Lawsuit Investigation Looks into Cam Tower Leaks in Toyota, Lexus Vehicles
Last Updated on August 2, 2021
Important Information
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are no longer investigating this matter. The information here is for reference only. A list of open investigations and lawsuits can be viewed here.
Case Update
- August 2, 2021 – Investigation Closed
- Thank you to everyone who reached out to us in regard to their Toyota or Lexus vehicle. At this point, attorneys working with ClassAction.org have decided to close their investigation into this matter, meaning they are no longer looking to speak with individuals who experienced cam tower leaks or camshaft seal failure. Should there be any updates regarding this matter, they will be posted to this page.
The information below was posted when the investigation began and remains for reference only. Our open list of investigations can be found here.
At A Glance
- This Alert Affects:
- People who own or lease certain 2010-present Toyota or Lexus vehicles and experienced a cam tower or camshaft seal leak.
- What’s Going On?
- Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a defect is causing the seal on the camshaft to wear out earlier than expected. If a defect is suspected, they may be able to file a class action lawsuit to help affected drivers.
- How Could a Class Action Help?
- If filed and successful, a class action lawsuit could help drivers get back the money they spent on repairs and force Toyota and Lexus to find and implement a fix for the issue.
- Which Vehicles Are Under Investigation?
- Attorneys are specifically looking into 2010-present models of the following vehicles: Toyota Sequoia; Toyota Tundra; Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series; Lexus GX 460; and Lexus LX 570.
If you own or lease any of the following vehicles and experienced a cam tower leak or camshaft seal failure, you may be able to help get a class action lawsuit started.
- 2010-present Toyota Sequoia
- 2010-present Toyota Tundra
- 2010-present Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series
- 2010-present Lexus LX 570
- 2010-present Lexus GX 460
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether the camshaft seals in these vehicles are defective and whether a class action lawsuit can be filed to help drivers get back the money they have – or will – spend on repairs.
As part of their investigation, the attorneys need to hear from drivers who experienced cam tower leaks, overheating or other symptoms of camshaft failure to learn more about the problem and to determine whether a defect is to blame.
What Could Be Causing the Camshaft Seal Leak?
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are looking into whether the camshaft seal is causing problems because of its design. It is believed that the seal on the camshaft is a machine-applied seal – as opposed to a gasket – and that its material can wear out earlier than expected.
What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Camshaft Seal?
Symptoms of camshaft seal failure can include:
- Oil leaks from the cam towers
- Smell of burning oil
- Overheating
- Vehicle stalling
- Vehicle backfiring
- Smoke from the exhaust
- Rough-running engine
- Engine fire
Drivers Complain of Cam Tower Leaks, Seepage
Several drivers, particularly Toyota Tundra drivers, have posted complaints online regarding cam tower leaks in their vehicles. A sample of these complaints can be found below [sic throughout, emphasis ours]:
I have the annoying cam tower leak for a 2nd time. I have a 2011 Tundra with the 4.6. I purchased the Tundra in 2017 from Carmax and thankfully purchased the extended warranty of 5 years or 25,000 miles. I figured it was a Toyota and didn't think I would need more than that-in fact I had originally planned on cancelling the warranty but forgot to in 30 days. I am very thankful that I forgot because this truck will now have had around $9K worth of repairs done on it since I purchased it.”
— jazz-n-tundra, 2011 Tundra owner, Tundras.com
First Tundra (2006) I owned had 200k on it only brakes, oil and tires. This Tundra 2016 72k and a cam tower leak. If I wanted headaches I would of bought a Ford. Expected better out of Toyota.”
— Alan C., 2016 Tundra driver, Change.org
Just got back from the second dealership and they diagnosed it as a passenger side tower cam leak starting...It’s not bad enough yet to justify cracking the engine open but did say it will be ready by 20-30k all warranty. Nice....at only 8400 miles, come on Toyota!!”
— fishman1, 2017 Tundra drivers, Tundras.com
I dropped my 2011 Land Cruiser off today and have been told that my front cover is leaking badly and one of the cam boxes is seeping. After some research, this is becoming a fairly common issue, especially after visiting the Tundra forum!”
— jblatl, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser driver, ih8mud.com
What Could I Get from a Class Action Lawsuit?
If a class action is filed and successful, Toyota and Lexus drivers could recover money for repair costs and loss of vehicle value because of the camshaft issue. A successful case could also force Toyota and Lexus to extend drivers’ warranties, find a fix for the problem or otherwise offer a remedy to owners and lessees.
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