
The recall covers 2018-2010 Tundras equipped with LED lights. Dealers will remove the faulty wiring and replace it, free of charge.
Legal Protections Against Defective Cars
The Tundra recall comes some six months after the company announced it was recalling some 700,000 Lexus and Toyota vehicles over a different problem. Toyota said a fuel pump defect could cause the cars to stall suddenly, raising the possibility of a crash.
The good news for car owners in the Golden State is that California’s lemon law offers some significant legal protections against defective vehicles. The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act requires carmakers to perform a variety of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty.
The law also requires a vehicle manufacturer to buy the car back if the company is unwilling or not able to fix the problem. That means compensating the owner for the purchase price, as well as financing charges and other related expenses. A manufacturer can offer instead to replace the vehicle, but it is up to the owner to accept or reject that alternative arrangement.
There is no set number of repair requests or attempts required before the buyback obligation kicks in. That is why it is important to consult a seasoned California lemon law lawyer.
Speak with a California Lemon Law Lawyer
If you are a car owner or lessor who is grappling with your car’s manufacturer over repairs, an experienced California lemon law lawyer can help. An attorney can help you weigh your rights and options to ensure that the carmaker is held fully accountable.
At the Bickel Law Firm, we have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases in Southern California and across the state. We are committed to getting the people we represent the compensation they deserve.
Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law lawyer today.
