A newly filed First Amended Class Action Complaint alleges that Toyota engaged in widespread deception, false advertising, and unlawful debt collection practices in connection with its hydrogen powered Mirai vehicles. The case, brought in federal court, asserts that Toyota knowingly misled consumers regarding the vehicle’s range, safety, fueling availability, operating costs, and long term reliability, creating financial and safety risks for thousands of California drivers.
A Pattern of Misrepresentations About Hydrogen Vehicle Capabilities
According to the complaint, Toyota heavily marketed the Mirai as a cutting edge “zero emissions luxury sedan” capable of achieving over 400 miles of driving range per tank. Yet owners consistently report significantly lower ranges, often no more than 250 to 270 miles, even under conservative driving conditions.
Sales staff allegedly assured customers that hydrogen fueling would be as quick and reliable as gasoline. In reality, hydrogen fueling stations across California frequently:
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run out of fuel for days at a time
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freeze or malfunction, trapping the vehicle at the pump
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require long wait times for off site technicians
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force drivers to travel long distances just to find an operational station
The complaint alleges that Toyota knew fueling availability was unreliable, yet continued to promote the Mirai as a seamless and convenient alternative to gasoline or electric vehicles.
Fuel Costs Double While Promised Savings Disappear
Toyota bundled a 15,000 dollar hydrogen fuel card with each Mirai, telling buyers it would cover three years or more of fuel. Instead:
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fuel prices more than doubled
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the cards depleted far earlier than promised
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refueling became more expensive than fueling a large gasoline truck
Plaintiffs allege that Toyota’s assurances regarding long term savings were materially false and misleading, and that these misrepresentations played a significant role in their decision to lease or purchase the vehicle.
Safety Defects and System Failures
In addition to fueling issues, the complaint describes recurring safety related problems, including:
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stalling
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system malfunction warnings
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failure of the fuel cell system
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recurring recalibration failures
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persistent water leakage
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malfunctioning seat heaters
Drivers report losing access to their vehicles for days while awaiting towing, diagnosis, and unsuccessful repair attempts.
Allegations of Unlawful Debt Collection and Credit Harm
The lawsuit further claims Toyota Motor Credit engaged in:
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improper hard pulls on consumers’ credit
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debt collection on contracts induced by deception
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threats of repossession
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pressure to continue making payments even when the vehicle was unusable
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conduct that allegedly violates the FDCPA, the Rosenthal Act, and the FCRA
Consumers were left paying monthly loans or leases for vehicles they could not reliably use, while suffering unnecessary damage to their credit.
Claims Asserted in the Complaint
The First Amended Complaint brings causes of action including:
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Breach of Express Warranty
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Breach of Implied Warranty
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False Advertising under the Lanham Act
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Violations of the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act
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Unlawlawful Debt Collection under the Rosenthal Act
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Unfair Competition under the UCL
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Negligence
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Fair Credit Reporting Act Violations
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Fraud
Consumers seek damages, restitution, civil penalties, and an injunction to stop Toyota from continuing to market and sell the Mirai under false pretenses.
Protecting Consumers Misled by Hydrogen Vehicle Marketing
This case highlights the broader risks consumers face when manufacturers advertise new technology without transparency about its limitations. The lawsuit alleges that Toyota prioritized sales volume and market expansion over honesty, leaving thousands of buyers with unreliable vehicles, rising fuel costs, and mounting debt obligations.
Consumers who purchased or leased a hydrogen vehicle and experienced similar issues may have legal claims for compensation and injunctive relief.
Contact The Law Office of Jason Ingber
The Law Office of Jason Ingber represents consumers statewide in automotive fraud, false advertising, warranty violations, and unlawful debt collection cases. If you have experienced hydrogen fueling problems, misleading sales practices, or credit issues related to your Mirai or any other vehicle, contact us today for a free consultation. We do not charge any fees unless we recover compensation for you.