Toyota, one of the world's largest car manufacturers, uses this in its popular models. eight-speed UA80 automatic transmission The company is facing a serious legal battle as a result. Class action lawsuits filed in New Jersey and Texas courts allege chronic technical defects in the Highlander, Camry, RAV4, and various other Lexus models. Plaintiffs argue that these problems compromise not only comfort but also driving safety.
Symptoms of UA80 Transmission Failure
According to user complaints and court documents, the main problems observed in UA80 series transmissions are as follows:
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Overheating: Premature burning of the transmission oil and loss of its lubricating properties.
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Mechanical Instability: Jerky movement, gear skipping, and delays in shifting gears.
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Power Loss: Sudden power outages and complete vehicle stoppage during driving.
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Visual and Auditory Alerts: Unusual noises and a burning smell coming from the transmission area.
Has this been known since 2016?
One of the most striking allegations in the lawsuit is that Toyota ignored this problem. since 2016 It is claimed that the company is aware of this and has not undertaken a fundamental overhaul despite publishing dozens of service bulletins. Vehicle owners generally... 50.000 to 70.000 miles They reported encountering serious malfunctions between approximately 80.000 and 110.000 km, and that the replacement costs were outside the warranty coverage. 9.000 dollars They say it has reached that far.
Scope of Affected Models
The lawsuit affects hundreds of thousands of vehicles, including 280.000 RAV4s sold in the U.S. in 2025 alone. Here are the main models at risk:
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Toyota: 2017+ Highlander, 2019+ RAV4, 2018-2024 Camry, Grand Highlander.
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Lexus: ES, RX, NX, and the new TX models.
Security Risk and Legal Process
The plaintiffs argued that there was a high probability that the malfunction could occur at any moment. security risk Toyota argues that this creates a dangerous situation. A sudden loss of power, especially at high speeds or in heavy traffic, can lead to serious accidents. How Toyota will defend itself against this widespread class-action lawsuit, and whether it will order a recall, is being closely watched by the entire automotive industry.
