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Toyota "Smart Key"
- Issue: Vehicle Defect
Toyota "Smart Key" FMVSS 114 Safety Investigation
Lieff Cabraser is investigating an alleged defect in certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles equipped with electronic "Smart Keys" which allow the car engine to be turned off even when the car is in neutral, reverse and drive gears.
Background on Smart Keys and Car Safety Systems
Since 1990, under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, all vehicles sold in the U.S. that are equipped with automatic transmissions must have what is known as a Key Ignition Transmission Shift Interlock ("KITSI"). A KITSI prevents a driver from removing the vehicle's key from the ignition -- unless the vehicle's transmission is in "park" -- by locking the key in the ignition. This safety feature prevents a vehicle from rolling away and damaging property or causing injuries.
Beginning in 2003, Toyota sold vehicles in the United States which were equipped with keys that did not fit into a traditional key slot. These keys use an electronic chip to unlock the ignition and activate the vehicle's starting mechanism. Known as "Smart Keys," Toyota has offered these keys as both standard and optional equipment on numerous Toyota vehicles, including, Avalons, Camry, Highlanders, RAV4s, Lexus GS450H Hybrids, and Lexus LS600H Hybrids.
Many vehicles with Smart Keys produced by other car manufacturers employ technology that is compliant with federal safety regulations.
These vehicles allegedly can be turned off in any gear, presenting a safety risk to anyone outside the car if the transmission is not in park. This major safety problem affects over half a million Toyota and Toyota-manufactured vehicles.
Contact Lieff Cabraser
More than 500,000 Toyota and Toyota-manufactured Lexus vehicles have been sold with Smart Keys. Owners and lessees of these Toyota and Lexus vehicles equipped with electronic Smart Keys are welcome to contact us about the Smart Key investigation. We will review your claim without charge or any obligation on your part.